Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Communications

Job Overview

Summary:

The Air Force Research Laboratory (AFRL) is searching for a visionary PublicAffairs & Strategic Communications leader to shape how the world understands the future of air, space, and cyber power. This is not a routine PA job — this is your chance to lead the communications engine behind one of the nation’s most advanced science and technology organizations.

Major Duties:

• Lead AFRL’s enterprise Public Affairs team, driving unified, strategic communication across all HQ and Operating Locations.
• Serve as senior PA advisor to the Center Commander and leadership across the enterprise.
• Shape and execute AFRL’s enterprise‑wide communication and marketing strategies to elevate mission impact and visibility.
• Build and maintain influential relationships with media, government officials, industry, academia, and community leaders.
• Direct media operations, digital engagement, and visual information efforts that tell AFRL’s story to national and international audiences.
• Guide policy, messaging, and branding to ensure alignment with commander intent and higher‑headquarters direction.
• Lead outreach and public engagement efforts that strengthen trust, awareness, and support for AFRL’s mission.
• Drive internal communication strategies that inform and connect AFRL’s workforce.
• Oversee Security & Policy Review processes and ensure PA teams across the enterprise are equipped and synchronized.
• Foster collaboration across mission organizations to increase efficiency and support critical warfighter‑focused innovation
• Direct and supervise a team, managing daily operations, appraisal evaluations, and resource allocations to ensure mission effectiveness.
  
  

Why This Role is so Important:

As the Director of Public Affairs & Strategic Communications at AFRL, you will lead the communication of the Air Force's most advanced concepts. You will be responsible for ensuring these ideas are clearly understood by Congress, the media, strategic partners, and the workforce. Your leadership is essential for building support and accelerating the transition of critical technologies to our warfighters

Telework

Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework; as determined by agency policy

Remote Work (CONUS)

No, this position is not approved for remote work.

Eligible for a Referral Bonus?

No

Required Qualifications

• US Citizenship
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance
• At least one (1) year of specialized experience at the next lower grade (DO‑03/GS‑14 equiv for DO‑04), or equivalent experience in other pay systems
• This position may be filled under multiple occupational series. Applicants are required to meet all OPM Qualification Standard requirements for the applicable occupational series and grade.
  
  

Desired Qualifications

• Ability to provide authoritative advice to senior leaders on communication issues with national‑level visibility.
• Skill in analyzing complex issues and developing clear, accurate, and timely internal and external communication products.
• Ability to represent the organization in high‑stakes engagements and public forums.
• Strong judgment, discretion, and decision‑making in handling sensitive or potentially controversial information.
• Previous experience in federal government Public Affairs/Strategic Communication roles
  
  

Additional Information

Req # 56249

Series

1035