Job Description

HII is seeking a Strategic Communications Strategist to support AFWERX team.  This role is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing integrated communication strategies that effectively engage internal and external stakeholders, ecosystem partners, government organizations, and industry collaborators. This role partners with AFWERX leadership, subject matter experts, and cross‑functional teams to produce targeted messaging, communication campaigns, and content that clearly communicates organizational priorities, mission objectives, and program performance. Candidates must be able to operate in a fast‑paced, highly dispersed environment and manage multiple priorities.

Essential Job Responsibilities

• Develop comprehensive strategic communication plans aligned with AFWERX objectives, including research, audience analysis, message development, and channel strategy
• Prepare and submit communication plans and deliverables for Government review and approval
• Implement integrated communication strategies across traditional media, social media, websites, presentations, internal communications, and digital platforms
• Develop messaging and content supporting AFWERX strategy, brand initiatives, programs, and leadership priorities
• Serve as the Strategic Communications point of contact for assigned divisions, programs, or organizations
• Produce internal communication materials to inform personnel about initiatives, priorities, accomplishments, and program performance
• Ensure all communications comply with branding standards and OPSEC requirements
• Build and maintain relationships with government agencies, industry partners, Non-Governmental Organizations (NGO), and other ecosystem stakeholders
• Identify opportunities for cross‑functional or cross‑organizational communication initiatives.
• Support content development teams including writers, designers, and multimedia producers
• Tailor communication products to specific target audiences to clearly convey AFWERX’s value
• Track and evaluate communication effectiveness using analytics, stakeholder feedback, and measurable outcomes; recommend improvements as needed
• Stay current on emerging communication trends, platforms, technologies, and best practices
• Participate in meetings and discussions to gather information and provide communication expertise
• Manage multiple communication projects and deadlines in a fast‑paced, highly dispersed environment
• Travel as required to support stakeholder engagement, ecosystem partnerships, events, and outreach activities
• Perform other duties as assigned

Minimum Qualifications

• 6 years relevant experience with Bachelors in related field; 4 years relevant experience with Masters in related field; or High School Diploma or equivalent and 10 years relevant experience. Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related field
• Minimum 6 years of experience in strategic communications, program management, public relations, marketing, stakeholder engagement, or related fields
• Strong strategic planning and project management skills with ability to manage multiple priorities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Strong interpersonal, networking, and relationship‑building abilities
• Experience developing integrated communication plans, campaigns, messaging strategies, and communication products
• Ability to extend organizational narratives across multiple communication channels.
• Proficiency in analytics, reporting, evaluation techniques, and stakeholder feedback integration
• Ability to translate complex organizational or technical information into clear and audience‑appropriate messaging
• Strong critical thinking, organizational, time‑management, and attention‑to‑detail skills
• Self‑motivated, able to work independently and collaboratively in dispersed environments
• Proficiency with digital communication tools, including Google Workspace
• Ability to adapt to changing priorities and tight deadlines in fast‑paced settings
• Willingness to travel as needed

Preferred Requirements

• Master’s degree (MBA, Organizational Management, Strategic Management, Program/Project Management, Communications, or related discipline
• Experience supporting DoD, U.S. Air Force, government agencies, military organizations, or contracting environments
• Experience developing communications for innovation, technology, acquisition, or national defense programs
• Knowledge of OPSEC considerations in communication product development
• Experience advising senior leaders on strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, or messaging