We’re a woman-owned small business that delivers big results in strategic communications. For 25 years, Akoya has thrived in the government consulting landscape helping agencies launch new programs, leverage internal and external support, and drive their missions forward. Our strategic approach to communications increases the quality of services and makes Akoya a comfortable home for motivated communications professionals who value and rely on the idea-sharing and collaboration inherent in our corporate culture.
This is an exciting opportunity for an emerging communications professional to grow rapidly alongside a senior communications and stakeholder engagement expert supporting a senior leader at the U.S. Department of Energy. The right candidate will gain broad exposure to the full spectrum of government communications work — from frontline communications strategy and product advancement to cross-office coordination — all in a fast-moving, high-visibility environment.
The Communications Specialist supporting the Department of Energy will be responsible for:
- Shadowing the senior communications consultant in meetings, absorbing best practices and contributing where directed
- Tracking and managing assignments, action items, and deadlines on behalf of the senior consultant
- Maintaining and proactively updating status tracking spreadsheets for communications products and more with precision and consistency, to keep the efforts of multiple offices moving forward
- Supporting a wide variety of communications products, including written materials, briefings, and coordination documents
- Drafting and helping to review and coordinate emails, newsletter content, social media, and other communications products for higher-level approvals and distribution
- Serving as a liaison and point of contact across multiple offices under the DOE leader’s portfolio
- Adapting quickly to shifting priorities and managing competing tasks in a dynamic environment
- You’ll work at the intersection of communications and policy at one of the federal government’s most active agencies. With exposure to multiple offices and a wide range of products, this role offers rare breadth for a communications professional early in their career. You’ll have a front-row seat to how senior-level government communications operates — and a mentor invested in your development
- Must have a Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience. Alternatively, must have a Master’s degree in a relevant field and 3 years of experience
- Must be based in the Eastern time zone. Location in Washington, DC-area a plus
- U.S. citizenship is required with verbal and written fluency in English
- Must be able to receive and maintain a federal security clearance (public trust level)
- Prior exposure to communications, public affairs, or a related field (government or adjacent experience a plus)
- Exceptional attention to detail — accuracy in tracking, writing, and adherence to existing processes is non-negotiable
- Resilience and composure; the ability to work effectively on the fly when priorities and deadlines shift
- Strong written communication skills, including the ability to produce clean, professional content and correspondence for internal and external audiences
- Organizational skills and a proactive, team-centered mindset; the ability to anticipate needs before they arise
- Eagerness to learn, grow, and take on increasing responsibility over time
- Familiarity with government policy a plus
- Base compensation: $72,000 to $82,000 annually. Actual compensation is subject to variation due to factors such as location, education, years of experience, and candidate skillset.
Employee Benefits
Akoya provides generous benefits for its full-time employees including:
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) and profit sharing
- Eleven federal holidays and paid time off
- And more!
Akoya is committed to an equitable, diverse, inclusive, and accessible environment that has a positive effect on the hiring, retention, and ongoing support of all employees. Akoya is an Equal Opportunity Employer and, in compliance with applicable laws, ordinances, rules, and regulations, affords equal opportunities for all qualified persons without regard to race, color, religion, age, creed, marital status, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in a relevant field and at least 5 years of experience, or a master's degree in a relevant field and at least 3 years of experience
- Based in the Eastern Time Zone
- U.S. citizenship
- Verbal and written fluency in English
- Able to receive and maintain a federal Public Trust security clearance
- Prior exposure to communications, public affairs, or a related field
- Exceptional attention to detail in tracking, writing, and process adherence
- Strong written communication skills
- Organizational skills and a proactive, team-centered mindset
- Ability to adapt to shifting priorities and manage competing tasks
- Familiarity with government policy
What We Do
Akoya is a woman-owned strategic communications firm serving federal, corporate, and nonprofit clients. It helps organizations persuade, engage, and partner with critical audiences through audience analysis, communications planning, outreach, stakeholder engagement, and program support. The firm also builds and leads embedded communications teams for ongoing government programs, translating complex missions into clear messaging and supporting clients’ relationships with the people and organizations central to their work.
