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Guidehouse · 1 day ago

Strategic Communications Manager

Huntsville, AL

Full-time

Onsite

Mid, Senior Level

5+ years exp

Guidehouse is a consulting firm specializing in strategy and transformation. The Strategic Communications Manager will develop and implement communication strategies for various stakeholders, ensuring alignment with policy and regulatory requirements while managing internal and external communications.

AdviceConsultingManagement Consulting

No H1B

Security Clearance Required

Responsibilities

Develop and maintain an integrated Move Communications Plan (strategies, audiences, channels, timeline, governance, risks, KPIs) for each phase: pre‑announcement, planning, execution, and post‑move stabilization

Align messaging with DoD policy, installation leadership, Public Affairs Office (PAO) guidance, and legal/regulatory requirements (e.g., FOIA, Privacy Act, OPSEC)

Conduct stakeholder mapping and sentiment analysis; establish feedback loops to identify gaps, risks, and opportunities

Design and deliver leadership toolkits, FAQs, fact sheets, talking points, commander/manager scripts, town hall decks, and shift-brief materials

Plan and facilitate briefings, town halls, and Q&A sessions; manage intranet updates, targeted email campaigns, and collaboration channels (e.g., Teams)

Coordinate with HR/Personnel, Facilities/Logistics, and Operations to ensure synchronized communications on timelines, reporting instructions, entitlements, and community support resources

Prepare communication packages and briefings for government oversight officials, local government, and regional economic/industry groups

Draft media statements, press releases, website content, community notifications, and public meeting materials; support PAO-led engagements

Assist with public comment periods, stakeholder queries, and community relations, ensuring compliance with environmental, safety, and security guidance

Create clear, accessible content tailored to diverse audiences (leaders, service members, families, civilians, elected officials, employers, community groups, and media)

Manage multichannel delivery (email, intranet, social media per PAO guidance, web, signage, print collateral), ensuring brand and message consistency

Establish editorial calendars, review cycles, and approval workflows

Maintain risk registers and message maps; prepare holding statements and contingency communications for schedule shifts, policy changes, or community concerns

Define KPIs (reach, engagement, sentiment, comprehension, attendance, helpdesk volume, rumor incidence)

Build dashboards; conduct after‑action reviews; capture lessons learned to refine future move communications

Serve as a strategic partner to command leadership, PAO, HR, logistics, legal, and security teams; enable decision briefings and governance forums

Maintain compliant records; ensure version control, accessibility (Section 508), and audit readiness

Qualification

Strategic communicationsPublic affairsChange managementDoD communication protocolsMicrosoft 365Stakeholder analysisVisual storytellingCommunity engagementSection 508 complianceFOIA processesCertifications ProsciCertifications PMP

Required

Ability OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD 'TOP SECRET' security clearance

Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Policy, or related field

FIVE (5) or more years of experience in strategic communications, change management communications, or public affairs—preferably supporting DoD or other federal clients

Must be willing to go on client site

Preferred

An ACTIVE and MAINTAINED 'SECRET' Federal or DoD security clearance

Demonstrated experience managing internal and external communications for large-scale moves/relocations, realignments, or enterprise change initiatives

Strong writing, editing, and visual storytelling skills; ability to translate complex operational details into clear, actionable messages

Experience engaging with government oversight officials, local industry, and community stakeholders; comfort with public forums and executive briefings

Familiarity with DoD communication protocols, OPSEC considerations, and PAO coordination

Proficiency with Microsoft 365 (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Teams), collaborative workflows, and measurement/analytics

Prior experience with installation/unit moves, BRAC-like activities, or base realignment and community engagement

Certifications: Prosci® Change Management, IABC/PRSA (e.g., APR), PMP or PgMP (for complex program coordination)

Experience with Section 508 compliance, FOIA processes, and environmental/community impact communications

Knowledge of stakeholder analysis tools, sentiment tracking, and survey design