Senior Communications Specialist

West 4th Strategy
Portsmouth, VA
Senior Communications Specialist
ROLE
We need an experienced Senior Communications Specialist at the Navy and Marine Corps Public Health Center (NMCPHC) in Portsmouth, Virginia. NMCPHC amplifies warfighter lethality by delivering cutting-edge preventive medicine and public health services to Navy, Marine Corps, and Joint forces globally, serving as the Navy and Marine Corps' public health authority for force health protection strategy and mission readiness. In this role, you will plan, develop, and execute a broad communications mandate across the NMCFHPC enterprise, producing everything from the annual Strategic Communication Plan to press releases, technical reports, and social media campaigns, while translating complex scientific and medical subject matter into compelling narratives for internal and external audiences. This is a full-time opportunity. We can offer a competitive salary and a comprehensive benefits package.
Apply today!

RESPONSIBILITIES
  • Develop the annual NMCFHPC enterprise-wide Strategic Communication Plan aligned with Navy Medicine and NMFL strategic communication plans and command priorities
  • Develop an enterprise-wide outreach and engagement plan
  • Develop communication products including press releases, speeches, fact sheets, feature articles, pamphlets, newsletters, magazines, technical reports, website content, and social media posts in adherence with the AP Style Guide and Navy, Navy Medicine, and command public affairs and branding guidelines
  • Coordinate with command technical experts and leaders to ensure all communication products accurately reflect the scientific and medical technical aspects of subject matter while aligning with strategic communication priorities
  • Ensure effective dissemination of communication products across multiple platforms including the Defense Visual Information Distribution Service (DVIDS), approved social media platforms, the command intranet, and public-facing websites
  • Develop and evaluate strategic communication campaigns under the guidance of the NMCFHPC DMO and PAO, including coordination, approval, scheduling, management, and evaluation of those campaigns
  • Conduct a formal assessment of key customers and target audiences across NMCFHPC Directorates and Field Activities; compile and maintain an audience and customer contact database; update assessments and databases annually
  • Conduct an information needs assessment of the enterprise's key customers and audiences and develop a list of information products that would enhance the enterprise's service to those customers and their awareness of enterprise capabilities
  • Develop assigned stories by researching, interviewing internal and external sources, and translating complex technical, scientific, medical, and military subject matter into compelling narratives aligned with strategic communication priorities
  • Produce photographs and graphics that effectively communicate the Navy and NMCFHPC enterprise story to internal and external audiences
  • Assist with preparation, organization, and maintenance of program-related instructional, written, and oral briefing materials incorporating Government-directed updates and documenting feedback using Government-provided formats
REQUIRED EDUCATION / CERTIFICATIONS
  • Bachelor's degree in journalism, English, communications, public relations, health communications, or an equivalent combination of education and experience – required
  • APR (Accredited in Public Relations) certification - preferred
REQUIRED EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
  • Five (5) years of proven experience in public relations, public affairs, or corporate communications with strong working knowledge of a variety of PR/PA programs
  • Proven experience running public relations or public affairs campaigns that deliver measurable results and meet objectives
  • Proven experience understanding organizational structure and higher authority's strategic vision and priorities
  • Comprehensive grasp of health communication strategies
  • Comprehensive competence in social media strategy and content development
  • Experience in scientific and medical technical writing
  • Experience in copywriting and editing per AP Style Guide
  • Intermediate competence in photography
  • Intermediate competence in graphic design
  • Intermediate competence in knowledge management, information management systems, and process development
  • Intermediate competence in web design
  • Proficiency in media and social media monitoring and analysis
  • Tactical understanding of all primary social media platforms
  • Experience working with media
PREFERRED EXPERIENCE / SKILLS
  • Proven experience in public health communications for a large public health system, preferably a large military public health system or command
  • Familiarity with the American Forces Public Information Management System (AFPIMS)
  • Extensive experience with strategic communication campaign development and execution
  • Demonstrated proficiency with scientific and medical technical writing
  • Extensive experience in website and social media strategy and content development

LOCATION
  • 620 John Paul Jones Circle, Portsmouth, VA 23708
CLEARANCE
  • U.S. Citizenship required
  • Active secret clearance required
CLIENT
  • Navy and Marine Corps Force Health Protection Command (NMCFHPC), Navy Marine Corp public Health Center (NMCPHC)
TRAVEL
  • No travel required
WORK HOURS
  • 40 hours per week
  • 8 hours per working day
EMPLOYMENT CLASSIFICATION
  • Employment Classification Eligibility — W2
COMPENSATION
  • Salary Range: $85,000 - $90,000
  • Benefits: Benefits package includes options for health, dental, and vision insurance coverage; 401k contribution options
West 4 th Strategy is an Equal Opportunity (EEO) employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, creed, religion, gender, sexual orientation, ancestry, national origin, age, marital status, mental disability, physical disability, medical condition, pregnancy, political affiliation, military or veteran status, or any other basis prohibited by federal or state law.

Other Considerations: applicants will be subject to a background investigation. Individual’s primary workstation is located in an office area. The noise level in this environment is low to moderate. Regularly required to sit for extended periods up to 80% of the time; frequently required to move about to access file cabinets and use office equipment such as PC, copier, fax, telephone, cell phone, etc. Occasionally required to reach overhead, bend, and lift objects of up to 10 lbs. Specific vision abilities required by this job include the use of computer monitor screens up to 80% of the time.

Posted 2026-05-06

Recommended Jobs

Sr Full Stack .NET Developer

System One
Arlington, VA

Job Title: Sr Full Stack .NET Developer Rosslyn, VA - Hybrid, 4 days a week on-site Type: Contract To Hire Compensation:$90/hr. to $100/hr. Range, commensurate with experience Minimum Cle…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-30

Party Chief Surveyor (Heavy Civil Construction Project)

Protecnium Ingeniería y Servicios, S. L.
Norfolk, VA

Protecnium  is an international consulting firm specializing in engineering and technical services ( . We are currently looking for a Party Chief Surveyor   to join our team for a  Construction Proj…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-19

Mechanic

Reston National Golf Club
Reston, VA

Property Description: Reston National is among Northern Virginia’s favorite classic golf courses. Designed by the legendary Ed Ault, Reston National is a great place to learn, practice, and play golf…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-06

Registered Veterinary Technician (RVT)

Carnegy Animal Hospital
Halifax County, VA

Seize the Spirit of East Coast Adventure at Carnegy Animal Hospital! Dreaming of embracing the coastal lifestyle? Look no further than Carnegy Animal Hospital , nestled in the heart of Halifax,…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-24

Automated Tester

Trillion Technology Solutions
Ashburn, VA

Job Description Job Description Trillion is seeking an Automated Tester with strong systems, software, cloud, and Agile experience to support a complex program to provide Agile development and op…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-17

Games Support Tech

Dave & Buster's
Virginia Beach, VA

Job Description: Dave & Buster’s is different from everywhere else. No two days are ever the same. Time will fly by serving hundreds of people with flexible schedules you can accommodate school or…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-17

Remote Entry-Level Sales: Flexible Hours & Commission

Spieldenner Group
Hampton, VA

A growing financial services organization is seeking motivated individuals for a commission-based sales role focused on protecting families' financial interests. Responsibilities include client outrea…

View Details
Posted 2026-04-30

216082 - Structural Engineer 3

Chipton‑Ross Inc
Newport News, VA

Chipton-Ross is seeking a Structural Engineer 3 for a contract opportunity in Newport News, VA BASIC QUALIFICATIONS (REQUIRED SKILLS/EXPERIENCE): 5 Years with Bachelors in Science; 3 Years with M…

View Details
Posted 2026-01-28

Business Manager, Commercial Fraud Strategy

Capital One
McLean, VA

Overview Business Manager, Commercial Fraud Strategy Summary:  The Commercial Fraud Strategy team plays the crucial role of protecting Capital One’s Commercial Banking clients from fraud in …

View Details
Posted 2026-03-30

Sales Agent - Remote Role

Legacy Harbor Advisors
Arlington, VA

Join Our Dynamic Sales Team and Build a Career You Love! Are you looking for a career that offers flexibility, growth, and unlimited earning potential, all while being part of a supportive and high…

View Details
Posted 2026-03-14