Public Affairs and Media Engagement Specialist

Public Affairs and Media Engagement Specialist

Red Sky is seeking a Public Affairs and Media Engagement Specialist to support our Department of Defense (DoD) client’s Communication and Public Affairs Directorate in Tampa, Florida. This position requires expertise in public affairs, media engagement, and communications within sensitive federal or defense environments. The ideal candidate will possess an active TS/SCI security clearance, demonstrated experience in public affairs planning and execution, and the ability to communicate effectively with senior leaders and external audiences.

• Research and draft public affairs guidance, responses to media inquiries, and talking points on key issues affecting the DoD client.
• Develop and coordinate official responses to media queries in conjunction with the Communication and Public Affairs Directorate, additional staff sections, and higher headquarters.
• When authorized and under U.S. government supervision, respond to media inquiries on a non-attributable basis.
• Support media operations surge requirements, including 24/7 shift work during crisis or high-visibility events as directed.
• Monitor traditional and digital media coverage relevant to the organization’s mission, and provide real-time feedback and analysis to leadership.
• Alert leadership to breaking media coverage and assist in correcting inaccurate reporting.
• Plan and conduct conference calls with public affairs counterparts across the client’s enterprise and higher headquarters.
• Provide media training support to key senior leaders and designated spokespersons.
• Develop and prepare briefing materials and read-ahead packages for senior leaders ahead of key media engagements.
• Produce timely rollup summaries and after‑action reports on significant media events and engagements.
• Assist senior personnel in the planning and execution of weekly public affairs briefings, including talking point development, note taking, and real-time research.

• Current Top Secret security clearance with SCI eligibility.
• Bachelor’s degree.
• Five or more years of experience developing public affairs plans and media campaigns for government, military, or similar organizations.
• Strong proficiency with the AP Stylebook.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook).
• Current U.S. passport.
• Demonstrated sound judgment in high‑visibility, time‑sensitive, and politically complex environments.
• Excellent organizational, time management, writing, editorial, and presentation skills.
• Ability to collaborate effectively with senior military and civilian leaders and work in a multidisciplinary team environment.

• Defense Information School (DINFOS) Public Affairs Officer Qualification Course (PAOQC) or equivalent.
• Experience in military public affairs at the service, joint, or headquarters level.
• Experience living or working in regions pertinent to the client’s mission, including the Middle East or Central Asia.
• Joint Professional Military Education (JPME).

Seniority level:
Mid‑Senior level

Employment type:

Full‑time

Job function:
Other

Industries: IT Services and IT Consulting

Tampa, FL $65,000.00–$ 1 week ago