Public Affairs Specialist

Strategic Solutions Unlimited, Inc. (SSU) is a strategically focused, innovative organization that provides world class services and customizable modular construction to our government and commercial clients. We are a solutions-based company, that is veteran owned and operated by military-minded professionals with decades of special operations and intelligence experience. Our team is dedicated to supporting the needs of the warfighter, providing services to both government organizations and the commercial sector. Domestically or internationally, SSU provides our client a large business experience as a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB).

SSU is currently recruiting for a Public Affairs Specialist to support Special Operations Public Affairs (SOPA) and Special Operations Command Central (SOCCENT). This opportunity is contingent upon contract award.

Security Clearance: TS, SCI eligible

Duties and Responsibilities:

COMMAND INFORMATION STRATEGY DEVELOPMENT

• Develop, implement, and manage SOCOM’s internal communication strategy to ensure clear, consistent, and timely dissemination of information within the command.
• Coordinate with USSOCOM staff to ensure internal messaging aligns with the command’s objectives, priorities, and operational requirements.
• Advise leadership on communication trends, best practices, and opportunities for improving engagement with key publics and SOCOM personnel.

SPEECHWRITING & MESSAGE DEVELOPMENT

• Research, draft, and refine speeches, talking points, and remarks for senior command leaders, ensuring alignment with command objectives and tone.
• Develop tailored key messages and themes to support command initiatives, operational milestones, and leadership engagements.
• Coordinate with senior staff and subject matter experts to ensure factual accuracy and consistency with approved guidance

STRATEGIC PUBLIC AFFAIRS PLANNING

• Contribute to the development and execution of comprehensive public affairs strategies that support the command’s strategic communication objectives.
• Assist in the integration of PA efforts with IO, PSYOP, and interagency messaging to support theater and global communication campaigns.
• Provide recommendations on narrative development, audience targeting, and engagement methods based on operational context.

VISUAL STORYTELLING & PHOTOGRAPHY

• Capture professional-grade photography of command events, leadership activities, and missions for use in internal and external communication products.
• Edit and curate visual content to DOW standards and submit to enterprise-level systems (e.g., DVIDS) as appropriate.
• Collaborate with layout designers and content developers to ensure visuals support strategic messaging goals.

ARTICLE WRITING & EDITORIAL CONTENT

• Develop and write a variety of engaging content, including news articles, human-interest features, and command updates, for dissemination across internal and external communication channels. This role ensures all written materials are clear, compelling, and maintain a high standard of quality while consistently reflecting the organization’s mission and strategic messaging.
• Work with subject matter experts (SMEs), personnel from various SOCOM sub-organizations, and other stakeholders to gather content, conduct interviews and research to develop accurate and engaging content that reflects the command’s mission and values.
• Ensure compliance with DOW and command editorial policies and review processes.

DESIGN AND LAYOUT OF PUBLICATIONS

• Responsible for the graphic design and layout of various print and digital communication materials. This involves creating visually appealing and effective designs for publications, informational products, and other collateral to ensure a cohesive and professional brand identity across all organizational communications. Maintain consistent visual branding in line with command identity and DOW standards.
• Coordinate with print vendors or internal production resources to ensure high-quality final products.

COORDINATION, INTEGRATION & REPORTING

• Collaborate with military PAOs, staff elements, and external stakeholders to ensure coordinated communication efforts.
• Develop and maintain a content calendar to track communication initiatives, ensuring that communications are strategically timed and aligned with key events, milestones, and operational activities and provide regular updates on ongoing projects, milestones, and communication metrics to government leads.
• Track and assess communication effectiveness using analytics, feedback, and engagement data; recommend adjustments as needed.

MEDIA MONITORING, RESEARCH & ANALYSIS

• Constantly monitor and analyze news, blogs, podcasts, and other media sources to assess sentiment, how the command and its operations are portrayed, and potential reputational risks.
• Conduct open-source Media Research to spot emerging issues or concerns and assess narrative developments in media coverage related to military operations, DOW policy, and geopolitical developments and provide actionable insights to PA leadership.
• Generate daily, specific, and as needed media update and analysis reports for leadership and offer actionable feedback based on the effectiveness of key messages, tone, and command communication strategies.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing, or a related field.
• Minimum 8 years of progressively responsible experience in public affairs, journalism, strategic communications, or media relations
• Minimum 4 years of public affairs experience at the E-6/O-4 level within the Department of War, federal government, or national security environment, with demonstrated experience supporting high-level military commands or executive communications.
• At least 3 years of experience in layout and design of print/digital publications, Photography and visual content production.
• Proficient in DVIDS, and/or other DOW media management platforms
• Minimum 2 years of experience utilizing Adobe Creative Suite
• Understanding of the Joint Information Environment (JIE), Information Operations (IO), and Strategic Communication principles.

Benefits:

• Competitive Salary
• 401K Matching Plan
• PTO and Holiday
• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Employee Referral Bonus

If you are interested in a well-compensated, empowered, and fulfilling position, while making a positive impact at a high level of significance, we encourage you to submit your resume/cv to resumes@ssuinc.us.

SSU is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, or protected veteran status and will not be discriminated against on the basis of disability.