Aptive is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist with demonstrated experience developing key messages, content, and communications plans for federal clients. This individual will be responsible for developing new and maintaining existing internal and external client deliverables including, but not limited to, talking points, blogs, fact sheets, briefings and briefing books, online content, internal announcements, brochures, white papers, presentations, and overview documents. Experience developing graphic visualizations for flyers, documents, and web features is preferred.

The Strategic Communications Specialist role requires a self-starter, proactive problem solver, and action-oriented team player with previous experience in federal contracting, preferably with military clients. This position needs an individual that is committed to providing superior service, poised under pressure and has a positive and flexible attitude.

This is a contingent hire position.

This position is currently slated to be on site in Washington, DC. Remote work may be considered at a future date. Travel to support client engagements may be required.

 
The expected compensation at the time of requisition creation, is between $100,000 to $112,000.  The position offers with medical, dental and vision coverage.  Additional benefits such as 401K, disability insurance and PTO are provided as well.

• Develop and maintain a communication and outreach campaign to build broader awareness of client programs, initiatives, and events.
• Create Communication Action Plans that identify and categorize stakeholders as well as highlight targeted engagement strategies.
• Develop and edit a wide variety of written communication products in support of both internal and external campaigns including, but not limited to, speeches, briefing materials, internal and external correspondence for official use, publications, fact sheets, scripts, and FAQs.
• Provide technical writing and editing support for previously written technical materials while ensuring accuracy, clarity, and consistency in brand identity and tone.
• Facilitate working sessions to align communication materials with program objectives and strategically align with priorities across the client community, relevant governance structures, and enterprise modernization efforts.
• Assist with targeted communication during organization and project transformation initiatives, including the development of tools that may include engagement plans, fact sheets, web content, training plans, graphic design, and data visualization.
• Provide writing support to include research, analysis, writing, editing, proofreading, design and layout, and related production work for strategic planning requirements and tasks.

• 6 years of experience with a bachelor’s degree in business, communications, media, or a related field OR 4 years of experience with a master’s degree or higher.
• Demonstrated ability to develop and implement internal and external communications plans, strategic plans, and change management plans.
• Ability to provide consulting services to federal clients.
• Proven experience communication comfortably and effectively with a range of stakeholders both orally and in email.
• Proven experience maintaining an understanding of current events relating to the client and their work while analyzing and developing appropriate and effective responses to those events.
• Ability to understand client’s priorities and provide creative ideas and strategic thought to support their mission.
• Demonstrated experience coordinating scheduling, agendas, materials, participant lists, and action items for multiple working groups and councils as well the ability to facilitate client meetings and own aspects of meeting coordination and logistics.
• Strategic thinker with a forward-looking approach to marketing trends and technologies.
• Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to think critically.
• Ability to manage competing deadlines.
• Experience supporting complex projects and transformation efforts within the federal government.
• Comfortability with supporting complex client relationships.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

• Strong critical thinking, analytical and time management skills.
• Proven ability to organize, prioritize and work well with others.
• Ability to communicate thoughts, ideas and solutions logically both written and orally.
• Ability to stay calm under pressure and in a fast-paced environment.
• Ability to receive feedback from clients and implement changes quickly and effectively.
• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.

The Coast Guard Office of Public Affairs needs to quickly scale to meet the demands on the modern media environment. The Coast Guard Office of Public Affairs has been tasked to develop digital strategy, enhance its strategic communications staff, and modernize web infrastructure as quickly as possible.

Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. ​

We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. ​

Founded: 2012
Employees: 300+ nationwide

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.