Strategic Communications Director

About Protagonist

With our subsidiary, Parenthetic, we're revolutionizing how organizations understand and shape public discourse through our cutting-edge Narrative Analytics platform. By fusing rigorous analysis with advanced technology, we help clients quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies that matter.

Why Join Us?

• Impact Real Change: Work directly with federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and leading nonprofits
• Tech at Scale: Build solutions that process and analyze massive datasets to uncover narrative patterns
• Growing Team: Join a vibrant DC tech company that's expanding rapidly
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside communication specialists, data scientists, and domain experts

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 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. Successful candidates must have DoD and consulting experience and be skilled in conducting qualitative and quantitative data-informed analyses.

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 teams developing and delivering high-impact communications for USG customers, strengthening support and enabling mission success. Translate technical information and apply critical thinking into compelling documents, reports, speeches, briefings, media articles, and playbooks. Develop communication plans and branding strategies that support the goals and objectives of senior leaders. Manage multidisciplinary teams to design and produce communication products and deliverables to advance the strategic objectives of USG customers. 

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a strategic communications capability for a DoD organization, leading and managing teams of analysts and senior analysts in designing, developing, and maintaining communication initiatives (e.g., communication and branding strategies, communication plans for key events, etc.).
• Develop a deep understanding of our clients' communication challenges and provide guidance and recommendations based on their mission and objectives.
• Partner with internal and external executive leadership, building strategic relationships throughout relevant communities.  
• Mentor, coach, and train team members to achieve their full potential and support their professional growth.
• Manage complex, high-profile research and analysis projects, including client/stakeholder relationships and expectations, proposing new research areas, and presenting findings.
• 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.
• Active TS/SCI security clearance is 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 Management, 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.
• Strong analytic and critical-thinking skills, with a track record of conducting data-driven analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and effectively communicating findings.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about complex, highly technical topics. Openness to new perspectives, ideas, and analytical methodologies.

Ideal Candidates:

• Extensive experience working in and with the U.S. Dept. of Defense (either as uniformed military, civilian DoD and/or direct industry supplier to DoD) with a corresponding robust network of contacts in these communities. 
• Demonstrated professional experience in the Space and/or defense domain (e.g., space operations, satellite technology, or related fields within the space industry).
• Knowledge of Higher Headquarters, Air Force and Space Force, processes and procedures as it relates to their functional responsibility.
• Knowledge of space acquisition processes, Congress and other relevant government organizations that impact acquisition program offices. 
• Knowledge of the PPBE process, Congress, legislation, policies, regulations and acquisition related communication documents (i.e. R-Docs, acquisitions strategies, Congressional Reporting Requirements, GAO reports, IG).
• PMP or Advanced degree in Program/Project Management 

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: $124,000-$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.