Strategic Communications Associate Director (TS/SCI Security Clearance Required)

Join Our Talented Team at Protagonist We fuse rigorous, methodologically sound analysis with our cutting-edge technology platform, Narrative Analytics®. This powerful combination enables us to quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies for clients with missions that matter. Why Us? Our team is a vibrant mix of communication specialists, data scientists, and subject matter experts with extensive experience across U.S. Government agencies, non-profit organizations, and Fortune 500 companies. By joining Protagonist, you’ll immerse yourself in a collaborative environment where innovation thrives, and your contributions truly matter. What We Do Innovative Solutions: We co-develop cutting-edge solutions with our clients to address tough communication problems and capitalize on opportunities to make a tangible impact. Data-Driven Insights: Our tools and methodologies provide actionable insights that help clients meet their communication objectives and stay ahead of global challenges. Applied Expertise: We integrate our solutions within client organizations, leveraging our profound expertise to address critical issues and ensure sustainable success. Be Part of Something Bigger At Protagonist, you’ll work on compelling projects that make a real difference. We seek talented individuals eager to contribute to our mission and grow alongside us. If you’re passionate about communication, data analysis, and making an impact, we invite you to explore a career with Protagonist. Explore Your Future with Us! Ready to take the next step in your career? Join us at Protagonist and be part of a team that's making a difference. Job Description Parenthetic, a wholly owned subsidiary of Protagonist, helps mission-driven organizations navigate complex information environments with clarity and purpose. By combining rigorous communication science with our proprietary Narrative Analytics® platform—powered by advanced AI/ML and large-scale open-source data analysis—we deliver data-driven insight that enables national security, commercial, and non-profit organizations to design effective communication strategies, measure impact, and operate with greater certainty in an increasingly contested information environment. Parenthetic is seeking a Strategic Communications Associate Director to join our team in Washington D.C. This role will work directly with senior defense stakeholders and internal leadership to design and execute strategic communications initiatives aligned with senior leader priorities and mission objectives. The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience in strategic communications within national security, space, or technology-focused environments and is comfortable engaging with senior officials across government and industry. Experience supporting the U.S. Department of Defense (DoD)—particularly the Office of the Secretary of Defense for Policy (OSDP), the Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, or the U.S. Space Force—is strongly preferred. In this role, you will collaborate with a multidisciplinary team to analyze the public information environment and support the development of strategic communications plans aligned with senior leader priorities. You will translate complex technical and policy concepts into clear, accurate materials—including executive reports, briefings, playbooks, and press materials—and help ensure communications efforts are coordinated, consistent, and aligned with established objectives. Responsibilities Build trusted advisor relationships with client stakeholders by diagnosing complex communications challenges, developing practical solutions, and translating technical information into clear, decision-ready insights. Develop and communicate strategic communications direction by establishing clear messaging principles, articulating vision and priorities, and aligning communication efforts across stakeholders. Serve as a strategic advisor and project manager, providing expert guidance to senior leadership and overseeing the planning and execution of communications initiatives to ensure clarity, consistency, and alignment across stakeholders. Lead end-to-end delivery of strategic communications and analytical efforts, guiding small teams from project initiation through final deliverables and follow-on recommendations. Develop executive-level materials, including briefs, reports, and presentations, that translate analysis into clear recommendations for senior decision-makers. Contribute to business growth by supporting proposal development, white papers, and related efforts, helping translate strong client delivery into sustainable program expansion. Work Experience and Skills The position requires full-time on-site work in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) for a Federal Government client. Occasional domestic and overseas travel may be required. Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Communication, Marketing, Psychology, Political Science, or other social science fields. Experience requirements: Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience (or master’s degree and 5+ years of experience). Relevant military or prior government experience in lieu of a four-year degree considered. Possess a current Top Secret security clearance and be SCI/SAP eligible. Demonstrated experience in engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives, government officials, media representatives, and the public. This includes the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships, advocate for the organization's communication goals, and navigate complex political and social landscapes. Stellar business communication skills, including the ability to actively listen, articulate complex concepts, and provide constructive feedback. Proven experience in using frameworks to analyze communication challenges and opportu