Public Affairs / Strategic Communications Specialist

Optimal Solutions & Technologies (OST, Inc.) is focused on excellence. We specialize in providing Management Consulting, Information Technology, and Research Development and Engineering services.

The fundamental distinction of the OST team is its business knowledge in both the public and private sectors. We serve the aerospace & transportation, association & nonprofit, defense, education, energy, financial, healthcare, and technology & telecommunications industries. OST is successful because we listen to our clients, we learn from our clients, and we know our clients.

Public Affairs / Strategic Communications Specialist

Position Overview

OST, Inc. is seeking a Public Affairs / Strategic Communications Specialist to provide strategic communications, public affairs, and stakeholder engagement support to Government organizations. This position will support the development, coordination, and execution of communication strategies that advance mission objectives and organizational priorities while ensuring accurate, timely, and consistent messaging for internal and external audiences.

Responsibilities

• Develop and support strategic communication plans aligned with Government priorities, policies, and operational objectives.
• Draft and edit communication products, including talking points, executive briefings, press materials, internal communications, messaging frameworks, leadership correspondence, and stakeholder updates.
• Coordinate with Government leadership, program offices, public affairs officials, and subject matter experts to gather information, validate content, and ensure accuracy.
• Support formal review and clearance processes in accordance with Government public affairs and information-release policies.
• Assist with communication planning for events, initiatives, program milestones, and organizational changes.
• Develop visual, digital, and written communication products appropriate for internal and external audiences.
• Ensure messaging remains consistent with approved Government guidance while supporting transparency and public awareness.
• Monitor the effectiveness of communication efforts and recommend improvements to strengthen outreach and stakeholder engagement.
• Maintain awareness of emerging communication needs, stakeholder concerns, and potential reputational risks.
• Perform all responsibilities in accordance with Government ethics requirements, public affairs regulations, information-release policies, and Systems Engineering and Technical Assistance (SETA) boundaries.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Marketing, English, Political Science, or a related field.
• Experience supporting strategic communications, public affairs, stakeholder engagement, or a related communications function.
• Strong writing, editing, research, and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to translate complex or technical information into clear, concise messaging for different audiences.
• Experience developing executive-level briefings, talking points, correspondence, and other communication materials.
• Ability to coordinate effectively with senior leaders, program offices, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders.
• Strong attention to detail and the ability to manage multiple assignments and deadlines.
• Ability to exercise sound judgment when handling sensitive, pre-decisional, or controlled information.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications, including Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, and Teams.
• Must be a U.S. citizen and able to meet applicable Government suitability or security requirements.
• Active Secret Clearance

Preferred Qualifications

• Previous experience supporting a Federal Government or Department of Defense organization.
• Familiarity with Government public affairs policies, communication-review procedures, and information-release requirements.
• Experience working in a Government contracting or SETA environment.
• Experience developing digital content, presentations, graphics, or other visual communication products.

This is a full-time position paying a base salary if $76,000, full benefits, and has possible bonus potential based on merit and performance. To be considered for this position, please apply online with a resume.

OST is an equal opportunity employer. Applicants are considered for positions without regard to race, religion, gender, native origin, age, disability, or any other category protected by applicable federal, state, or local laws.