Senior Advisor - Strategic Communications

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter. Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The AUKUS, Submarines, and Industrial Base Group (ASIG), within the Sea, Land, Air Division, provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to Director Submarine Program directorates and key stakeholders surrounding submarine platform construction. Director Submarine Program unifies submarine platform procurement activities, which includes the Columbia-class SSBN program (a Major Defense Acquisition Program and the Navy's top acquisition priority), the Virginia-class SSN program, the new SSN-X program (developing the next generation attack submarine), and the AUKUS Integration and Acquisition Office, to bring improved capabilities to our undersea forces. Analysts and Engineers supporting Director Submarine Program will continue SPA's decades of support to the SSBN force, as well as supporting oversight of cutting-edge attack submarine construction, assisting in developing the design requirements for the SSN platform of the future, and helping plan and execute new and innovative strategies to strengthen the critical submarine shipbuilding industrial base. These are high-profile, major acquisition and manufacturing programs of significant importance to the future capabilities of the US Navy in an era of renewed strategic competition.

The Senior Advisor - Strategic Communications serves as a primary advisor for the Director Submarine Programs (DRPM SUBS / PAE Undersee). This role will lead the development and implementation of a comprehensive communications strategy, including managing and shaping the public narrative, creating key messages for a variety of audiences, and identifying and mitigating communications risks. This role will also champion and articulate the value and strategic importance of submarine programs and advanced capabilities to Congress, the public, and partner nations. Additional responsibilities include but are not limited to:

• Provide strategic communication advice to Senior Leaders at all levels including but not limited to the Secretary of the Navy, Under Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations (CNO), the Secretary of War as well as their staff for execution of DRPM SUBS.
• Facilitate the execution of a proactive U.S. interagency strategic communications approach and ensure consistency and clarity of Navy's position on high-level Engagement Strategy.
• Ensure alignment of DRPM SUBS strategic communications efforts across the Navy, Office of Secretary of War (OSW), State Department and National Security Council (NSC) outside the technical acumen and subject matter expertise required.
• Ensure all efforts are coherent, consistent, aligned and tailored for both domestic and international agencies, reflecting a unified stance of DRPM SUBS.
• Support the demands and needs of OSW and NSC for the Navy to increase and align strategic initiatives, public relations, and legislative engagement.

Required Experience:

• Nationally recognized authority in strategic communications, public relations, or a related field with a minimum of 15 years of senior-level experience.
• Demonstrated success advising executive-level leadership (e.g., C-suite, Flag Officer, Senior Executive Service) on high-stakes communication challenges.
• Proven ability to develop and execute complex, data-driven communication strategies for large, multifaceted organizations.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with experience as an on-the-record spokesperson preferred.
• Deep understanding of the modern media landscape, including digital and social media, and its application in a national security context.
• Bachelor's degree or higher in a related field.

Desired Experience:

• Previous experience as an HQE, Senior Mentor, or in a senior advisory role within the DoW, Intelligence Community, or other national security organizations.
• Prior experience on Capitol Hill, the White House (NSC), or in a senior public affairs role is highly desirable.
• A Master's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, or a related field.

Clearance:

• Must possess and maintain a DoW Secret clearance, with potential to upgrade to Top Secret/SCI