The Strategic Communications Lead and Deputy Program Manager serves as the principal strategic communications advisor and deputy to the Program Manager, leading the planning, execution, and evaluation of integrated communications strategies and campaigns in support of the federal client. This role develops strategic messaging, positioning, and communications products; measures campaign effectiveness; and provides recommendations to improve outcomes. The position also supports contract execution, client engagement, reporting to agency leadership, cross-functional team coordination, and resource planning, serving as Acting Program Manager when delegated. This is a contingent position. Hiring for this role is dependent upon LMD Agency being awarded the associated government contract and receiving authorization to proceed.

LMD is a full-service marketing and branding agency headquartered in Columbia, Maryland. As a woman-owned small business, LMD provides a wide range of fully in-house capabilities for brands and businesses at every scale, including branding, design, content, research, strategy, video, media, web, and organizational change management.

LMD has evolved with the industry for over 50 years, supporting organizations in the public and private sector that want to transition, rebrand, or meet new goals. Helping our clients, our teams, and our communities create this positive change is our mission, our purpose—our “why.”

KEY RESPONSIBILITIES

• Support development of routine strategic communications plans for product rollouts and other initiatives by incorporating strategic messaging and tactics into External Affairs Guidance (EAG).
• Support execution plan rollouts to engage cybersecurity and infrastructure security stakeholders, customers, and the general public, educating each audience on the federal client's mission and products and services available to them.
• Support the development of an annual strategic communications plan to educate audiences on the federal client's mission and products and services available.
• Develop strategic communications engagement strategies and implement strategic marketing tactics and associated communications materials in support of the federal client's campaigns, programs, and events
• Provide research/technical expertise on issues related to cybersecurity and infrastructure security communications strategies.
• Promote strategic partnerships with organizations at the national, regional, and local levels to advance cybersecurity messaging and to promote cybersecurity resources in innovative and impactful ways.
• Draft communication materials, as directed, including talking points, social media content, web content, leave-behind materials, and other public-facing content.
• Conduct measurement activities to evaluate the effectiveness of communications efforts towards achieving intended outcomes.
• Manage recurring daily, weekly, and monthly strategic communications activities to include reports tracking EA activities, look back reports for the federal client's leadership, development of EAG communications, and updating campaign trackers.
• Provide strategic support to External Affairs for new or expanding the federal client's programs and initiatives.
• Support the Account Director/Program Manager in managing a team of prime and subcontractors, ensuring their performance and establishing client relationships.
• Support program planning, staffing, resource allocation, and budget tracking across strategic communications activities.
• Develop a working knowledge of the federal statement of work and communicate with leadership and the client about scope, resourcing, and budget.
• Lead meetings, coordinate action items, and ensure timely completion of contract deliverables.
• Mentor and problem-solve/brainstorm with team.
• Assist in functional work when coverage is needed.
• Work to ensure quality of work meets clients’ and contract needs.
• Serve as Acting Program Director during absences or as delegated.

QUALIFICATIONS

• Currently holds, or can obtain, DHS Fitness Determination.
• BS/BA in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience: Assisting in the development of communications materials to build brand and product awareness through targeted media campaigns and engaging in advertising planning and placement for all media, both offline and online.

PREFERRED SKILLS AND EXPERIENCE

• Strong client relationship management, leadership, organizational, and project coordination skills.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior government leaders.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, coordinate cross-functional teams, and deliver high-quality work in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong research skills
• Experience managing communications teams and supporting federal government contracts, preferably within DHS, or a government, agency, or consulting environment.
• PR agency, corporate, or government agency experience preferred.
• Self-starter with the ability to manage tasks and handle multiple priorities with minimal supervision.
• Skilled at giving and receiving feedback internally and externally.
• Accustomed to a client-facing role and experience briefing senior leaders.

JOB LOCATION

• This position is onsite at the client's office located in Arlington, VA.

EMPLOYMENT TYPE

• Full-time
• Contingent upon contract award

BENEFITS

We offer a work environment that encourages personal and professional growth and a generous benefits package:

Health Ins with HRA plan

Dental Ins

Vision Ins

Short-Term Disability Ins

Term Life and AD&D Ins

Voluntary Critical Illness, Accident, Hospital, and Pet Insurance

Holidays (12)

Vacation Leave

Sick Leave

Personal Days

Volunteer Time Off

Bereavement Leave

Parental Leave

401(k)

Profit Sharing

FSA and DCA plans

Remote Work Reimbursement

In-person & Virtual Team Building & Training

This position is part of a proposal effort and is contingent upon LMD Agency being awarded the associated contract and receiving funding and/or government authorization to begin work. Candidates may be interviewed and selected in advance to support a timely project launch; however, employment cannot begin unless and until the contract is awarded and all pre-employment requirements are successfully completed.

LMD is an Equal Opportunity Employer and is subject to the VEVRAA requirements. Employment opportunities at LMD are based on one's qualifications and capabilities to perform the essential functions of a particular job. All employment opportunities are provided without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, genetic information, veteran status, protected veteran status, disability, or any other characteristic protected by law, unless such disability, even with reasonable accommodation, prevents the applicant from being able to perform the essential functions of a job.

By applying for a position with us, you agree to our participation in the E-Verify program. If you are offered employment, you must provide documentation verifying your identity and legal authorization to work in the United States, in compliance with federal law.

LMD will not accept solicitations from recruiters, placement firms, or development firms seeking to do business with LMD.