Sr level Public Affairs and Strategic Comms Specialist - (TS/SCI) - DODF3

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US’s dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems.  In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Qinetiq US is looking for a Sr - Level Public Affairs Specialist.  The selected candidate shall provide public affairs and outreach support for the OUSD(R&E).  The selected candidate shall have proven skills and specialized experience in:

1) mastery level skills and ability in writing, editing, and performing research in order to develop comprehensive written products;

2) demonstrated understanding of the DoD Public Affairs process including how to engage with the media and via public events;

3) skill and ability to interface with senior level officials within OUSD(R&E), OSD PA, and across stakeholder organizations;

4) review, analyze and recommend solutions to public affairs-related problems and issues;

5) track issues and problems through to resolution by the assigned suspense date; and

6) respond to related questions and correspondence by the assigned suspense date.   

Other Duties include:

• Applies analytic techniques in the evaluation of project objectives and contributes to the implementation of strategic direction.
• Develop and execute strategic communications and media outreach activities in support of OUSD(R&E) responsibilities, priorities and objectives.
• Coordinate and track public engagement, media activity and other external outreach for the entire OUSD(R&E) organization in support of  all activities in coordination with OSD PA.
• Meet on a recurring basis with PA counterparts within R&E to ensure awareness and coordination of public engagement, media, and other external outreach activities across the R&E enterprise.
• Provide recommendations to the OUSD(R&E) leadership on public engagement, media and external outreach activities that will advance OUSD(R&E) messaging priorities.
• Coordinate media activity and external outreach within OUSD(R&E) organization, including but not limited to:
  • Provide strategic guidance to OUSD(R&E) organization on messaging and potential external outreach opportunities;
  • Draft and review OUSD(R&E) messaging and materials for use with media interviews and external outreach activities;
  • Track OUSD(R&E) or related S&T stories and disseminate to staff;
  • Provide support for entire OUSD(R&E) organization on public approval and release processes;
• Conceive, prepare, and post information to OUSD(R&E) and IR&D Innovation Marketplace websites (www.acq.osd.mil/chieftechnologist and www.defenseinnovationmarketplace.mil, respectively), including:
  • Coordinate all changes, edits, and updates to websites;
  • Track relevant DoD public activities and provide weekly Enterprise “news” updates as appropriate for the websites;
  • For the OUSD(R&E) website, draft and edit bi-weekly Chief Technologist Corner column:
  • Coordinate with DoD S&T agencies on any major events or news items or materials that should be linked to or posted on the OUSD(R&E) or Innovation Marketplace websites;
• Accomplish coordination of OUSD(R&E) activities with OSD/PA:
  • Serve as liaison between OSD/PAO and the OUSD(R&E) organization on managing media inquiries and determining strategic external outreach opportunities;
  • Conduct research on reporters’ backgrounds and past stories and provide context and propose draft responses to media inquiries;  
  • Coordinate with OUSD(R&E) staff on responses to reporter inquiries, receive necessary approvals by senior leadership and send to OSDPA in timely manner to meet deadlines;
  • Provide OSDPA detailed listings of weekly senior level OUSD(R&E) staff speaking engagements.

• 5 years directly related experience
• A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in English, journalism, or communications is required
• Top Secret Clearance with an SCI Required #qinetiqclearedjob

• Priority background and experience should be from business, not-for profit or political communications areas.
• Knowledge of technology and the DoD would be helpful, but not a requirement.
• Strong writing and communication skills are required with an ability to write for multiple audiences and translate complicated plans and ideas into easy to understand written products.
• Creativity and a desire to reach new audiences in the communications sphere would be ideal.
• Highly preferred experience and skills in communications, public relations, and/or journalism at the DoD and/or service component Headquarters level.
• Strong social media skills and ability to develop and carry out social media communication strategies is preferred.

• Graduate degree in communications, journalism, or media, is preferred.  At the discretion of the Government, a minimum of two (2) years of specialized experience which includes military experience may be substituted in lieu of specific educational requirements, in addition to the minimum experience listed above.

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 4 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.