Internal Communications Consultant (Part Time)

Appointment Type: Contingent I (C1), Part-Time (10–20 hours per week)
Location: College Park, MD (Hybrid Eligible)
Reports To: Director of Operations
Labor Category: Communications / Organizational Development

The Internal Communications Consultant will provide part-time strategic communications support to enhance information flow, staff engagement, and organizational alignment across ARLIS. This position will assess current communication processes, develop internal messaging strategies, and implement tools and resources that strengthen connectivity across divisions and functional areas.
The consultant will work closely with leadership, HR/Talent Acquisition, Operations, and Division Directors to ensure that internal communications are timely, consistent, and aligned with ARLIS’s mission, culture, and strategic priorities.
This role is a C1 contingent appointment and is expected to work approximately 10–20 hours per week over the course of the assignment.
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Key Responsibilities
Strategic Communications Planning
• Develop and execute a part-time internal communications plan aligned with ARLIS’s operational goals and organizational values.
• Partner with leadership to identify key messages and communication priorities across divisions and project teams.
• Establish internal communication standards, templates, and best practices to ensure message consistency.
Content Development & Dissemination
• Draft, edit, and distribute internal messages, leadership updates, announcements, and newsletters.
• Develop creative, accessible content to increase staff awareness of ARLIS initiatives, events, and policy updates.
• Manage and enhance internal communication platforms such as Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and the internal newsletter.
Engagement & Organizational Alignment
• Support leadership and HR in developing staff engagement campaigns and events that promote inclusion and recognition.
• Communicate updates around staffing, research initiatives, and policy changes in a consistent and transparent manner.
• Partner with Talent Acquisition and Operations to ensure onboarding, retention, and culture initiatives are clearly communicated.
Measurement & Continuous Improvement
• Track communication metrics and feedback to assess message effectiveness and staff engagement.
• Provide periodic summaries and recommendations to leadership for improving communication reach and impact.
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Qualifications
Required:
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Organizational Development, or a related discipline.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in internal or organizational communications, preferably in an academic, research, or government contracting environment.
• Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills with demonstrated ability to craft professional communications for diverse audiences.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Teams, SharePoint, and internal newsletter or intranet management tools.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively in a hybrid research and administrative environment.
Preferred:
• Master’s degree in Communications, Organizational Leadership, or related field.
• Experience developing and executing internal communications in a complex or hybrid organization.
• Understanding of ARLIS’s research environment and mission areas (defense, intelligence, and national security).
• Demonstrated success supporting leadership or change management communications.
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Core Competencies
• Strategic and Tactical Communication Execution
• Writing and Editing Excellence
• Stakeholder and Relationship Management
• Cultural Awareness and Sensitivity
• Confidentiality and Professional Judgment
• Initiative and Follow-Through