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Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory · 3 days ago

Communications Program Specialist – Advanced Weapons Technologies & Systems

Laurel, MD

Part-time

Onsite

Mid Level

$63K/yr - $180K/yr

3+ years exp

Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is seeking a Communications Program Specialist to support the communications needs of technical programs within the Precision Strike Mission Area. The role involves creating high-level communication products, developing cohesive narratives, and managing messaging architecture to effectively convey complex defense technologies.

EducationUniversities

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

U.S. Citizen Only

Responsibilities

Create high-level communication products Produce written and visual communication materials including, but not limited to, newsletters, briefings, fact sheets, and technical summaries, applying established visual-communication and formatting standards. For complex deliverables (e.g., graphics-intensive, animated, or video products), develop scripts, storyboards, and SME-sourced content, leading design and production teams through concept, review, and final quality control

Support sponsor communication activities Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, visual aids, and talking point packages for sponsor meetings, VIP visits, and high-level technical briefings. Ensure all products convey consistent messaging, comply with review requirements, and reflect a polished, professional presentation

Develop and maintain a cohesive narrative Partner with technical subject-matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling storylines that highlight program value, milestones, and vision. Regularly refine and update narratives to ensure they remain accurate and relevant as programs evolve

Develop and manage a messaging architecture Serve as the central resource for key messages and status communications, ensuring communication products are aligned with sponsor expectations, program priorities, and APL branding and communication standards

Capture results and track portfolio impact Monitor delivery metrics, stakeholder feedback, and communication outcomes across assigned projects. Track and report results as part of the FPS communications portfolio, providing insights that support sector-level and APL-wide communications priorities in coordination with the Communications Strategist

Qualification

Visual communicationTechnical briefingsWritten communicationProject managementGovernment processesNarrative developmentAdobe Creative SuiteCollaboration skillsOrganizational skillsFast-paced environment

Required

A Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations, or a related field

At least 3 years of relevant experience creating written and visual communications for defense, aerospace, engineering or research organizations

Familiarity with government processes and communication

Experience preparing executive-level briefings, technical summaries, or -facing deliverables

Strong project management, organizational, and collaboration skills

Ability to work effectively with both technical staff and creative professionals in a fast-paced environment

Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship

Preferred

Direct experience communicating about precision strike, electronic warfare, targeting, or related defense mission areas

Familiarity with Department of War programs, Navy and Air Force acquisition structures, and military command communication guidelines

Proven ability to communicate complex technical areas, especially precision strike kinetic and non-kinetic weapons, directed energy systems, electronic warfare, network-centric and multi-domain operations, maritime strike, ISR&T, advanced targeting and sensor fusion

Demonstrated ability to shape and maintain coherent narratives across a portfolio of complex programs

Working knowledge of tools for presentation and visual communication (e.g., PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite)

Ability to work part-time from both APL's Laurel campus and the Washington Navy Yard, supporting collaboration with technical teams and government partners

An active Top Secret/SCI clearance

Benefits

Robust education assistance program

Unparalleled retirement contributions

Healthy work/life balance

Comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development

Company

Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory

The Johns Hopkins Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) is a not-for-profit university-affiliated research center (UARC) that provides solutions to complex national security and scientific challenges with technical expertise and prototyping, research and development, and analysis.

Founded in 1942

Laurel, Maryland, USA

5001-10000 employees