Strategic Communications Specialist

Overview

Nakupuna Federal is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist to support leadership engagement, stakeholder coordination, and communication alignment within PEO C4I’s Ship Integration Program Office (PMW 760). This role enables effective internal and external communication by developing stakeholder engagement approaches, managing client relationships, and preparing high-quality communication artifacts. The specialist supports leadership by ensuring messaging, materials, and engagement strategies are aligned with program priorities and the delivery of integrated C4I capabilities to the Fleet; proactively anticipating stakeholder engagement needs, communication risks, and leadership priorities to ensure timely and aligned messaging and interactions.

Responsibilities

Job Duties Include: The following reflects management’s definition of essential functions for this job but does not restrict the tasks that may be assigned.

• Develop and maintain a Stakeholder Engagement Plan aligned with PMW 760 priorities and leadership objectives.
• Identify and map key stakeholders across PEO C4I, NAVWAR, Fleet, and external partners.
• Support leadership in planning and preparing for stakeholder engagements and high-visibility interactions.
• Anticipate stakeholder engagement needs and prepare materials, messaging, and coordination actions in advance of leadership interactions.
• Identify emerging communication risks, misalignments, or gaps and elevate with recommended approaches.
• Proactively assess stakeholder sentiment and engagement effectiveness, recommending adjustments to improve alignment. 
• Maintain and manage Client Relationships Management (CRM) tracking for stakeholder interactions, engagements, and follow-ups.
• Develop, coordinate, and maintain communication artifacts including briefs, summaries, talking points, and engagement materials.
• Ensure consistency of messaging across technical, programmatic, and leadership communications.
• Coordinate inputs from engineering, program, and functional teams to support accurate and aligned communications.
• Support preparation of responses to emerging issues, data calls, and high-visibility inquiries.
• Assist in development of internal communication products, including updates, summaries, and organizational messaging.
• Track stakeholder engagement outcomes and provide feedback to leadership on trends, risks, and opportunities.
• Identify gaps or inconsistencies in communication and recommend improvements.

Qualifications

Skills/Qualifications:

• Strong strategic communication and stakeholder engagement skills
• Experience developing communication plans and engagement strategies
• Ability to anticipate leadership needs, stakeholder dynamics, and communication risks in a fast-paced environment
• Ability to synthesize complex technical and programmatic information into clear messaging
• Strong writing, editing, and briefing development skills
• Demonstrated ability to operate proactively, identifying issues and opportunities before they require leadership intervention
• Experience supporting senior leadership communications
• Ability to coordinate across multiple stakeholders and functional areas
• Strong organizational and analytical skills
• High attention to detail and accuracy
• Professional judgement and discretion

Education/Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public administration, business, engineering, or related field.
• Minimum 10 to 15 years supporting strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, or program support in DoD or similar environments.
• Experience supporting senior Government or military leadership
• Experience developing stakeholder engagement plans, communication strategies, or CRM tracking approaches.
• Experience supporting NAVWAR, NAVSEA, PEO C4I, or similar organizations preferred.
• Prior military experience is highly valued, particularly in roles involving communications, command support, or stakeholder coordination, such as:
  • Flag Aide or Command Staff roles
  • Public Affairs, Operations, or Intelligence roles involving briefing and communication
  • Staff positions supporting senior leadership within Fleet or Program Office environments
• Familiarity with Navy C4I systems, surface ship operations, and Fleet-level processes is desired and may strengthen candidate competitiveness.

Certification:

• No specific certification required.
• Relevant certifications or training that may strengthen candidacy include:
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or CAPM
  • Certified Administrative Professional (CAP)
  • Lean Six Sigma (Green Belt or higher)
  • Defense Information School (DINFOS) training or equivalent communication training
  • Military leadership or staff training programs

Clearance Requirements: Active Secret clearance required or ability to obtain and maintain a Secret clearance.

Work Location:

• San Diego, CA
  • Client site: Old Town Complex (OTC), 4301 Pacific Highway / PMW 760 facilities
  • Company site: TBD
• On-site support required with potential for limited telework as approved

Physical Requirements: The ideal candidate must at a minimum be able to meet the following physical requirements of the job with or without a reasonable accommodation:

• Ability to perform repetitive motions with the hands, wrists, and fingers.
• Ability to engage in and follow audible communications in emergency situations.
• Ability to sit for prolonged periods at a desk and working on a computer.