Senior Strategic Communications Specialist

AVIAN LLC•Patuxent River, MD

2d•$90,000 - $135,000•Onsite

About The Position

AVIAN is seeking a Senior Communications Specialist to support a Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) advanced development aviation program. The specialist will work directly with PAE, program, and O-6/GS-15 leadership to advise on and develop strategies that communicate program priorities, plans, status, and key themes to Department of Defense leadership and resource sponsors. The role includes creating presentations and program messaging for audiences including Congress, the Department of Defense, the Department of the Navy, other government agencies, and industry. Work is on site at Patuxent River NAS. The specialist will join AVIAN’s creative team, which works in strategic communication, graphic design, marketing, and multimedia production. The team supports professional growth through peer reviews, shared resources, and continuing education sessions. AVIAN is a mid-sized, employee-owned company primarily serving the Navy and other DoD clients.

Requirements

High school diploma.
At least four years of experience in strategic communications.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Outlook, Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
Experience with Adobe Acrobat and SharePoint-style file-sharing systems.
Demonstrated outstanding oral and written communication skills.
Experience working in a dynamic, schedule-constrained, complex security environment.
Current SSBI or Federal Investigative Standard Tier 5 (T5) or Tier 5 Reinvestigation (T5R) within the last five years.
Eligibility for access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) in accordance with ICD 704 and to Special Access Programs (SAP) in accordance with SAPNP, with no disqualifying security issues.
U.S. citizenship required.
A final DoD Top Secret clearance is desired; an Interim Top Secret or Final SECRET clearance will be considered for otherwise qualified candidates.

Nice To Haves

Special Access Program experience.
Experience working with OPNAV staff.
Knowledge of Navy TACAIR aircraft, systems, and weapons.
Ability to communicate concepts to varied audiences in person and in writing.
Strong interpersonal, collaboration, and team-building skills, including the ability to interact effectively with various stakeholders.
Ability to build relationships with multiple teams to support cross-collaboration.
Flexibility and creativity, with the ability to respond to evolving priorities and identify solutions to problems.
Final DoD Top Secret clearance.

Responsibilities

Plan and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with customer objectives.
Identify and introduce delivery methods, communication channels, modes, and approaches that effectively engage target audiences.
Plan strategies for content management processes to ensure information is accurate, relevant, and timely under customer guidance.
Develop message maps, storyboards, and scripts to ensure communications reflect the customer’s desired message and support strategic goals and objectives.
Establish and evaluate strategies that enable continual process improvement.
Work with the customer and industry partners to develop a comprehensive communications approach.
Obtain appropriate information for service requests and provide additional assistance needed to meet requirements.
Build rapport with customers and create and sustain positive relationships regardless of circumstances or environment.
Create presentations and program messaging for diverse audiences, including Congress, DoD, the Department of the Navy, other government agencies, and industry.
Advise and develop strategies with PAE, program, and O-6/GS-15 leadership to communicate program priorities, plans, status, and key themes.