Strategic Communications Manager/Public Relations Specialist (USAID) - ref. r5020123

Who We Are:

ZemiTek, LLC is a Woman-Owned, SBA-certified 8(a) Small Disadvantaged Business (SDB) based in the Washington, DC metro area. We have a strong record delivering innovative and high-quality solutions. Since 2007, ZemiTek has provided technical assistance, project management, information technology (IT), knowledge management, monitoring and evaluation, training and learning development, and institutional support services.

Position Description:

The individual will serve as a key advisor to USAID leadership, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging and fostering positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders. The Strategic Communications Manager/PR Specialist will oversee communication projects, produce high-quality content, and implement best practices in strategic communications to enhance program effectiveness and visibility.

• This is a call for resumes for a prospective position.

Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Facility-level clearance

Responsibilities:

• Act as a trusted advisor to senior USAID leadership, providing expert guidance on strategic communications and aligning organizational goals with USAID’s core IT and cybersecurity objectives.
• Analyze and refine the current and future organizational structure, communication processes, systems, and personnel to ensure alignment with USAID's goals and strategic direction.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive communications strategy that supports USAID’s mission and relevant initiatives, ensuring consistent and impactful messaging across all channels.
• Conduct studies and develop scenarios to support USAID’s mission-oriented business programs, initiatives, and communications effectiveness.
• Produce detailed reports, analyses, and strategic recommendations to facilitate informed decision-making by USAID leadership.
• Prepare and deliver briefings to engage stakeholders on important updates, organizational changes, and emerging topics in IT and cybersecurity.
• Coordinate and manage the creation of high-quality documents, presentations, and briefings to support the implementation of communications programs and initiatives.
• Develop and provide customized training for USAID staff on best practices in strategic communications and stakeholder engagement to support effective program execution.
• Cultivate positive relationships with internal and external stakeholders, ensuring clear and consistent communications that bolster USAID’s visibility and thought leadership.
• Partner with communications and IT teams to implement multi-channel outreach efforts that highlight USAID’s cybersecurity and IT initiatives for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure all communications materials and strategies comply with USAID standards for quality, consistency, and professionalism.
• Regularly assess the effectiveness of communications programs and initiatives, using data to inform improvements and strategic recommendations.
• Create white papers and thought leadership pieces on cutting-edge IT topics, emphasizing USAID’s innovations and strategic goals, and share them with external stakeholders, including Congressional Committees, federal agencies, and industry leaders.
• Identify and secure speaking opportunities for USAID representatives at prominent conferences, forums, and industry events to amplify the agency’s IT initiatives and expertise in areas like AI, cloud computing, and cybersecurity.
• Prepare speeches, articles, blog posts, and interviews for distribution to external audiences, spotlighting USAID’s advancements in emerging technologies and managing USAID’s social media presence to ensure consistent, impactful messaging across platforms.

Qualifications:

• Education: Master’s degree from an accredited college or university in Management, Engineering, Information Technology, Business, International Development, or other relevant technical or management disciplines. Certification in a related field (e.g., Project Management, Communications, or Business Analysis) is desirable.
• Experience: Minimum of eighteen (18) years of experience in strategic communications, consulting, or a related field, with proven expertise in supporting senior management in government or commercial organizations.
• Clearance: Ability to obtain and maintain a Facility-level clearance
• Skills:
• Proven ability to communicate complex information effectively in both written and verbal formats.
• Skilled in conducting research, analyzing data, and developing solutions for complex communication challenges.
• Experience collaborating with executive leadership, IT specialists, and other stakeholders to enhance engagement and alignment with strategic goals.
• Ability to coordinate large-scale communications initiatives, ensuring timely completion and adherence to quality standards.

What We Believe:

ZemiTek is an equal opportunity employer where an applicant’s qualifications are considered for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, age, gender identity or expression, national origin, genetic information, veteran status, disability, or any other basis prohibited by law.

ZemiTek is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, ZemiTek will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations. If you require reasonable accommodation in completing this application, interviewing, completing any pre-employment testing, or otherwise participating in the employee selection process, please direct your inquiries to accommodations@zemitek.com.

ZemiTek embraces diversity, equity, and inclusion and strives to build and maintain a safe environment where we celebrate diverse backgrounds, treat everyone with respect, and value the unique lived experiences each person brings based on their race, ethnicity, sexual orientation, gender identity, religion, disability, military or veteran status, national origin, age, marital status or family status and related conditions.