Speechwriter & Communications Advisor

Gnostech

$90K — $120K *
Aerospace & Defense
5 - 7 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Active SECRET security clearance required.
  • Bachelor's degree in a related field necessary.
  • Proven experience as a primary executive speechwriter with exceptional writing skills.
  • Minimum of 5 years writing for Executive/SES or Flag Officers; over 10 years in DoD contexts preferred.
  • Direct experience advising 3-star General Officers or equivalent civilian leaders essential.
  • In-depth knowledge of military protocols and DoD organizational structures.
  • Ability to distill complex defense acquisition data into accessible language.

Responsibilities

  • Draft engaging scripts, keynote addresses, and strategic remarks for executives.
  • Create specialized scripts for Change of Command ceremonies and retirements.
  • Write formal congressional opening statements and witness testimony.
  • Produce executive talking points, background briefings, and white papers for the Pentagon.
  • Compose congratulatory letters and official correspondence.
  • Ensure alignment of communications with Pentagon and JPO messaging.
  • Track communication tasks accurately in ETMS2.

Benefits

  • Health, dental, and vision insurance.
  • 401(k) retirement plan with employer matching.
  • Parental leave program.
  • Company-paid life insurance and disability insurance.
  • Flexible spending accounts for healthcare, dependent care, and transportation.
  • Health savings account available.
  • Paid time off and holidays.
  • Employee assistance program provided.
  • Company-paid training and certification program offered.
  • Tuition assistance for qualifying educational programs.
Full Job Description
Speechwriter & Communications Advisor

Overview

Location
  • Arlington, VA

Job Title
  • Speechwriter & Communications Advisor

Salary
  • Commensurate with industry position, depending on experience.

Travel
  • May involve travel approximately 10% of the time.

Gnostech is seeking an elite, highly experienced Executive Speechwriter to serve as the primary voice for the F-35 Joint Program Office (JPO) executive leadership. This role requires exceptional, battle-tested speechwriting capabilities. You will directly support Senior Executive Service (SES) officials and Military Flag Officers.

The ideal candidate possesses a deep understanding of Department of Defense (DoD) culture, strategic communication, and high-visibility military traditions. You will transform complex aerospace acquisition data into compelling narratives for Congress, international partners, and internal defense audiences.

Primary Responsibilities
  • Executive Speechwriting: Draft highly engaging scripts, keynote addresses, and strategic remarks.
  • Ceremonial Writing: Craft specialized scripts for Change of Command ceremonies, retirements, and farewells.
  • Congressional Communications: Write formal congressional opening statements and witness testimony.
  • Strategic Deliverables: Author executive talking points, background briefings, and white papers for the Pentagon.
  • Executive Correspondence: Compose high-level congratulatory letters, official correspondence, and memoranda.
  • Message Alignment: Ensure all products align with Pentagon, JPO, and international program messaging.
  • Task Management: Ensure communication tasks are properly tracked in ETMS2.

Required Qualifications
  • Clearance: Active SECRET
  • Education: Bachelor's Degree in related field
  • Expert Portfolio: Proven track record as a primary executive speechwriter with unmatched written communication skills.
  • DoD Leadership Experience: Minimum 5+ years of experience writing for Executive/SES or Flag Officers. 10+ years experience writing in DoD environment.
  • High-Level Support: Direct experience advising and writing for 3-star General Officers or equivalent civilian leaders.
  • Military Fluency: Deep familiarity with military protocols, ceremonial traditions, and DoD organizational structures.
  • Acquisition Knowledge: Ability to translate complex technical, budgetary, and defense acquisition data into plain language.

SUPERVISORY RESPONSIBILITIES
  • This position does not have any supervisory responsibilities.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.
  • The employee must occasionally lift and/or move up to 30 pounds.
  • Specific vision abilities required by this job include close vision, depth perception and ability to adjust focus.

COMPENSATION AND BENEFITS

We value our employees' time and efforts. Our commitment to your success is enhanced by our competitive compensation plus potential to earn an annual bonus and merit increase. We also offer an extensive benefits package including:
  • Health insurance
  • Dental insurance
  • Vision insurance
  • 401(k) / retirement plan
  • 401(k) employer matching
  • Parental leave program
  • Company-paid life insurance
  • Company-paid short and long-term disability insurance
  • Flexible spending accounts (healthcare, dependent care and transportation)
  • Accident and Critical Illness insurance
  • Health savings account
  • Paid time off
  • Paid holidays
  • Employee assistance program
  • Company paid training and certification program
  • Education Tuition Assistance for qualifying certificate and degree programs

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