Senior Communications Specialist
Why IDS?IDS believes in resolving conflict and building innovative approaches to do so. Combining operational expertise with an intimate understanding of today’s greatest challenges, we bring our customers the solutions required for success in a complex and multidimensional world. IDS tailors solutions for a diverse range of government, military, nonprofit, and public-sector clients.
LocationsColumbia, MD
Shifts AvailableThis is a full-time, on-site position. Candidates must be flexible and available to support occasional evening, weekend, or holiday requirements based on customer and project needs.
Job DescriptionIDS is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Specialist for ADG Creative, an IDS subsidiary, to lead strategic communications and marketing initiatives for federal and commercial clients. The ideal candidate will serve as a trusted communications advisor, developing communication strategies, executive-level content, stakeholder engagement initiatives, and outreach efforts that support organizational and client objectives. This position requires exceptional communication skills, strong client-facing experience, and the ability to manage complex communications initiatives from planning through execution.
Key Duties• Lead the development and execution of strategic communications and marketing initiatives supporting client and organizational objectives.
• Develop communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and engagement plans for diverse audiences.
• Research, write, and edit executive-level communications products, including presentations, briefings, white papers, talking points, articles, reports, marketing content, and outreach materials.
• Serve as a strategic communications advisor to clients, stakeholders, and leadership teams.
• Collaborate with subject matter experts and stakeholders to develop high-quality communications products and deliverables.
• Lead communications efforts supporting change management, outreach, workforce development, and organizational initiatives.
• Facilitate discovery sessions, workshops, meetings, and stakeholder engagement activities.
• Provide strategic guidance and recommendations to support communications and marketing objectives.
• Assist in managing project schedules, budgets, customer relationships, and service delivery requirements.
• Ensure all communications products align with brand standards and maintain consistency in style, quality, and messaging.
• Adhere to established standards, best practices, and processes for content creation, quality control, delivery, and content repurposing.
• Present communications strategies, concepts, and recommendations effectively to clients and senior leadership.
Requirements• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of 8 years of relevant communications, marketing, public affairs, strategic communications, or related experience preferred.
• Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph required.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications initiatives.
• Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
• Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and leadership.
• Strong organizational, project management, and client engagement skills.
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
• Self-starter with the ability to operate independently and provide strategic leadership.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
• Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
• Writing samples required.
Compensation• $90,000 - $110,000 annually
• Benefits
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, English, or related field.
- Minimum of 8 years of relevant communications, marketing, public affairs, or strategic communications experience.
- Active TS/SCI Clearance with Full Scope Polygraph.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications initiatives.
- Excellent written, verbal, and presentation skills.
- Ability to build and maintain strong relationships with clients, stakeholders, and leadership.
- Strong organizational, project management, and client engagement skills.
- Ability to manage multiple high-priority initiatives simultaneously.
- Self-starter with ability to operate independently and provide strategic leadership.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite.
- Ability to work nights, weekends, and holidays as required.
- Writing samples required.
What We Do
Hybrid conflict. Non-state actors. Digital hacktivists. Tribal politics. Advanced technology. Ancient beliefs. Rapid adaptation. Strategic uncertainty. Declining resources. Rising extremism. Today’s national security challenges are complex and multidimensional, requiring adaptive, interagency responses. For more than a decade, IDS International has delivered innovative training, research and operational civil-military services to help address these 21st century challenges. We are seasoned soldiers, aid workers, diplomats, intelligence professionals, cyber warriors, technical experts, political advisors, and more with a common understanding of how to train for and operate in conflict zones and transitional areas. Our team of interagency experts and field practitioners operate and train together daily, building on our global multidisciplinary understanding of challenges, best practices and new approaches. This wide range of perspectives permits us to serve as a liaison between civil society, military, government and technology to enhance coordination and effectively solve complex security and political problems.
