National Security Strategic Communications (Program Lead) (TS/SCI Security Clearance Required)

Protagonist

$124K — $148K *
Education, Government & Non-Profit
11 - 15 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active TS/SCI clearance with SAP/SCI experience
  • Advanced degree (MS/ME) required with 15+ years in strategic communications or public affairs
  • Proven track record supporting senior government leaders, preferably within the Air Force/DoD
  • Strong program or project management experience
  • Ability to handle multiple priorities and meet tight deadlines
  • Excellent writing and communication skills

Responsibilities

  • Support the daily needs of a high-profile USG executive leader in a fast-paced environment
  • Serve as contract lead, ensuring performance quality and client satisfaction
  • Develop communication products like briefings, reports, and messaging for senior leaders
  • Manage and mentor a small team
  • Coordinate with stakeholders to keep work aligned and on schedule
  • Translate technical topics into clear, actionable communications

Benefits

  • On-site work in the Washington Metropolitan Area with limited remote opportunities
  • Occasional domestic travel may be required
  • Opportunity to lead a strategic communications program
  • Mentorship and team management experience
  • Support Senior leaders within the government sector
  • Work environment focused on technology and innovation
Full Job Description
Job Description

Parenthetic, a subsidiary of Protagonist, is seeking a National Security Strategic Communications Director (Program Lead) to support a U.S. Air Force customer.

This role leads day-to-day execution of a strategic communications program-managing deliverables, leading a small team, and ensuring consistent, high-quality support to front office leadership.

If you're a strong operator who can run a program, keep work moving, and deliver under pressure, you'll do well here.

Responsibilities
  • Support daily needs of a high-profile USG executive leader in both internal and external comms, in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment
  • Serve as contract lead, ensuring performance, quality, and client satisfaction
  • Develop communication products (briefings, reports, messaging, etc.) for senior leaders
  • Manage and mentor a small team
  • Coordinate across stakeholders to keep work aligned and on schedule
  • Translate technical or complex topics into clear, actionable communications

Requirements
  • The position requires on-site work (limited remote opportunities) in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) for a Federal Government client. Occasional domestic travel may be required
  • Active TS/SCI clearance required (with prior experience in an SAP and/or SCI environment)
  • Advanced (MS/ME) degree with 15+ years of work experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or related fields.
  • Experience supporting senior government leaders (Air Force/DoD preferred)
  • Strong program or project management experience
  • Ability to manage multiple priorities and deliver under tight timelines
  • Excellent writing and communication skills

Additional Information

If you're passionate about technology and making an impact, apply today! Protagonist is dedicated to fostering a welcoming and innovating environment where everyone's voice can make a difference.

Salary Range: $124,000-$148,000 based on education and level of relevant experience.

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