COMMUNICATIONS SPECIALIST

CORPORATE ALIGNMENT: STRATEGIC COMMUNICATIONS

DEPARTMENT OF DEFENSE, DEFENSE SUICIDE PREVENTION OFFICE (DSPO)

Aptive is seeking a full-time Communications Specialist with demonstrated experience providing strong strategic and analytical thinking to deliver effective branding, communication and public outreach for suicide prevention initiatives. This individual will be responsible for creating communications and outreach strategies that align with overarching Department of Defense suicide prevention goals and objectives. The Communications Specialist will be responsible for standardizing Defense Suicide Prevention Office's internal and external messaging, and promoting a unified communications approach.

This position requires strong customer interaction skills and a demonstrated ability to work with various stakeholders across multiple tasks. Experience developing and delivering effective communications strategies with measurable results is a requirement. Experience in suicide prevention and/or the mental health space preferred. The successful candidate will be proactive with demonstrated success in a fast-paced environment, all while developing compelling stories, narratives, key messages and well written content (website, press release, response to media query, posture statement, briefing card, written script, and interview preparation). Candidate must be able to not only lead/support product development, but also work and communicate effectively within a multi-disciplinary team environment.

The ideal candidate is a self-starter, proactive problem solver and action-oriented team player with previous experience in management consulting, preferably for federal clients. This individual must be committed to providing superior service, poised under fast-paced pressure and have a positive and flexible attitude.

This mid-level, full-time position is in Washington, DC. This is a contingent hire position.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS.

• 4-8 years of strategic communications, public relations and outreach experience.
• Bachelor's degree in marketing, journalism, public relations, business or related field.
• Experience supporting large Cabinet-level federal agencies, ideally the Department of Defense and Office of the Secretary of Defense.
• Experience creating and implementing communications, public relations, and digital/social media strategies.
• Ability to work onsite in Alexandria, VA based on client need.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• U.S. citizen/Legal authorization to work in the U.S.

JOB DUTIES.

• Define and shape DSPO communications requirements, establishing effective metrics, and planning a long-term, integrated approach to communications.
• Generate an effective marketing strategy with a variety of print and electronic products.
• Develop communications products and content consistent with organizational branding, DoD Public Affairs guidance and compliance requirements.
• Complete stakeholder analysis activities and develop customized stakeholder personas.
• Create a weekly social media editorial calendar of future posts, tweets and blogs.
• Develop Media Monitoring and Response Plan(s) including a report to DSPO on a daily basis of all media within the current (24 hour) news cycle related to suicide.
• Conduct proactive media surveillance for news that appears to significantly influence or pertain directly to the DoD suicide prevention mission.
• Maintain inventory of outreach materials, warehouse outreach materials, ship and distribute materials.
• Design templates for marketing and outreach for program offices and create program-specific messages.
• Provide support for external communications activities ranging from speaking engagements at industry conferences to thought leadership articles in select journals or publications.

DESIRED SKILLS.

• Ability to get up to speed quickly on complex issues.
• Desire to work in a fast-paced, rapidly evolving environment.
• Experience creating and implementing digital and social media strategies.
• Capable self-starter with a drive to get all types of work done and high attention to detail.
• Excellent ability to communicate across most mediums and settings.
• Knowledge of military and Veteran populations.
• Experience creating and tailoring content to meet campaign objectives, target audience/segments goals and recommended strategies and tactics for all media channels.
• Outstanding written and verbal communications skills.
• Experience with conceptual design, branding and marketing.
• Strong time management, creativity and problem-solving skills.

ABOUT THE CLIENT. DSPO is the focal point for all suicide prevention strategic development, implementation, centralization,

standardization, communication, and evaluation of Department of Defense (DoD) suicide programs, policies, research, and data surveillance activities. DSPO works collaboratively with internal and external partners from the Military Services, Federal agencies, medical professionals, military service organizations, and other non-profits to combat suicide in the military community and provide holistic support to Service members and their families. The DoD adopted an evidence-based public health approach to suicide prevention as a framework for developing, supporting, and promoting effective suicide prevention activities across the Department. Understanding that suicide prevention is tied to readiness, the public health approach focuses on upstream prevention by leveraging known risk

and protective factors associated with suicide. The goal is to develop and evaluate programs and initiatives that address risk and protective factors, disseminate results, and continuously monitor suicide data. DSPO's mission is to advance holistic, data-driven suicide prevention in our military community through policy, oversight, and engagement to positively impact individual beliefs and behaviors, as well as to instill systemic culture change.

ABOUT APTIVE

Aptive is a modern federal consulting firm focused on human experience, digital services, and business transformation. We harness creativity, technology, and culture to connect people and systems to impact the world. We're advisors, strategists, and engineers focused on people, above all else.

We believe in generating success collaboratively, leaving client organizations stronger after every engagement and building trust for the next big challenge.

Our work inspires people, fuels change and makes an impact. Join our team to be part of positive change in your community and our nation.

What's in it for you?

· Competitive compensation

· Health, vision, dental and disability plans with company contributions

· 401K plan with immediate vesting and a competitive company match

· Generous paid time off and flexible work schedules

· Flexible savings accounts

· Commuter benefits

· Company-sponsored professional education and training opportunities

EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.

This position supports a federal government contract and is subject to compliance with Executive Order 14042, requiring all employees to be fully vaccinated for the COVID 19 virus or be granted an approved medical or religious accommodation. Proof of vaccination or an adjudicated accommodation is requirement of employment for this position.