Strategic Communications Associate Director

Were looking for problem-solvers, super-smart, hyper-analytical, relentlessly creative, and passionately curious individuals with the instinct to challenge assumptions. Heres what we need now

Work at Protagonist

At Protagonist, we hire really great people. The kind of people that let their work speak for itself.

Strategic Communications Associate Director

Washington, DC

Join Our Talented Team at Protagonist

We fuse rigorous, methodologically sound analysis with our cutting-edge technology platform, Narrative Analytics. This powerful combination enables us to quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies for clients with missions that matter.

Why Us?

Our team is a vibrant mix of communication specialists, data scientists, and subject matter experts with extensive experience across U.S. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. By joining Protagonist, youll immerse yourself in a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions truly matter.

What We Do

Innovative Solutions :

We co-develop cutting-edge solutions with our clients to address tough communication problems and capitalize on opportunities to make a tangible impact.

Data-Driven Insights :

Our tools and methodologies provide actionable insights that help clients meet their communication objectives and stay ahead of global challenges.

Applied Expertise :

We integrate our solutions within client organizations, leveraging our profound expertise to address critical issues and ensure sustainable success.

Be Part of Something Bigger

At Protagonist, youll work on compelling projects that make a real difference. We seek talented individuals eager to contribute to our mission and grow alongside us. If youre passionate about communication, data analysis, and making an impact, we invite you to explore a career with Protagonist.

Explore Your Future with Us!

Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us at Protagonist and be part of a team that's making a difference.

Job Description

At Parenthetic, a subsidiary of Protagonist, we fuse rigorous, methodologically sound analysis with our cutting-edge technology platform, Narrative Analytics. This powerful combination enables us to quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies for clients with missions that matter.

Parenthetic is seeking a Strategic Communications Associate Director to join our team in Washington D.C. This position will work directly with senior U.S. Government (USG) stakeholders and internal leadership. We are seeking a highly skilled leader who is passionate about space, technology, and communication.

In addition to being highly proficient in the communication field, our ideal candidate is creative, organized, highly collaborative, able to influence peers, and interacts comfortably with senior leadership across the government and private industry. Experience working in and with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, especially with OSDP, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, or Space Force is highly desired.

Lead multi-disciplinary teams developing and delivering high-impact communication support to USG customers, enabling mission success. Assess the information environment and apply relevant theories and frameworks to craft branding strategies and communication plans aligned with the objectives of senior leaders. Translate technical information into clear, compelling reports, briefings, playbooks, and press releases. Oversee the design and development of communication deliverables that advance the strategic objectives of USG customers.

Responsibilities

Cultivate trusted?advisor relationships

with clientsquickly diagnose problem sets, translate technical jargon into compelling takeaways.

Own the end?to?end delivery

of strategic communication and narrative analyses, guiding 2?4 person teams from kickoff through final delivery and follow?on recommendations.

Transform insight into action :

craft clear, compelling briefs, papers, and presentations for senior officials with limited oversight.

Keep projects on track :

manage scope, schedule, and dollars; document decisions; and coordinate cross-departmental teams.

Mentor and elevate talent :

coach analysts and leads, give candid feedback, and model company culture.

Grow the business :

support proposals, white papers, and BD needs while helping to turn great delivery into new work.

Work Experience and Skills

The position requires occasional on-site work in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) for a Federal Government client. Occasional domestic travel may be required.

Bachelors or advanced degree in Management, Communication, Marketing, Psychology, Political Science, or other social science fields.

Experience requirements : Bachelors degree and 7+ years of relevant experience (or Masters degree and 5+ years of experience). Relevant military or prior government experience in lieu of a four-year degree considered.

Possess a current Top Secret security clearance and be SCI / SAP eligible.

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 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.

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 domain (e.g., space operations, satellite technology, or related fields within the space industry) and in the defense sector.

Knowledge of Air Force and Space Force processes and procedures as it relates to their functional responsibility.

Speak / write Air Force, Space Force and Space Acquisition terminology appropriately.

Deep understanding of mission critical aspects of space acquisition or familiarity with the U.S. Government acquisitions and budget management.

Enjoys working alongside a growing group of critical thinkers, strategists, researchers, analysts, innovators, engineers, and others.

Prior work in marketing / communications.

Experience in experimentation design, implementation, and analysis.

Experience in a client-facing role, delivering insights directly to stakeholders.

Strong analytic and critical-thinking skills, with a track record of conducting data-driven analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and effectively communicating findings.

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 an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range : $91,000-$140,000 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.

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Benefits at Protagonist

Protagonist is proud to offer exceptional benefits to our team! Most employees are eligible for :

Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance most plan premiums are 100% company-paid, including spouse / domestic partner and family coverage

401K with annual grant free retirement money

Flexible discretionary time off take the time you need when you need it

Company-paid Holiday Break free time off between Christmas and New Years

Thirteen official paid holidays

Quarterly Incentive plan share in company revenue

Generous Paid Family Leave policies

Company-paid Life and Short and Long-term Disability Insurance

Continuing Education and Tuition Reimbursement money towards training and education

Available Health Flexible Spending Account (FSA), Dependent Care FSA, and Health Savings Account (HSA) plans

Available Home and Auto Insurance, Accident Insurance, Critical Illness Insurance, Pet Insurance, and Pre-Paid Legal Plan

Ready to Learn More?

Wed love to hear from you! Contact us with any inquiries or requests.

Protagonist is a Small Business Administration (SBA) designated Women-Owned Small Business (WOSB)

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