Communications Program Specialist – Advanced Weapons Technologies & Systems

Job Description

Do you have a talent for turning complex defense technologies into compelling, audience-ready narratives? Are you passionate about communicating how advanced weapons systems enhance our nation’s security? If so, we invite you to join our team at the Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory (APL).

• Create high-level communication products. Produce written and visual communication materials including newsletters, briefings, fact sheets, and technical summaries, applying visual-communication and formatting standards. For complex deliverables (graphics-intensive, animated, and video products), develop scripts, storyboards, and SME-sourced content, leading design and production teams through concept, review, and final quality control.

• Support sponsor communication activities. Prepare and coordinate briefing materials, visual aids, and talking point packages for sponsor meetings, VIP visits, and high-level technical briefings. Ensure all products convey consistent messaging, comply with review requirements, and reflect a polished, professional presentation.

• Develop and maintain a cohesive narrative. Partner with technical subject-matter experts (SMEs) to translate complex concepts into clear, compelling storylines that highlight program value, milestones, and vision. Regularly refine and update narratives to keep them accurate and relevant as programs evolve.

• Develop and manage a messaging architecture. Serve as the central resource for key messages and status communications, ensuring products align with sponsor expectations, program priorities, and APL branding and communication standards.

• Capture results and track portfolio impact. Monitor delivery metrics, stakeholder feedback, and communication outcomes across assigned projects. Track and report results as part of the FPS communications portfolio, providing insights that support sector-level and APL-wide communication priorities in coordination with the Communications Strategist.

• A Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, English, marketing, public relations, or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience creating written and visual communications for defense, aerospace, engineering, or research organizations.
• Familiarity with government processes and communication.
• Experience preparing executive-level briefings, technical summaries, or other facing deliverables.
• Strong project management, organizational, and collaboration skills.
• Ability to work effectively with both technical staff and creative professionals in a fast‑paced environment.
• Hold an active Top Secret security clearance and can ultimately obtain TS/SCI level clearance. Eligibility requires U.S. citizenship.

• Direct experience communicating about precision strike, electronic warfare, targeting, or related defense mission areas.
• Familiarity with Department of War programs, Navy and Air Force acquisition structures, and military command communication guidelines.
• Proven ability to communicate complex technical areas, especially precision strike kinetic and non‑kinetic weapons, directed energy systems, electronic warfare, network‑centric and multi‑domain operations, maritime strike, ISR&T, advanced targeting and sensor fusion.
• Demonstrated ability to shape and maintain coherent narratives across a portfolio of complex programs.
• Working knowledge of tools for presentation and visual communication (e.g., PowerPoint, Adobe Creative Suite).
• Ability to work part‑time from both APL’s Laurel campus and the Washington Navy Yard, supporting collaboration with technical teams and government partners.
• Active Top Secret/SCI clearance.

The Johns Hopkins University Applied Physics Laboratory brings world‑class expertise to our nation’s most critical defense, security, space and science challenges. We celebrate differences of perspective and encourage creativity and bold, new ideas. Employees enjoy generous benefits, a robust education assistance program, unparalleled retirement contributions, and a healthy work/life balance. APL’s campus is located in the Baltimore‑Washington metro area.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, creed, color, religion, sex, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, age, physical or mental disability, genetic information, veteran status, occupation, marital or familial status, political opinion, personal appearance, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. APL is committed to providing reasonable accommodation to individuals of all abilities, including those with disabilities.

If you require a reasonable accommodation to participate in any part of the hiring process, please contact Accommodations.

Minimum Rate: $62,900 Annually
Maximum Rate: $180,300 Annually