Strategic Communications Advisor

## About the Job

## 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, SPA is known for continuous innovation for government customers in the U.S. and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear‑sighted commitment to the mission.
**SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.**

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of War, Interagency Division (JOID) provides expert support services to a range of customers across the Department of War, Federal Civilian agencies, and international markets. JOID delivers a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Industry and Security Analysis Group (ISAG) within JOID provides analytical, technical, and program support to promote, grow, and protect the U.S. industrial base. ISAG’s support spans the Department of War (DOW), Department of Commerce, and other agencies to deliver critical decision support to national security leaders. The team informs policy decisions, enables execution of comprehensive strategies, and monitors and reports on implementation effectiveness. This enables senior leaders to execute strategies for developing and sustaining a robust industrial base that meets national strategic resource objectives. From policy to practice, ISAG is a team of economic and national security professionals providing innovative solutions for the Nation’s most pressing security challenges.

We have an upcoming need for a **Strategic Communications Advisor** to provide onsite support at the Pentagon.

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## Responsibilities

The candidate will support the Assistant Secretary of War for Cyber Policy within the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Policy. This role serves as a trusted advisor supporting leadership and stakeholder engagement activities for a high‑visibility, fast‑moving office.

Key responsibilities include:

– Leading the development and execution of strategic communications supporting Defense‑wide cyber policy programs, initiatives, policy rollouts, stakeholder engagement, and organizational priorities.
– Applying abilities as a proactive communicator who identifies messaging and strategy gaps and implements solutions in a dynamic, collaborative environment.
– Demonstrating resourcefulness when facing knowledge gaps and quickly ingesting new information to build trust and strong working relationships.
– Providing meaningful insight on effective internal and external stakeholder engagement, recommending specific messaging actions that advance organizational priorities with Congressional, Executive Branch, industry, defense thought leaders, media, and public stakeholders.
– Translating niche, technical information into compelling messaging that strengthens relationships and informs decision‑making.
– Applying familiarity with the inner workings of Congress, preferably with Capitol Hill experience; knowledge of HAC/HASC/SAC/SASC and the annual appropriations process; and using this expertise to identify areas needing additional messaging aligned with budget cycles.
– Monitoring media coverage to identify prevailing opinions, misconceptions, sentiment, and strategic opportunities.
– Optimizing communications by creating structured strategic messaging and engagement plans that foster alignment and informed decision‑making.

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## Required Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree in a technical or communications‑related field.
– Demonstrable experience with DoW acquisition; Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE); and legislative affairs processes.
– 7+ years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications, targeted messaging development, funding proposal development, and key stakeholder engagement.
– Demonstrated understanding of DoD fiscal and resource priorities, processes, and strategies as they relate to acquisition of complex programs and initiatives.
– 5+ years of experience serving in senior military or departmental/agency staffs with primary responsibilities including organizational or interagency coordination.
– Active TS/SCI clearance.
– Ability to work fully onsite based on client needs.

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## Desired Qualifications

– Experience providing strategic communications support within OSW or Defense secretariat‑level organizations.
– Experience with Government and Government‑adjacent stakeholders (e.g., White House Office of Management and Budget, non‑profit public policy organizations/think tanks, Fortune 500 defense contractors).
– Familiarity with cyber policy, operations, and technologies.

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## Compensation & Benefits

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that attracts and retains top talent. Elements of the compensation package include:

– Competitive base pay
– Variable compensation opportunities
– Health insurance
– Flexible spending accounts
– Health savings accounts
– Retirement savings plans
– Life and disability insurance programs
– Paid and unpaid time away from work

Specific programs and options may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.

Please note: Salary information below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience, qualifications, market conditions, and business considerations.

**VA Pay Transparency Salary Range:**
**$135,000 – $155,000**

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## Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that attracts and retains top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work.

Specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location and date of hire.

Please note: Salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations.

**Virginia Pay Transparency Salary Range:**
**USD $135,000.00/Yr – USD $155,000.00/Yr**

Apply here