Director of Public Relations & Communications
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc., Alexandria, Virginia, us, 22350
Overview
Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government clients, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.
The Director of Public Relations & Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting, and advancing SPA’s corporate reputation through strategic internal and external communications. This role leads enterprise-wide messaging, media relations, executive communications, crisis response, and acquisition-related communications to ensure consistency, credibility, and clarity as SPA continues to scale rapidly.
Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director serves as a senior advisor to SPA’s leadership team and works closely with Growth, HR, Legal, Security, and Operations leadership to ensure communications align with SPA’s mission, values, customer commitments, and regulatory environment.
Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Messaging
Develop and execute SPA’s enterprise communications strategy aligned with business growth, M&A activity, and mission priorities
Own corporate messaging, brand voice, and narrative across all channels
Translate complex technical, operational, and government-focused content into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences
Media & External Relations
Lead media relations strategy, including press outreach, interviews, thought leadership, and earned media
Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries and external communications coordination
Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media engagements and public appearances
Executive & Leadership Communications
Draft and oversee executive communications including talking points, speeches, bylines, announcements, and internal messaging
Partner with SPA Leadership on high-visibility communications tied to growth initiatives, contract wins, organizational changes, and acquisitions
Crisis & Issues Management
Lead crisis communications planning and execution in coordination with Legal, Security, HR, and executive leadership
Develop response frameworks for sensitive employee, customer, contract, or reputational matters
Ensure rapid, accurate, and compliant communications during high-risk or time-sensitive events
Internal Communications
Oversee internal communications strategy to support engagement, transparency, and culture during growth and change
Partner with HR and leadership to support workforce communications tied to scaling, integration, and change management
M&A and Integration Communications
Lead communications planning for acquisitions, integrations, and organizational transitions
Ensure clear, timely messaging to employees, leaders, and external stakeholders during M&A activities
Governance, Compliance & Risk Awareness
Ensure all communications comply with government contracting requirements, security constraints, and legal standards
Partner closely with Human Resources, Legal, Contracts, and Security teams to manage risk in external communications
Key Competencies
Executive presence and sound judgment
Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail
Ability to operate calmly and decisively under pressure
Strong stakeholder management across technical, legal, and leadership audiences
High discretion and integrity
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations
Experience supporting executive leadership and high-stakes communications
Demonstrated success in media relations, crisis communications, and enterprise messaging
Exceptional writing, editing, and marketing skills
Desired Qualifications
Experience in government contracting, defense, aerospace, intelligence, or regulated industries
Experience supporting M&A or high-growth organizations
Prior clearance or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Master’s degree or advanced communications certification
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The Director of Public Relations & Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting, and advancing SPA’s corporate reputation through strategic internal and external communications. This role leads enterprise-wide messaging, media relations, executive communications, crisis response, and acquisition-related communications to ensure consistency, credibility, and clarity as SPA continues to scale rapidly.
Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director serves as a senior advisor to SPA’s leadership team and works closely with Growth, HR, Legal, Security, and Operations leadership to ensure communications align with SPA’s mission, values, customer commitments, and regulatory environment.
Responsibilities Strategic Communications & Messaging
Develop and execute SPA’s enterprise communications strategy aligned with business growth, M&A activity, and mission priorities
Own corporate messaging, brand voice, and narrative across all channels
Translate complex technical, operational, and government-focused content into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences
Media & External Relations
Lead media relations strategy, including press outreach, interviews, thought leadership, and earned media
Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries and external communications coordination
Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media engagements and public appearances
Executive & Leadership Communications
Draft and oversee executive communications including talking points, speeches, bylines, announcements, and internal messaging
Partner with SPA Leadership on high-visibility communications tied to growth initiatives, contract wins, organizational changes, and acquisitions
Crisis & Issues Management
Lead crisis communications planning and execution in coordination with Legal, Security, HR, and executive leadership
Develop response frameworks for sensitive employee, customer, contract, or reputational matters
Ensure rapid, accurate, and compliant communications during high-risk or time-sensitive events
Internal Communications
Oversee internal communications strategy to support engagement, transparency, and culture during growth and change
Partner with HR and leadership to support workforce communications tied to scaling, integration, and change management
M&A and Integration Communications
Lead communications planning for acquisitions, integrations, and organizational transitions
Ensure clear, timely messaging to employees, leaders, and external stakeholders during M&A activities
Governance, Compliance & Risk Awareness
Ensure all communications comply with government contracting requirements, security constraints, and legal standards
Partner closely with Human Resources, Legal, Contracts, and Security teams to manage risk in external communications
Key Competencies
Executive presence and sound judgment
Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail
Ability to operate calmly and decisively under pressure
Strong stakeholder management across technical, legal, and leadership audiences
High discretion and integrity
Qualifications Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations
Experience supporting executive leadership and high-stakes communications
Demonstrated success in media relations, crisis communications, and enterprise messaging
Exceptional writing, editing, and marketing skills
Desired Qualifications
Experience in government contracting, defense, aerospace, intelligence, or regulated industries
Experience supporting M&A or high-growth organizations
Prior clearance or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
Master’s degree or advanced communications certification
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