Strategic Communications Outreach Specialist

Position Overview

Hybrid; Mc. Lean, VA and Washington, DC Travel: Limited local travel with occasional CONUS travel to conferences, stakeholder events, and outreach activities Background Investigation: Must be eligible to obtain and maintain required USDOT facility and network access Work Schedule: Monday-Friday during standard business hours with flexibility to support events, campaigns, and stakeholder engagement initiatives Employment Type: Full-Time Key Responsibilities Develop and execute strategic communications, stakeholder outreach, and engagement plans supporting FHWA research programs and initiatives.

Lead development of integrated marketing and communications campaigns across digital, print, web, email, and social media channels. Create messaging, outreach materials, communication plans, and campaign content for diverse stakeholder audiences. Support efforts to increase readership, subscriptions, and engagement for FHWA publications and communication products.

Develop content for websites, newsletters, social media platforms, presentations, fact sheets, and promotional materials. Conduct audience analysis, market research, stakeholder assessments, and reader surveys to support communication strategies. Analyze performance metrics and engagement data to evaluate communication effectiveness and recommend improvements.

Support stakeholder outreach activities involving State DOTs, industry partners, transportation organizations, researchers, and other key audiences. Coordinate communication support for conferences, trade shows, webinars, and public outreach events. Assist with development and implementation of branding and messaging standards.

Collaborate with editors, writers, graphic designers, multimedia specialists, web content specialists, and Government stakeholders to ensure consistency across communication products. Monitor communications trends, digital engagement strategies, and industry best practices to support continuous improvement initiatives.

Prepare reports, presentations, and recommendations for client leadership regarding outreach performance and stakeholder engagement activities. Required Qualifications Bachelor's or Master's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a related field. Minimum 6 years of professional experience in communications, public affairs, marketing, stakeholder engagement, or outreach.

Experience developing and implementing strategic communications plans and outreach campaigns. Strong writing, editing, presentation, and interpersonal communication skills. Experience creating content for digital, print, web, email, and social media platforms. Experience conducting audience research, communications assessments, or campaign performance evaluations.

Experience managing multiple concurrent projects and deadlines. Ability to translate complex technical information into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and digital communications platforms.

Preferred Qualifications

FHWA, USDOT, or other Federal civilian agency communications experience. Experience supporting transportation, infrastructure, engineering, or research-related programs. Experience with Gov. Delivery, Granicus, social media management platforms, or stakeholder engagement tools.

Compensation

The salary range provided is determined by market value, internal equity, and the candidate's experience and qualifications. Offers will be extended within this range, though not all candidates will receive an offer at the upper limit.