Senior Strategic Communications Specialist (Top Secret Clearance Required)

READY TO JOIN OUR TEAM?

Do you have a comprehensive understanding of the proper use, formatting, and handling of military correspondence, up to and including the safeguarding of Classified SECRET information.?  Do you have a Bachelor's Degree in Human Resources, Business Administration or a closely related field? If so, then we invite you to read on.

ABOUT THIS ROLE

St. Michael's is hiring a Senior Strategic Communications Specialist to support a Department of Defense client. As a Senior Strategic Communications Specialist, you will provides high-level strategic communications expertise, executive writing, and technical editing support to the USSOCOM "Top 5" and front office staffs. Our core value of Commitment is paramount as you will serve as the primary integrator and quality control advisor for all critical correspondence, briefings, and publications destined for USSOCOM "Top 5" signature or approval.

LOCATION

Tampa, FL, (on-site)

WHO YOU ARE

• TS/SCI Clearance with NATO Clearance eligibility.
• Bachelor's Degree in one of the following disciplines: Communications, English, Journalism, Public Relations, Strategic Studies or International Relations (Master's preferred).
• Education Equivalency - Master's Degree with 8 years of experience, OR a Bachelor's Degree with 12+ years of highly specialized experience drafting executive-level correspondence for General/Flag Officers or senior civilian equivalents.
• Professional Certifications (Optional but Recommended) Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs Qualification Course (PAQC) graduate, or civilian equivalent certifications in professional writing/editing.
• Minimum of 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, professional speech writing, technical writing, or public affairs within the DoD, Interagency, or a Combatant Command.
• Executive Writing & Editing - Mastery of written English with a proven track record of writing for executive or general officer-level audiences. Ability to translate technical military concepts into clear, concise narratives for congressional, public, and internal audiences.
• Enterprise Coordination - Demonstrated ability to coordinate and build consensus across joint staff directorates (J-coded staff) and subordinate commands to synchronize high-visibility staff actions.
• Technical Standards - Comprehensive knowledge of the DoD Manual for Written Correspondence and USSOCOM-specific formatting, protocol, and classification marking standards (up to SECRET).
• Expert-level proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) with a strong emphasis on template design, style sheets, and formatting tools. Familiarity with digital publishing and collaboration portals.

 PRIMARY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Strategic Messaging & Correspondence Support: Aid in the development, synchronization, and execution of strategic communication plans and correspondence. Provide direct writing and technical editing assistance to the Command Group and front office staff to ensure all messaging aligns with the Commander's intent.
• Executive Writing & High-Level Deliverables: Research, write, and edit high-visibility internal organizational and external deliverables. This includes drafting Congressional Reports, executive speeches, talking points, and CG "Letters to the Force."
• Signature Coordination: Coordinate and liaise with HQ USSOCOM Directorates and SOF Enterprise Command Staff offices to guide, refine, and synchronize complex documents requiring USSOCOM Top 5 leadership signatures. Ensure all staff action packages are complete, accurate, and ready for senior leader review.
• Review & Quality Control: Perform rigorous reviews and quality assurance checks on various products, including official memorandums, strategic briefings, information papers, public website content, and formal publications.
• Standards & Compliance: Ensure all deliverables destined for the Top 5 offices strictly adhere to the highest standards of written English, focusing on punctuation, spelling, word usage, formatting, and grammar. Ensure all products comply with official USSOCOM correspondence policies.
• Document Standardization & Formatting: Format all products consistently with accepted USSOCOM standards based on the specific project and document type. Create, update, and maintain standardized document templates to streamline front office operations.
• Collaborative Preparation: Assist Top 5 staff in the collaborative preparation, coordination, reproduction, editing, and proofing of sensitive documentation to support fast-paced operations.
• Strategic Communication Integration: Perform other duties as required to support Command's strategic communications objectives, including monitoring public-facing content for consistency and assisting with crisis communication messaging as necessary.