Strategic Communications Deputy Program Manager

CONTINGENT ON CONTRACT AWARD

640 Acres is seeking an experienced Strategic Communications Deputy Program Manager to oversee communications initiatives for an intelligence community customer in St. Louis, MO. The ideal candidate will serve as the geographic team lead, both managing staff on-site and off-site, for a multidisciplinary team responsible for events management, public affairs, museum operations, and government-industry partnerships. 

Responsibilities

·       Strategic Communications Lifecycle and Team Management: Deliver successful execution of communication initiatives, including comprehensive strategic communication plans. Evaluate and adapt communication strategies based on data analysis, stakeholder feedback, and emerging trends for optimized engagement and impact.

·       Stakeholder Engagement and Public Affairs: Cultivate and maintain relationships with key stakeholders to advance organizational goals and manage public perceptions through public affairs campaigns. Provide strategic counsel to senior leadership on navigating complex political and media landscapes.

·       Community Relations: Plan and execute high-profile events and outreach activities to engage stakeholders and raise awareness of organizational priorities. Collaborate with partners to develop community relations initiatives that enhance organizational reputation and effectiveness, leveraging feedback to inform future strategies.

·       Internal Communications: Develop and implement internal communication strategies to ensure consistent messaging and engagement across all organizational levels. Facilitate two-way communication channels to promote transparency and collaboration, fostering a positive organizational culture.

·       Protocol Compliance: Provide expert guidance on military, government, and international protocol to ensure professionalism in interactions with stakeholders. Coordinate protocol arrangements for high-level events, maintaining adherence to established procedures and standards.

·       Museum & Exhibit Marketing: Develop marketing strategies to promote new museum exhibits and manage operations to enhance visitor experiences and preserve cultural heritage assets. Collaborate with stakeholders to create engaging exhibits aligned with organizational goals.

·       International Affairs and Partnerships: Develop strategic partnerships with international organizations to advance organizational objectives and provide analysis on geopolitical trends to inform decision-making. Lead diplomatic engagements and negotiations to foster collaboration and achieve mutually beneficial outcomes.

Requirements

Qualifications

·       Active TS/SCI

·       A minimum of 8 years of progressive experience in strategic communications within government agencies or intelligence community-related organizations, ideally with exposure to high-security operational contexts and mission-driven environments.

·       Proven effectiveness in managing staff both on site and virtually.

·       Demonstrated proficiency in developing and executing comprehensive strategic communication plans tailored to the unique requirements and sensitivities of intelligence community operations.

·       Proven track record of successful leadership in managing cross-functional teams and providing strategic guidance to senior leadership, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and mission priorities.

·       Exceptional communication skills, including the ability to craft clear, concise, and compelling messages for diverse audiences, ranging from internal stakeholders to external partners and the public.

·       Strong analytical abilities, with experience in utilizing data-driven insights and metrics to evaluate communication effectiveness, identify areas for improvement, and drive informed decision-making.

·       Expertise in navigating complex political and media landscapes inherent in sensitive operational contexts, with a keen understanding of the nuances and sensitivities involved in public affairs and stakeholder engagement.

·       Proficiency in enterprise social media management, including the development and implementation of communication strategies across various platforms to engage stakeholders and enhance organizational visibility.

·       Extensive experience in media relations, with a demonstrated ability to cultivate relationships with journalists, manage press inquiries, and effectively convey key messages to external audiences.

·       Collaborative mindset and adept at building and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders, including government officials, military personnel, intelligence professionals, and industry partners, to advance organizational objectives and enhance public perception.

·       In-depth knowledge of protocol, diplomatic etiquette, and cultural norms relevant to intelligence community engagements, ensuring professionalism and compliance in all interactions.

·       Proficiency in crisis communication and issues management, with the ability to effectively respond to challenges and mitigate reputational risks in high-pressure situations.

·       Familiarity with emerging trends, technologies, and best practices in strategic communications, coupled with a commitment to continuous learning and professional development within the national security domain.

Benefits

Full Benefits Package