Job Description

Are you skilled at translating highly technical information and ideas into understandable content for a variety of different audiences?

Do you enjoy continuously enhancing storytelling and communications campaigns?

Are you passionate about communicating research and discoveries critical to the nation's national security?

If so, we are looking for someone like you to join our team at APL.

We are seeking a Communications Strategist to enhance communications initiatives by serving as a strategic advisor and liaison between the Lab’s Asymmetric Operations Sector and the Communications Department. The Communications Strategist is responsible for the strategic direction, prioritization, and successful execution of both internal and external communications initiatives. A successful candidate for this role will demonstrate experience in strategic communications counsel, executive messaging, internal communications, stakeholder management, and innovative ideation.

As a Communications Strategist...

• Serve as a trusted advisor to the Lab’s technical staff and collaborate with our creative team to tell captivating stories and create compelling content.

• Have oversight of the entire portfolio of communications products and services in support of the Asymmetric Operations Sector.

• Provide executive messaging guidance and support for the sector’s leadership team.

• Oversee and execute communications strategies by working closely with the sector’s leadership and technical staff.

• Translate complex research and technical topics including journal articles and scientific reports into understandable and visually compelling communications products.

• Act individually and with a team of creatives to craft captivating content for external and internal audiences, including, but not limited to: articles, graphics, presentations, displays, events, digital media, and more.

• Provide thought-leadership on emerging trends in communications and design.

• Show our technical staff members how the state-of-the-art in communications can be combined with precise audience research and best practices to truly make their work come alive.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• A Bachelor's degree in communications, graphic design, English, journalism, marketing, public relations, science, social sciences or a related field.
• At least 6 years of demonstrated experience in strategic communications, to include branding, collateral creation, and integrated campaigns based on research and analysis
• Demonstrated experience in assessing multifaceted situations and collaborating across complex organizations.

• Experience working with creative teams in a dynamic environment.

• An aptitude for analyzing and leveraging data in the development and presentation of compelling message content.

• Excellent written, verbal, interpersonal, analytical, critical thinking, project management and organizational communications skills.

• An ability to operate independently, set priorities, and adjudicate competing needs in a fast-paced organization.

• Are able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Familiarity with one or more scientific or technical subjects, including, but not limited to: engineering, computer science, homeland security, defense, national security, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, synthetic biology or related subjects.

• Worked with government, DoD, academic, or research staff.

• Experience with reputation management and executive communications.

• Proficiency in developing, managing, and marketing successful and sophisticated cross-channel communications campaigns.

• The ability to facilitate and enhance creative brainstorming sessions.

• A Secret-level (or higher) security clearance.

Why work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

APL is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law.

APL is committed to promoting an innovative environment that embraces diversity, encourages creativity, and supports inclusion of new ideas. In doing so, we are committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu. Only by ensuring that everyone’s voice is heard are we empowered to be bold, do great things, and make the world a better place.

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