Communications Program Specialist – Advanced Weapons Technologies & Systems

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).

We are seeking someone to support the communications needs of technical programs within the Precision Strike Mission Area of APL’s Force Projection Sector (FPS). In this role, you will work closely with the sector’s communications strategist, partnering with engineers, analysts, and program managers to capture the story, shape the messaging, and build compelling deliverables – sometimes creating them yourself, and sometimes working with our creative team.

As a Communications Program Specialist...

• Create high-level communication products
  Produce written and visual communication materials including, but not limited to, newsletters, briefings, fact sheets, and technical summaries, applying established visual-communication and formatting standards. For complex deliverables (e.g., graphics-intensive, animated, or 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 ensure they remain accurate and relevant as programs evolve.
• Develop and manage a messaging architecture
  Serve as the central resource for key messages and status communications, ensuring communication products are aligned 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 communications priorities in coordination with the Communications Strategist.

You meet our minimum qualifications for the job if you...

• 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
  -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. If selected, you will be subject to a government security clearance investigation and must meet the requirements for access to classified information. Eligibility requirements include U.S. citizenship.

You'll go above and beyond our minimum requirements if you...

• 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, martitime strike, ISR&T, advanced targeting and sensor fusion
• Demonstrated ability to shape and maintain coherent narratives across a portfolio of complex programs.
• Worki…