The primary responsibility of the Program Communications Coordinator is to support the outreach of Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) by developing and executing strategic communications initiatives to disseminate key messages that highlight research efforts to internal DoD leadership, members of the media, the general public, and other interested stakeholders.  Additional duties include media relations, internal and external communications, marketing and branding, producing and distributing communication materials, graphic design, and developing Research & Engineering (R&E) outreach strategies. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute strategic communications and media outreach activities in support of R&E objectives.
• Coordinate media activity and external outreach for R&E programs:

• Provide strategic guidance on messaging and potential external outreach opportunities;
• Draft and review messaging and materials for use with media interviews and external outreach activities;
• Track related S&T stories and disseminate to staff; and,
• Provide support on public approval and release processes.

• Conceive, prepare, and post information to website including:

• Coordinate all changes, edits, and updates to websites;
• Track relevant public activities and provide weekly Enterprise “news” updates as appropriate for the websites; and,
• Coordinate with DoD agencies on any major events or news items or materials that should be linked to or posted.

• Accomplish coordination of Program activities with OSD/Public Affairs (PA) as required:

• Serve as liaison between OSD/PA and the organization on managing media inquiries and determining strategic external outreach opportunities;
• Conduct research on reporters’ backgrounds and past stories and provide context and propose draft responses to media inquiries; and,
• Coordinate with staff on responses to reporter inquiries, receive necessary approvals by senior leadership and send to OSD/PA in timely manner to meet deadlines.

• Respond to Congressional Inquiries/reporting requirements:

• Assist in the development and coordination of appropriate responses and reports to congressional inquiries and legal requirements pertaining to R&E projects, as well as analyzing congressional documentation and interest in project activities; and,
• Maintain a database of congressional inquiries and Agency responses.
• Support program database as resource for staff and R&E objectives.

Requirements

• Bachelor degree in English, Journalism or Communications; a Master degree is preferred.
• Five (5) years of experience and skills in communications, public relations, and/or journalism.  This position has a heavy focus on digital communications. 
• DoD Secret Clearance.
• Strong social media skills and ability to develop and carry out social media communication strategies is preferred.
• Strong website design and maintenance skills are preferred
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products to include Excel, PowerPoint, and Microsoft Word.
• Ability to work independently.