Public Affairs/Protocol Officer

Company Overview

We are a world-class team of professionals who deliver next generation technology and products in robotic and autonomous platforms, ground, soldier, and maritime systems in 50+ locations world-wide. Much of our work contributes to innovative research in the fields of sensor science, signal processing, data fusion, artificial intelligence (AI), machine learning (ML), and augmented reality (AR).

QinetiQ US's dedicated experts in defense, aerospace, security, and related fields all work together to explore new ways of protecting the American Warfighter, Security Forces, and Allies. Being a part of QinetiQ US means being central to the safety and security of the world around us. Partnering with our customers, we help save lives; reduce risks to society; and maintain the global infrastructure on which we all depend.

Why Join QinetiQ US?

If you have the courage to take on a wide variety of complex challenges, then you will experience a unique working environment where innovative teams blend different perspectives, disciplines, and technologies to discover new ways of solving complex problems. In our diverse and inclusive environment, you can be authentic, feel valued, be respected, and realize your full potential. QinetiQ US will support you with workplace flexibility, a commitment to the health and well-being of you and your family and provide opportunities to work with a purpose. We are committed to supporting your success in both your professional and personal lives.

Position Overview

QinetiQ US is seeking a Public Affairs/Protocol Officer to support a high functioning executive level office in the Chantilly, VA area. The highly motivated candidate will provide leadership and guidance through knowledge, experience, and their ability to effectively provide oversight and management of the Public Affairs. The candidate will help craft and disseminate message that align with the organization's goals, ensuring consistency in communication.

The Public Affairs/Protocol Officer's primary responsibilities are to guide and support an Office of the Secretary of War's public affairs program and provide protocol support when called upon to support the Director and Deputy Director. Responsibilities will include crafting and coordinating messages, drafting press releases, speeches and other various public-facing materials. Develop a communication strategy for both internal and external recipients. Organize and coordinate with various Public Affairs and Protocol offices throughout the Department, Intelligence Communities and Civilian organizations in support of the Director and Deputy Director.

Responsibilities

• Serve as the single public affairs subject matter expert within the office, crafting/drafting, routing and disseminating messages that align with the Office of the Secretary of War's organizational goals and objectives.
• Coordinating and collaborating with various Public Affairs Offices (PAO) across the Department, Intelligence Community, and Commercial organizations.
• Act as the primary point of contact for media inquiries, managing relationships with both internal and external stakeholders
• Monitor public opinion, media coverage and providing insights and recommendation to leadership on communication strategies, highlighting risks and concerns as applicable to provide fully informed recommendations utilizing various classified and unclassified sources available.
• Responsible for managing and coordinating formal and informal events for the Director and Deputy Director ensuring that all events comply with protocol standards
• Act as a liaison between external organizations in support of formal and information event planning
• Provide guidance and recommendation on etiquette and cultural sensitives as required.
• Provide routine administrative and action officer support to facilitate various engagements across the department, this is inclusive but not limited to following:
• Drafting, coordinating and finalizing briefing materials
• Providing logistic support for all formal and informal events (Conference rooms, clearances verifications, visitor lists etc.)
• Preparing official documents, invitations and correspondence related to these events
• Drafting both internal and external correspondence for the Director and/or Deputy Director signature
• Staffing of all documents, speeches, white papers etc.
• Special projects as desired

Required Qualifications

• TS/SCI-Eligible - Currently hold an active TS/SCI or have held an SCI and have been debriefed in the last 24 months; #qinetiqclearedjob
• Bachelor's degree in communication, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Previous experience doing Public Affairs support within the DoD
• Excellent writing and verbal communication skills
• Ability to handle sensitive situations and communicate effectively under pressure
• Understanding the media landscapes and the ability to build relationships with various stakeholders, both internal and external
• Strategic Thinker - ability to think critically and be proactive ahead of all taskers as required
• Experience working in a TS/SCI/SAP environment
• Minimum of 15 years of experience using various multi-media forms.
• Excellent communication skills, ability to work in a team environment, and be independently motivated.
• Travel up to 10% of the time to CONUS and OCONUS locations (Alaska, Hawaii, UK and EUROPE)
• #LI-ONSITE

Preferred Qualifications

• Acquisition or government program management experience highly desired
• Self-starter mentality combined with proficiency in supporting execution of DoD projects
• Experience developing MS PPT briefing products and white papers
• Good organizational skills with experience coordinating large meetings both in-person and virtual
• Proactiveness with ability to identify and resolve problems or issues in a timely fashion
• Master's degree

Company EEO Statement

Accessibility/Accommodation:

If because of a medical condition or disability you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the employment process, please send an e-mail to staffing@us.QinetiQ.com or call (540) 658-2720 Opt. 1 and let us know the nature of your request and contact information.

QinetiQ US is an Equal Opportunity employer. All Qualified Applicants will receive equal consideration for employment without regard to race, age, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or protected Veteran status.