The Senior Communications Specialist will report to the Director of Strategic Communications when the position is filled but, in the interim, reports to the Director of Strategic Engagement. The Senior Communications Specialist’s responsibilities include the development of organizational messaging, informing, and executing the DIU communications strategy, and producing, writing, editing, and publishing digital and print content. Content includes internal messaging documents and training materials, templates, boilerplate text, presentations, marketing materials, graphics, press releases, articles, reports, Congressional testimony, and website copy.
The Strategic Communications team relies on the Senior Communications Specialist to ensure all external-facing content and communications are clear, compelling, visually interesting, and effective amongst target audiences. The Senior Communications Specialist works closely with colleagues in the Engagement Directorate and across the organization to determine which formats best communicate various types of content and messaging, resonate with target audiences, and increase brand awareness and recognition.
PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES
Communications Strategy & Messaging
Coordinating with PR agency account executives to build, execute, and measure the success of strategic communications plans that support DIU initiatives to increase brand awareness and recognition, generate business, and keep our audiences informed
Developing communication and marketing strategies for new and ongoing projects, contract milestones, events, and other activities or accomplishments
Identifying thought leadership opportunities for executives and subject matter experts
Supporting efforts to structure and measure DIU data to produce valid and verifiable metrics about performance and impact that are meaningful to our target audiences
Providing introduction to DIU to new teammates as the first step in their onboarding process
Scheduling media, messaging, and presentation training for Mountain View employees
Content Management
Developing style guides and templates that specify branding requirements and stylistic parameters for creating engaging and effective content
Producing content for the website, articles, and presentations that address business goals and meet the needs of engagement and portfolio teammates
Writing, editing, and proofreading original content (print & web) for substance, style, and analytical integrity; alignment with messaging and branding; and spelling, grammar, and syntax
Organizing, modifying, and updating existing content (print & web)
Developing a framework and acquiring tools for content audits and gap analysis to assess performance and to recommend new content to address gaps
Collaborating with colleagues to come up with fresh, creative content ideas, keeping our various audiences and business goals in mind
Managing long-term projects to develop and consistently publish original content for the website and coordinating inputs from across the organization
Creating, adjusting, and managing the editorial calendar
Supporting teammates across DIU with the creation of new branded materials and/or marketing materials such as business cards, challenge coins, event materials, etc.
ADDITIONAL RESPONSIBILITIES
Platform & Process Development
Identifying opportunities to improve SCT performance and support of leadership and portfolio teams with new software tools and/or processes
Designing and modifying SCT workflows and objects within DIU CRM platform in collaboration with cross-functional colleagues
Developing a targeted email campaign strategy and coordinating with IT team and external developers to implement automated processes leveraging existing DIU platforms
Engagements
Assisting with engagement management as requested to tailor agendas and materials in advance of strategic engagements with top government officials, Congressional delegations, international visitors, policy experts, and private sector executives
Managing brand image and designing VIP experiences in partnership with executive leadership and engagement teams
QUALIFICATIONS
Strong written and verbal communication skills
5-7 years of professional experience working with subject matter related to technology and/or national security
Experience planning content calendars and/or managing publications
Experience proofreading and editing content for external distribution