Public Relations Associate Job at Agile Defense in Mc Lean

About Agile Defense

At Agile Defense we know that action defines the outcome and new challenges require new solutions. That’s why we always look to the future and embrace change with an unmovable spirit and the courage to build for what comes next.

Our vision is to bring adaptive innovation to support our nation's most important missions through the seamless integration of advanced technologies, elite minds, and unparalleled agility—leveraging a foundation of speed, flexibility, and ingenuity to strengthen and protect our nation’s vital interests.

Requisition #:

1626

Job Title:

Public Relations Associate

Location:

Hybrid, McLean, VA

Job Description
Agile Defense is seeking a Public Relations Associate with experience in the national security and defense industry. This role is responsible for planning and executing communications strategies that strengthen the organization’s visibility and reputation, support business development efforts, and develop differentiated thought leadership.

The ideal candidate combines strategic thinking with hands‑on execution. This is a high‑visibility position that requires partnering with senior leaders and external stakeholders to cultivate awareness of Agile Defense’s unique value and position in the market, and drive engagement supporting business strategy. This position requires the ability to visualize and execute across a communications ecosystem to enhance the organization's visibility and reputation: managing media relations, reinforcing PR priorities and cultivating messaging and audiences on social media, translating and ensuring consistency of messaging while building thought leadership platforms, and engaging internal audiences to enhance awareness of business priorities and build cultural affinity. This is a strategic role designed to foster connectivity and clarity across internal and external audiences across a globally distributed workforce and customer base.

This role will work closely with partners in marketing and business development to ensure clarity and consistency in messaging, as well as contribute to a flywheel communications system to build and sustain brand momentum.

JOB DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Develop and execute comprehensive public relations strategies aligned to business priorities and stakeholder objectives.

Write and distribute press releases, speeches, and other communication materials.

Create messaging that translates complex technologies and mission capabilities into clear value propositions for customer audiences.

Monitor public opinion and media coverage to assess the effectiveness of PR strategies.

Own and manage social media content strategies that combine traditional and AI‑powered approaches, including ideation, content development, and execution.

Analyze engagement data and optimize content strategy based on performance.

Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels and stakeholders.

Build and maintain relationships with key stakeholders, including journalists, influencers, and community leaders.

Support event planning, conferences, and industry engagement.

Experiment with new media and communication methods, tracking engagement metrics to continuously refine how messaging is resonating with key audiences.

Storytelling: Build cross‑departmental relationships to uncover and share compelling stories that highlight employee successes and organizational milestones.

Education and Background

A bachelor’s degree or equivalent in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, or a related field.

Previous experience in public relations or communications, preferably in national security, defense, government contracting, or related sectors.

Experience developing executive‑level communication materials and messaging strategies, including briefings and positioning statements.

Experience developing and executing strategies for digital and social media platforms.

Demonstrated success developing and executing proactive communications strategies in large, complex organizations or government environments.

Exceptional writing, editing, and communication skills.

Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to build relationships.

Proficiency in media relations and understanding of the media landscape.

Creative thinking and problem‑solving abilities.

Ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.

Knowledge of federal contracting, IT services, digital modernization, and government affairs.

Ability to exercise independent judgment in adjusting campaign strategy, content direction, and channel prioritization based on performance data.

Proven ability to turn complex business goals into relatable, effective communication strategies that resonate with people and culture.

Years of Experience
1‑3 years of experience

Preferred Skills

Strong preference for experience working on the Hill and/or federal government agencies.

Experience in crisis communications management.

Prior experience supporting DoD or federal IT modernization programs.

Experience developing digital media content (e.g., videos, interactive content).

Working Conditions
Typical Office Environment

Our Core Values

Happy

- Be Infectious. Happiness multiplies and creates a positive and connected environment where motivation and satisfaction have an outsized effect on everything we do.

Helpful

- Be Supportive. Being helpful is the foundation of teamwork, resulting in a supportive atmosphere where collaboration flourishes, and collective success is celebrated.

Honest

- Be Trustworthy. Honesty serves as our compass, ensuring transparent communication and ethical conduct, essential to who we are and the complex domains we support.

Humble

- Be Grounded. Success is not achieved alone, humility ensures a culture of mutual respect, encouraging open communication, and a willingness to learn from one another and take on any task.

Hungry

- Be Eager. Our hunger for excellence drives an insatiable appetite for innovation and continuous improvement, propelling us forward in the face of new and unprecedented challenges.

Hustle

- Be Driven. Hustle is reflected in our relentless work ethic, where we are each committed to going above and beyond to advance the mission and achieve success.

Equal Opportunity Employer / Protected Veterans / Individuals with Disabilities
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