Overview
SR. PUBLIC AFFAIRS / COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST (NAVAIR):
Bowhead seeks a Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist to support the NAVAIR contract located in Patuxent River, MD. The Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist will provide strategic internal and external communications to strengthen organizational visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and maintain a consistent public image. This role requires a highly experienced communications professional with demonstrated expertise in communication strategy, content development, and program coordination.
Responsibilities
- Develop and execute internal and external communication strategies that support organizational goals.
- Maintain and reinforce the organization’s corporate image and identity through consistent messaging and branding.
- Assess advertising, promotion, and public engagement activities to ensure alignment with communication objectives.
- Create, curate, and publish a monthly Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) newsletter on SharePoint Online, including:
- A message from senior leadership
- “Get to Know Us” spotlight features highlighting team or program personnel
- A selection of 5–7 relevant news articles sourced internally and externally
- Interactive engagement elements with a non‑monetary prize system
- Draft press releases, speeches, talking points, and executive communication materials.
- Prepare content for distribution to media channels and respond to media inquiries.
- Manage digital and social media efforts to monitor engagement and assess public sentiment.
- Coordinate the organization’s internal awards program, including communication cycles, recognition activities, and event support.
- Support steering groups, leadership boards, or similar organizational committees, including scheduling, correspondence, documentation, and communication products.
- Arrange interviews, briefings, and public appearances for senior leadership.
- Develop speeches or executive messaging to support major organizational initiatives and events.
Qualifications
- Minimum of ten (10+) years of relevant experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or a related field.
- MA/MS degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related discipline. (Bachelor’s Degree plus 2 years additional work experience may be substituted for a Master’s Degree).
- Demonstrated ability to manage complex communication programs and produce high‑quality written content.
- Strong understanding of media relations, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication tools.
- Experience with SharePoint Online and multimedia content development.
- Ability to assess public sentiment and communication trends across digital platforms.
Physical Demands:
- Must be able to lift up to 15 to 25 pounds
- Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
- Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically
Target salary range is between $90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience.
Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate’s work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.
SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain a clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.
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