Strategic Communications Associate Director (TS/SCI Security Clearance Required)

Strategic Communications Associate Director – Washington, D.C. Parenthetic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Protagonist, helps mission‑driven organizations navigate complex information environments with clarity and purpose. This role works directly with senior defense stakeholders and internal leadership to design and execute strategic communications initiatives aligned with senior leader priorities and mission objectives.
Responsibilities Build trusted advisor relationships with client stakeholders by diagnosing complex communications challenges, developing practical solutions, and translating technical information into clear, decision‑ready insights.
Develop and communicate strategic communications direction by establishing clear messaging principles, articulating vision and priorities, and aligning communication efforts across stakeholders.
Serve as a strategic advisor and project manager, providing expert guidance to senior leadership and overseeing the planning and execution of communications initiatives to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment across stakeholders.
Lead end‑to‑end delivery of strategic communications and analytical efforts, guiding small teams from project initiation through final deliverables and follow‑on recommendations.
Develop executive‑level materials, including briefs, reports, and presentations, that translate analysis into clear recommendations for senior decision‑makers.
Contribute to business growth by supporting proposal development, white papers, and related efforts, helping translate strong client delivery into sustainable program expansion.
Work Experience and Skills Full‑time on‑site work in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia). Occasional domestic and overseas travel may be required.
Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Communication, Marketing, Psychology, Political Science, or other social science fields.
Requirements: Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience (or master’s degree and 5+ years of experience). Relevant military or prior government experience in lieu of a four‑year degree considered.
Possess a current Top Secret security clearance and be SCI/SAP eligible.
Demonstrated experience engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives, government officials, media representatives, and the public.
Stellar business communication skills, including the ability to actively listen, articulate complex concepts, and provide constructive feedback.
Proven experience using frameworks to analyze communication challenges and opportunities, designing interventions, and measuring the impact of communication efforts.
Excellent project management skills, organizational abilities, problem‑solving proficiencies, and attention to detail.
Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about complex, highly technical topics.
Openness to new perspectives, ideas, and analytical methodologies.
Ideal Candidates Demonstrated professional experience in the Technology Stack, Air & Space domain (e.g., technology as a service level capability, technology infrastructure, IT Ecosystem, air and space operations, or related fields) and in the defense sector.
Knowledge of Air Force and Space Force processes and procedures related to their functional responsibility.
Demonstrated fluency in Air Force, Space Force and space acquisition terminology appropriately.
Deep understanding of mission critical aspects of space acquisition or familiarity with the U.S. Government acquisitions and budget management.
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.
Strong analytic and critical‑thinking skills, with a track record of conducting data‑driven analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and effectively communicating findings.
Additional Information Parenthetic is headquartered in Washington, DC, and offers a competitive salary, flexible paid time‑off policy, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and a retirement plan.
Salary Range: $92,000 – $122,000 annually, based on education and level of relevant experience.
Parenthetic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

#J-18808-Ljbffr