Communications Specialist

About This Role

The Communications Specialist develops and edits a wide range of content, including news and magazine articles, press releases, and fact sheets for the Naval Surface Warfare Center Dahlgren Division (NSWCDD) Corporate Communications team. This role ensures all communications are accurate, clear, and adhere to AP Style and Navy public affairs guidance, providing editorial oversight to subordinate organizations.

Responsibilities

• Develops and delivers internal and external communication products supporting NSWCDD missions, programs, and workforce initiatives
• Writes, edits, and prepares for publication news stories, feature articles, press releases, leadership messages, and announcements in accordance with AP Style and Navy/DoD public affairs guidance
• Translates complex engineering and scientific information into clear, accurate, and audience-focused communication products
• Produces and manages visual and digital content, including photography, short-form video, graphics, and social media posts, to highlight mission activities and achievements
• Collaborates with leadership, technical subject-matter experts, and communications staff to support command messaging and key events
• Performs editorial review, fact-checking, and quality control to ensure accuracy, consistency, and readiness for public release
• Ensures all communication products comply with OPSEC, classification, release, records-management, and accessibility requirements

Requirements

• US Citizen
• Active Secret Clearance
• Proven ability to support communication programs and products, media relations programs, community relations, special events, and photography support
• Experience in research, conducting interviews, writing, editing, and obtaining release/approval for articles, feature stories, news releases, and statements, including electronic, web based, and hard copy material
• Proficient in writing, formatting, editing, and maintaining a range of print and digital media
• Thorough knowledge of AP Style
• Exceptional writer and copy editor
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills
• Strong organizational skills, attention to detail and self-motivation
• Ability to function in a face-paced and deadline-driven environment
• Ability to understand highly technical material to disseminate to a wider audience
• Knowledge of Section 508 compliance standards
• Local to Dahlgren, VA (non-remote)

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in English, Journalism, public affairs, or related degree
• Minimum six (6) years of related experience in editing documents working in a military/engineering/technical/research, development, or testing environment

Benefits