Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist

Overview

SR. PUBLIC AFFAIRS / COMMUNICATION SPECIALIST (NAVAIR):

Bowhead seeks a Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist to support the NAVAIR contract located in Patuxent River, MD. The Sr. Public Affairs / Communication Specialist will provide strategic internal and external communications to strengthen organizational visibility, enhance stakeholder engagement, and maintain a consistent public image. This role requires a highly experienced communications professional with demonstrated expertise in communication strategy, content development, and program coordination.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute internal and external communication strategies that support organizational goals.

• Maintain and reinforce the organization's corporate image and identity through consistent messaging and branding.

• Assess advertising, promotion, and public engagement activities to ensure alignment with communication objectives.

• Create, curate, and publish a monthly Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI) newsletter on SharePoint Online, including:

• A message from senior leadership

• "Get to Know Us" spotlight features highlighting team or program personnel

• A selection of 5-7 relevant news articles sourced internally and externally

• Interactive engagement elements with a non‑monetary prize system

• Draft press releases, speeches, talking points, and executive communication materials.

• Prepare content for distribution to media channels and respond to media inquiries.

• Manage digital and social media efforts to monitor engagement and assess public sentiment.

• Coordinate the organization's internal awards program, including communication cycles, recognition activities, and event support.

• Support steering groups, leadership boards, or similar organizational committees, including scheduling, correspondence, documentation, and communication products.

• Arrange interviews, briefings, and public appearances for senior leadership.

• Develop speeches or executive messaging to support major organizational initiatives and events.

Qualifications

• Minimum of ten (10+) years of relevant experience in public affairs, communications, media relations, or a related field.
• MA/MS degree in communications, public relations, journalism, marketing, public affairs, or a related discipline. (Bachelor's Degree plus 2 years additional work experience may be substituted for a Master's Degree).
• Demonstrated ability to manage complex communication programs and produce high‑quality written content.
• Strong understanding of media relations, internal communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital communication tools.
• Experience with SharePoint Online and multimedia content development.
• Ability to assess public sentiment and communication trends across digital platforms.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 to 25 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

Target salary range is between $90,000 - $105,000 commensurate with experience.

Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. Bowhead considers factors such as (but not limited to) scope and responsibilities of the position, candidate's work experience, education/training, key skills, internal peer equity, as well as, market and business considerations when extending an offer.

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIREMENTS: Must be able to maintain a clearance at the Secret level. US Citizenship is a requirement for Secret clearance at this location.

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