Director of Public Relations & Communications

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government clients, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Director of Public Relations & Communications is responsible for shaping, protecting, and advancing SPA's corporate reputation through strategic internal and external communications. This role leads enterprise-wide messaging, media relations, executive communications, crisis response, and acquisition-related communications to ensure consistency, credibility, and clarity as SPA continues to scale rapidly.

Reporting to the Chief Marketing Officer, the Director serves as a senior advisor to SPA's leadership team and works closely with Growth, HR, Legal, Security, and Operations leadership to ensure communications align with SPA's mission, values, customer commitments, and regulatory environment.

Responsibilities

Strategic Communications & Messaging

• Develop and execute SPA's enterprise communications strategy aligned with business growth, M&A activity, and mission priorities
• Own corporate messaging, brand voice, and narrative across all channels
• Translate complex technical, operational, and government-focused content into clear, compelling communications for diverse audiences

Media & External Relations

• Lead media relations strategy, including press outreach, interviews, thought leadership, and earned media
• Serve as primary point of contact for media inquiries and external communications coordination
• Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media engagements and public appearances

Executive & Leadership Communications

• Draft and oversee executive communications including talking points, speeches, bylines, announcements, and internal messaging
• Partner with SPA Leadership on high-visibility communications tied to growth initiatives, contract wins, organizational changes, and acquisitions

Crisis & Issues Management

• Lead crisis communications planning and execution in coordination with Legal, Security, HR, and executive leadership
• Develop response frameworks for sensitive employee, customer, contract, or reputational matters
• Ensure rapid, accurate, and compliant communications during high-risk or time-sensitive events

Internal Communications

• Oversee internal communications strategy to support engagement, transparency, and culture during growth and change
• Partner with HR and leadership to support workforce communications tied to scaling, integration, and change management

M&A and Integration Communications

• Lead communications planning for acquisitions, integrations, and organizational transitions
• Ensure clear, timely messaging to employees, leaders, and external stakeholders during M&A activities

Governance, Compliance & Risk Awareness

• Ensure all communications comply with government contracting requirements, security constraints, and legal standards
• Partner closely with Human Resources, Legal, Contracts, and Security teams to manage risk in external communications

Key Competencies

• Executive presence and sound judgment
• Strategic thinking with strong attention to detail
• Ability to operate calmly and decisively under pressure
• Strong stakeholder management across technical, legal, and leadership audiences
• High discretion and integrity

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
• 10+ years of progressive experience in corporate communications or public relations
• Experience supporting executive leadership and high-stakes communications
• Demonstrated success in media relations, crisis communications, and enterprise messaging
• Exceptional writing, editing, and marketing skills

Desired Qualifications

• Experience in government contracting, defense, aerospace, intelligence, or regulated industries
• Experience supporting M&A or high-growth organizations
• Prior clearance or ability to obtain a U.S. security clearance
• Master's degree or advanced communications certification