Public Relations Specialist (IT/Cyber)

Arlington, VA (Hybrid)

$77K/yr – $106K/yrMid Level5+ years expFull time

Posted 2 months ago

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Job Summary

Own and orchestrate public affairs initiatives across media outreach, messaging, and stakeholder engagement, delivering timely campaigns and clear external representation while continually improving processes and tools.

  • Media & Outreach: Proactively initiate media outreach, conduct interviews, refine external messaging, and monitor coverage to protect reputation.
  • Public Affairs & Stakeholder Coordination: Lead issue-based content, coordinate outreach campaigns, and support strategic planning within established guidance.
  • Operations & Compliance: Manage multiple PR projects with deadlines, maintain documentation, and drive process improvements.

Job Description

Responsibilities

  • Public Affairs: Lead public affairs initiatives by developing issue‑based content, coordinating outreach campaigns, and supporting stakeholder engagement efforts. Contribute to strategic planning while operating independently within established guidance
  • Media Relations Activities: Initiate proactive media outreach, represent the organization in interviews and briefings, refine messaging for external audiences, and monitor media coverage to support reputational goals and effective issue management
  • Communication & Representation: Communicate clearly and professionally in both internal and external settings. Serve as a representative of the organization during media interactions—including interviews, conferences, and events—to promote transparency, credibility, and goodwill
  • Schedule & Timeline Management: Independently manage and prioritize multiple public relations projects, campaigns, and events. Ensure deliverables such as press releases, media engagements, and campaign materials are completed on schedule, proactively adjusting timelines to meet deadlines
  • Documentation: Maintain organized and up‑to‑date documentation of public relations activities, including press materials, media contact lists, campaign files, and partnership records to support continuity and transparency
  • Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify and resolve complex public relations challenges using sound judgment and subject‑matter expertise. Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, tools, and strategies, escalating only the most complex issues as needed

Requirements

  • Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
  • Minimum of five (5) years of experience planning and executing comprehensive public relations campaigns, including strategic direction, message development, and implementation
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Fitness Determination
  • Proven experience collaborating with clients, leadership, and cross‑functional teams to execute public relations initiatives from concept through delivery
  • Experience partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate PR projects and ensure alignment with communication objectives
  • Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing messaging, press materials, and campaign content
  • Experience reviewing communications products for quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational standards
  • High degree of professionalism, judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive or high‑visibility communications
  • Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
  • Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this role

Preferred

  • Experience supporting IT, cybersecurity, technology modernization, or digital programs
  • Background working in federal, contractor, or highly regulated environments
  • Experience coordinating campaigns that involve media outreach, events, or multi‑channel communications
  • Ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, compelling messages for varied audiences
  • Strong client‑facing skills with experience advising stakeholders on messaging and campaign approaches

Benefits

  • Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences.
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Ripple Effect

3.9 Glassdoor

Ripple Effect provides professional consulting and exceptional talent for federal, private, and non-profit clients to deliver some of the most crucial policies and programs that shape our nation. We are researchers and communicators, scientists, analysts and more, driven by curiosity and a commitment to positively impact health, safety and prosperity. We look at the world differently. We build organizational capacity, not dependence, by creating the structure, process and skills needed for long-term success. Bright people, smart processes, and intentional leadership to improve performance and create lasting change. That’s the Ripple Way, and our clients deserve nothing less.To learn more, visit www.rippleeffect.com.

Founded in 2003
Rockville, Maryland, USA
242 employees (25 in marketing)
74% recommend to a friend
74% CEO approval

Traffic Signals

Monthly Visitors
5.3K
Traffic Source Mix
Search
28.8%
Direct
44.7%
Referral
9.9%
Social
15.1%
Paid
1.5%

Headcount Trend

Current headcount: ~243

Marketing Team

Marketing Team Size
17 (7% of company)
Marketing Roles Posted (Last 30 Days)
2