Strategic Communication Planner

Job Title: Strategic Communication Planner

Location: Falls Church, VA – Remote access may be authorized for unclassified work and at the discretion of the COR.

Clearance: Public Trust

Contracting Resources Group, Inc. (CRG) is a mid-sized woman-owned business supporting federal mission priorities through program execution, performance measurement, strategic communications, acquisition support, and digital transformation.  Since 2002, CRG has provided high-quality solutions with a focus on reliability, agility, and operational excellence. We offer a collaborative work environment, competitive compensation, and have been recognized for our strong workplace culture through awards such as “Best Places to Work” and the Department of Labor’s HireVets Platinum Medallion.

Description: This position is for a communication planner supporting the Military Health System Communications and Public Affairs office and Defense Health Agency Directors Communication and Public Affairs Division. The purpose of the position is to develop communication plans to reach a broad and diverse audience and serve as a liaison to connect with leaders and subject matter experts within the military medical research community and Centers of Excellence. The communication planner handles integrating the research, planning, execution, and evaluation of MHS public affairs and communications programs across multiple communications channels and disciplines.

Job Duties

• Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with Headquarters level subject matter experts and public affairs personnel.
• Identifies communications, risks, opportunities, goals, and objectives within assigned topic areas.
• Plans, implements, and evaluates information programs in specifically assigned product categories.
• Conducts research and analysis needed to shape communication plans.
• Develops campaign or program guidelines for headquarters and field offices use, defining the scope and parameters for implementing campaigns and providing suggested activities, materials to be used, deadlines and reporting requirements.
• Develops communication channels, techniques, and strategies for use by others in disseminating information to hard-to-reach audiences.
• Defines analytics and metrics to measure performance and communication effectiveness and outcomes.
• Reviews plans for consistency with overall objectives of national program and recommends follow-up procedures; monitors activity reports to determine program progress and provides advice and assistance to resolve problems.
• Coordinates public affairs and security reviews.
• Writes talking points, public affairs guidance and other communication products as needed.
• Coordinates with Strategic Communication Division Functional Teams on the development and use of communications collateral.
• Ensures communications plans and products follow Section 508 of the Individuals with Disabilities Act requirements.

Qualifications

• Mastery of the principles, methods, practices, and techniques of communication that enable the public affairs specialist to function as a technical authority within the assigned area with responsibility for the development and execution of communication plans.
• 7 years of experience creating dynamic communications plans for a variety of topics.
• Experience working with the Department of Defense. Direct experience supporting the DHA and MHS is preferred.
• Minimum of a bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public affairs, public administration, or related field.
• Experience with strategic communications planning.
• Experience in integrated strategic communications plans, operations, media relations, internal communications, and strategic outreach.
• Experience in overseeing analytics and measurement of communications impact.
• Experience in writing and coordinating Public Affairs Guidance, talking points, FAQs, and similar products.
• Experience in oral and written communications.
• Experience in managing and executing multiple strategic communications plans simultaneously, both in planning and execution phases.
• Customer service orientation with strong leadership, interpersonal, team building, organizational, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills.
• Ability to work in a fast-paced environment both independently and as a team.

Preferred but not Required

• DINFOS public affairs training
• Master’s degree in communication or marketing
• PRSA certification

Salary Range [Required for CA, DC, MD, NY, NJ (6/2025)]: $90k-$110k

Benefits

Full-time employees are eligible for 401(k) and Roth retirement plans, Medical, Dental, and Vision Insurance (for employees and families), Supplemental Insurance, 11 Federal Holidays, and at least three weeks of Paid Time Off (PTO), including sick and personal leave.

CRG is an equal opportunity employer. We make employment decisions based on merit, qualifications, and business need. All qualified applicants receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other state or federally protected category.

Salary : $90 - $110