Description

Do you have a talent for turning complex defense technologies into compelling, audience-ready narratives?

Are you passionate about communicating how advanced weapons systems enhance our nation’s security?

If so, we invite you to join our team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).

We are seeking someone to support the communications needs of technical programs within the Precision Strike Mission Area of APL’s Force Projection Sector (FPS). In this role, you will work closely with the sector’s communications strategist, partnering with engineers, analysts, and program managers to capture the story, shape the messaging, and build compelling deliverables – sometimes creating them yourself, and sometimes working with our creative team.

As a Communications Program Specialist...

• Create high-level communication products
  Produce written and visual communication materials including, but not limited to, newsletters, briefings, fact sheets, and technical summaries, applying established visual-communication and formatting standards. For complex deliverables (e.g., graphics-intensive, animated, or video products), develop scripts, storyboards, and SME-sourced content, leading design and production teams through concept, review, and final quality control
• Support sponsor communication activities
  Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, visual aids, and talking point packages for sponsor meetings, VIP visits, and high-level technical briefings. Ensure all products convey consistent messaging, comply with review requirements, and reflect a polished, professional presentation.
• Develop and maintain a cohesive narrative
  Partner with technical subject-matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling storylines that highlight program value, milestones, and vision. Regularly refine and update narratives to ensure they remain accurate and relevant as programs evolve.
• Develop and manage a messaging architecture
  Serve as the central resource for key messages and status communications, ensuring communication products are aligned with sponsor expectations, program priorities, and APL branding and communication standards.
• Capture results and track portfolio impact
  Monitor delivery metrics, stakeholder feedback, and communication outcomes across assigned projects. Track and report results as part of the FPS communications portfolio, providing insights that support sector-level and APL-wide communications priorities in coordination with the Communications Strategist.

Qualifications

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience creating written and visual communications for defense, aerospace, engineering or research organizations.
• Familiarity with government processes and communication.
• Experience preparing executive-level briefings, technical summaries, or -facing deliverables.
• Strong project management, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical staff and creative professionals in a fast-paced environment.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• Direct experience communicating about precision strike, electronic warfare, targeting, or related defense mission areas.
• Familiarity with Department of War programs, Navy and Air Force acquisition structures, and military command communication guidelines
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical areas, especially precision strike kinetic and non-kinetic weapons, directed energy systems, electronic warfare, network-centric and multi-domain operations, martitime strike, ISR&T, advanced targeting and sensor fusion
• Demonstrated ability to shape and maintain coherent narratives across a portfolio of complex programs.
• Working knowledge of tools for presentation and visual communication (e.g., PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Ability to work part-time from both APL’s Laurel campus and the Washington Navy Yard, supporting collaboration with technical teams and government partners.
• An active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

About Us

Why Work at APL?

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL) brings world-class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. While we are dedicated to solving complex challenges and pioneering new technologies, what makes us truly outstanding is our culture. We offer a vibrant, welcoming atmosphere where you can bring your authentic self to work, continue to grow, and build strong connections with inspiring teammates.

At APL, we celebrate our differences of perspectives and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Our employees enjoy generous benefits, including a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore-Washington metro area. Learn more about our career opportunities at http://www.jhuapl.edu/careers.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities. If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations@jhuapl.edu.

The referenced pay range is based on JHU APL’s good faith belief at the time of posting. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as geographic location, work experience, market conditions, education/training and skill level with consideration for internal parity. For salaried employees scheduled to work less than 40 hours per week, annual salary will be prorated based on the number of hours worked. APL may offer bonuses or other forms of compensation per internal policy and/or contractual designation. Additional compensation may be provided in the form of a sign-on bonus, relocation benefits, locality allowance or discretionary payments for exceptional performance. APL provides eligible staff with a comprehensive benefits package including retirement plans, paid time off, medical, dental, vision, life insurance, short-term disability, long-term disability, flexible spending accounts, education assistance, and training and development. Applications are accepted on a rolling basis.

Minimum Rate

$62,900 Annually

Maximum Rate

$180,300 Annually