Program Management & Communications Specialist (Junior - Mid)

Job Description

At Parenthetic, a subsidiary of Protagonist, we fuse rigorous, methodologically sound research with our cutting-edge technology platform, Narrative Analytics®. This powerful combination enables us to quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies for customers with “missions that matter.”

Parenthetic is seeking a Program Management & Communications Specialist to join our team in Washington D.C. This position will provide on-site support to DoD customers in the D.C. area. We are seeking a candidate with DoD experience who is passionate about space, technology, and communication.

In addition to being highly proficient in the communication field or program management, our ideal candidate is creative, organized, highly collaborative, able to influence peers, and interacts comfortably with senior leadership across the government and private industry. Experience working in and with the US Dept. of Defense, especially with OSDP, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, or Space Force is highly desired.

Develop and deliver high-impact communications guidance and research for DoD customers enabling mission success. Translate technical information to develop compelling documents, reports, speeches, and briefings. Analyze data surrounding the media environment and apply communications frameworks to guide client communications. Develop communication plans and strategies that support executive leadership communications goals and objectives. Develop media strategies, responses to media inquiries, write press releases, and articles to advance the strategic objectives of DoD customers. Coordinate the design and production of communication products and deliverables. Assist in coordinating, consolidating, analyzing, distributing, and monitoring action items, suspenses, and responses. Ensure the organization response and audit deliverables are staffed via existing Air Force, Space Force, and DoD policies and directives.

Responsibilities

• Serves as program advisory lead for on-site client communication support, providing strategic advice, technical guidance, and expertise to program and project staff.
• Conducts research and critically analyzes information to identify trends, patterns, and relationships. Applies relevant communication theories, psychological frameworks, and best practices to address client problems.
• Drafts, reviews, and edits final program reports, documents, and briefings.
• Develops and delivers presentations to clients, stakeholders, and partners, including senior-level government officials and private industry executives.
• Coordinates with internal and external stakeholders to verify program needs are identified to meet project goals.
• Confers with program managers to provide technical advice and to assist with problem resolution as needed.
• Supports management and execution of programs consisting of multiple projects. Ensures overall program is properly coordinated and efficiently accomplished with the best available resources.
• Supports and advises acquisition and program management functions, advises Government management on design challenges, risk assessments, market solutions, documentation, production challenges, operational delivery, and integration, and supports system program reviews.

Work Experience and Skills

• The position requires on-site work in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) for a Federal Government client. Occasional domestic travel may be required.
• Possess a current Top Secret security clearance and be SCI/SAP eligible.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Management, Communication, Marketing, Psychology, Political Science, or other social science fields.
• Experience requirements vary based on position level:
  • Junior Level: Bachelor’s degree and 1-3+ years of relevant experience (or Master’s degree and 1+ year of experience).
  • Mid-Level: Master’s degree and 1-3+ years of relevant experience (or Bachelor’s degree and 3-5+ years of relevant experience).
• Strong writing, verbal, and interpersonal communication skills with the ability to work closely with teammates and customers across internal and external organizations.
• Strong ability to think critically and synthesize information from multiple sources into comprehensive plans and documents.
• Exceptional project management skills, organizational abilities, problem-solving proficiencies, and attention to detail.
• Project management skills and ability to manage multiple priorities and engage with senior stakeholders.
• Goal-oriented, strategic thinker who is also willing to roll up their sleeves and execute tactics.

Ideal Candidates:

• Demonstrated professional experience in the Space domain (e.g., space operations, satellite technology, or related fields within the space industry) and in the defense sector.
• Knowledge of Higher Headquarters, Air Force and Space Force, processes and procedures as it relates to their functional responsibility.
• Speak/write Air Force, Space Force and Space Acquisition terminology appropriately.
• Deep understanding of mission critical aspects of space acquisition or familiarity with U.S. Government acquisitions and budget management.
• Enjoys working alongside a growing group of critical thinkers, strategists, researchers, analysts, innovators, engineers, and others.
• Prior work in marketing/communications.
• Experience with large data sets and creating/maintaining data pipelines.
• Experience in experimentation design, implementation, and analysis.
• Experience in a client-facing role, delivering insights directly to stakeholders.

Additional Information

Protagonist is a values-driven company that is committed to doing meaningful work for organizations we respect. We are headquartered in Washington, DC, and offer a competitive salary, flexible paid time-off policy, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and a retirement plan.

Protagonist is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $73,000-$100,000 based on education and level of relevant experience.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.