Strategic Communication Director

Job Description

**We have two positions available, both requiring varying skills/experience. Even if you don’t meet all the requirements, we encourage you to apply.**

Parenthetic is seeking a highly experienced Strategic Communication Director to lead a multidisciplinary team. The ideal candidate will have extensive experience in strategic communication, information operations, marketing, or related fields, along with a strong background in government and/or defense sectors. This role requires a visionary leader who can manage complex research projects, deliver actionable insights, and support the growth of our capabilities. A successful candidate will have a track record of leading teams responsible for delivering data-driven research of complex issues and will thrive in a collaborative team environment.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage teams of strategic communication analysts in designing, developing, and maintaining communication initiatives (e.g., communication and branding strategies, communication plans for key events, etc.) that support various business service lines.
• Develop a deep understanding of our clients' communication challenges and provide guidance and recommendations based on their mission and objectives.
• Mentor, coach, and train team members to achieve their full potential and support their professional growth.
• Manage complex, high-profile research projects, including client/stakeholder relationships and expectations, proposing new research areas, and presenting findings.
• Critically evaluate information and communications (media articles, press releases, speeches) to identify trends, patterns, and relationships.
• Apply relevant strategic communication methodologies and frameworks to draw meaningful and objective conclusions.
• Monitor global events using open-source information and other research to align with client objectives.
• Produce deliverables that are clear, concise, and visually appealing, effectively communicating findings to a wide range of audiences.
• Support company growth by identifying opportunities to promote development and expansion of capabilities.
• Collaborate closely across all departments and participate in ad hoc projects and initiatives.

Work Experience and Skills

• The position requires on-site work (occasional remote opportunities) in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) for a Federal Government client. Occasional domestic travel may be required.
• Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of work experience or advanced degree with 7+ years of work experience in communication, marketing, psychology, political science, or other social science fields. Relevant military or prior government experience in lieu of a four-year degree will be considered.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Communication, Marketing, Psychology, Political Science, or other social science fields.
• Proven leadership experience with a minimum of 5 years managing and mentoring teams of analysts, researchers, or similar professionals.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives, government officials, media representatives, and the public. This includes the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships, advocate for the organization's communication goals, and navigate complex political and social landscapes.
• Stellar business communication skills, including the ability to actively listen, articulate complex concepts, and provide constructive feedback.
• Proven experience in using theoretical frameworks to analyze communication challenges and opportunities, designing interventions, and measuring the impact of communication efforts (e.g., translating complex theoretical concepts into practical applications that drive real-world results).
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to meet or exceed business expectations.
• Exceptional project management skills, organizational abilities, problem-solving proficiencies, and attention to detail, including ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities while ensuring accountability and maintaining high standards of quality.
• Experience in managing large-scale projects, ensuring timely delivery of high-quality outputs, and coordinating with other departments to integrate communication efforts with broader organizational strategies.
• Flexibility to handle a workload that frequently necessitates an adjustment of priorities.
• Strong analysis and critical-thinking skills, with a track record of effectively communicating findings.
• Self-starter with the ability to take direction from various stakeholders, establish priorities, and work both independently and as part of a team.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about complex, highly technical topics. Openness to new perspectives, ideas, and analytical methodologies.

Ideal Candidates:

• Demonstrated professional experience in the Space and/or defense domain (e.g., space operations, satellite technology, or related fields within the space industry).
• Possess a current Top Secret security clearance and be SCI/SAP eligible.
• Enjoys working alongside a growing group of critical thinkers, strategists, researchers, analysts, innovators, engineers, and others.
• Prior work in marketing/communications.
• Experience working with large data sets to extract meaningful insights.
• Experience in experimentation design, implementation, and analysis.
• Familiarity with U.S. Government acquisitions and budget management.
• Experience in a client-facing role, delivering insights directly to stakeholders.
• Experience in managing remote or distributed teams is a plus.

Additional Information

Parenthetic is a values-driven company that is committed to doing meaningful work for organizations we respect. We are headquartered in Washington, DC, and offer a competitive salary, flexible paid time-off policy, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and a retirement plan.

Parenthetic is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce and is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

Salary Range: $103,000-$190,000 based on education and level of relevant experience.

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.