Job Description

Strategic Communication Outreach Specialist:

Bowhead is seeking a Strategic Communication Outreach Specialist for an upcoming effort in McLean, VA. This effort establishes and implements policy, budget, program management, and administrative mechanisms to support nationwide research, development, and technology program. This effort also develops and executes a comprehensive RD&T communications and marketing strategy to promote research and technology initiatives.

The Strategic Communication Outreach Specialist is a senior-level role responsible for developing and executing integrated communication strategies and marketing initiatives to promote agency initiatives and expand the magazine’s global readership. This position blends high-level strategic planning with hands-on content creation, digital marketing, and stakeholder engagement. The Specialist translates complex technical or policy information into accessible, high-impact content across digital and print platforms, ensuring a cohesive and influential online presence for the agency and its primary publications.

Responsibilities

• Strategic Planning & Campaign Management: As the Strategic Communication Outreach Specialist, you will develop and execute comprehensive outreach strategies and promotional campaigns. You will manage multiple, simultaneous projects tailored to diverse audiences across various media outlets, ensuring messaging is effectively altered for each demographic.
• Magazine Marketing & Growth: Lead all marketing efforts to increase magazine subscriptions and digital readership. This includes managing quarterly promotions, providing brand support, and coordinating with authors for feature story promotion.
• Digital Presence and Content Creation: Generate high-quality content, including writing, editing, and designing graphics for social media, web pages, and electronic newsletters. The Strategic Communication Outreach Specialist ensures the magazine and agency maintain a cohesive, professional online presence.
• Market Research & Analytics: Conduct in-depth market research and reader surveys to refine outreach strategies. You will measure and evaluate the effectiveness of all campaigns and social media efforts using advanced analytics to drive data-informed decisions.
• Event & Outreach Support: Provide comprehensive staffing and marketing support for tradeshows, conferences, and internal/external events. Develop event-specific materials and innovative strategies to engage attendees and increase subscriptions.
• Technical Translation: Synthesize complex highway, surface transportation, or policy information into compelling narratives for both the general public and technical stakeholders.
• GovDelivery/email campaign management.
• Public Affairs coordination.
• Coordination with FHWA communication approval processes.

Bowhead is seeking to connect with qualified individuals regarding a potential opportunity, contingent upon contract award and not currently funded. Interested candidates are encouraged to apply. Incumbent employees are strongly encouraged to respond. Please note that unsolicited inquiries and third-party applications will not be accepted.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related field.
• 6–10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, digital marketing, and public affairs.
• Proven Track Record: Demonstrated expertise in developing social media campaigns that substantially increase subscriptions or readership.
• Technical Familiarity: Experience in a Federal environment and knowledge of transportation research (specifically highway/surface transportation) is highly preferred.

Physical Demands:

• Must be able to lift up to 15 to 25 pounds
• Must be able to stand and walk for prolonged amounts of time
• Must be able to twist, bend and squat periodically

SECURITY CLEARANCE REQUIRED: Must be able to obtain a clearance at the Public Trust level. US Citizenship is a requirement for a Public Trust clearance at this location.