As a solutions-based company, Precise Systems is focused on innovation in support of the warfighters and aligning our expertise to deliver the highest quality of service. Powered by our highly skilled workforces, we provide expert consultation on network and weapons systems acquisition programs, maintenance/modernization programs, and sustainment programs with solutions in Digital Transformation, Advanced Engineering, Physical Sciences Research, Platform Lifecycle Support, and Technical Services. Since our establishment, we have demonstrated and perfected our ability to manage the customer's needs, no matter how complex – offering exceptional service and the Precise solution.

We are currently seeking a Communications Specialist/PAO Senior to support our PMA 231 customer in Patuxent River, MD.

The selected candidate's overall duties will include promoting and creating an intended public image for individuals, groups, or organizations within the program. May write or select material for release to communications media. Support high-visibility and mission-critical aspects of the program, maintain a public image, and raise issue awareness. Analyze the objectives, policies, and needs to promote the program. Advise leadership to shape communications with the media, internal Navy, and the public. Train and guide junior members of the PAO support team.  The duties of the position also include.

Proactive Communications: Prepare written materials for proactive external releases to attract print, broadcast, and social media coverage and internally to educate, inform, and motivate the workforce. Materials to be produced integrate broad themes from the Secretary of the Navy, Chief of Naval Operations, Commandant of the Marine Corps, Chief of Information, Naval Air Systems Command (NAVAIR) and other interested commands.  

Position may be assigned a production quota. Plans, executes, and updates internal and external communications plans with national, international, political, and budgetary impacts. Campaigns will be coordinated with other internal and external commands and may be short- or long-term. Creates and edits news releases, fact sheets, talking points, and other material to stimulate internal and external interest in command accomplishments and enhance understanding of the command, its workforce, mission, and contribution to the national defense. Stay abreast of distribution channel and consumption trends, including command websites, using the insight to increase and optimize opportunities to tell the command story and contribute to monitoring public discourse on command activities and reputation. Identify opportunities for the creation of compelling photographs and video footage, coordinating closely with the Visual Information (VI) organization to create, storyboard and script products as needed. Prepares speeches and presentations for senior command leaders and advises on delivery.  Speeches and presentations may encompass aspects of technical, programmatic, budgetary, policy, and ceremonial issues and may be delivered to a broad range of audiences representing defense, Congressional, industry, and the general public.  Ensures that speeches are closely coordinated with necessary outside organizations.

Media Relations: Working with government representatives and maintaining positive relations with various local, national, international, and trade media, including print, electronic, and social media.

Arranges media events and serves as media escort as required. Professionally and expeditiously coordinates media requests for information, interviews, and site visits.  Arranges photo and videography opportunities for journalists and other related media professionals. Coordinates media participation in special events and ceremonies as appropriate.

Advisory: Advise senior leadership on likely public affairs implications of command endeavors.  Ensures preparation of senior management and technical personnel participating in media interviews and public and contractor presentations.

Monitors leadership engagements with internal and external groups, especially media, and reviews their results. Trains command leadership on media interactions. Assesses media, congressional, and public attitudes toward the command and incorporates this knowledge into outgoing messages, responses, and communications products. Develops and delivers public affairs recommendations based on analysis of public feedback, policy statements, and guidance material, even when the recommendations may be difficult for leadership to  hear. Assists with assessment of suitability and probable impact of and coordinates approval of all materials prepared by contractor and government personnel intended for public release.  These include marketing brochures, posters, videos, technical presentations, advertising copy, social media posts, and similar materials. Records required information on deliverables in various management databases regularly, but at least weekly. Extract pertinent news clips from internal and external sources and disseminate them to appropriate personnel.

Interface/Liaison: Coordinate public affairs matters with senior military and civilian leadership and the communications teams across NAWCAD, NAVAIR, and PAOs outside of NAVAIR as appropriate.  

Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with management, technical personnel, base officials, and others to ensure the success of communications efforts.   Facilitates corporate communications team meeting command communications objectives by attending relevant meetings, making recommendations, and forming communication strategies and plans as required.

Desired Skills

Proven communicator with excellent written and verbal communication skills and strong analytical skills. Ability to maintain a high degree of confidentiality and discretion. Be self-motivated, detail-oriented, and able to handle several tasks simultaneously.  Ability to produce error-free content with correct grammar, punctuation, and consistency with AP Style and internal guidelines. Strong English verbal and writing skills for concise content creation/revision to achieve clarity and organizational completion. Effective collaboration skills to enable constructive participation in and/or guide group discussions and peer reviews. Ability to work independently and as part of a team. Must be proficient with all Microsoft Office products (Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) Must be proficient with Adobe Creative Cloud design applications (Illustrator, InDesign and Photoshop) Working knowledge of SharePoint

Required Experience- A Senior-level person within a labor category has over 10 years of experience. A senior-level person typically works on high-visibility or mission-critical aspects of a given program and performs all functional duties independently. A senior-level person may oversee the efforts of less senior staff and/or be responsible for the efforts of all staff assigned to a specific job. 

Required Education -  Master's Degree with allowable substitutions. Bachelor’s Degree plus two (2) years additional work experience performing duties described in the functional description of the labor category may be substituted for a Master’s Degree. OR Associate’s Degree plus four (4) years of additional work experience performing duties described in the functional description of the labor category may be substituted for a Master’s Degree. Six (6) years additional work experience performing duties described in the functional description of the labor category may be substituted for a Master’s Degree. 

Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance. Due to the sensitivity of customer related requirements, U.S. Citizenship is required.

Precise Systems values employee contributions, promotes diverse opportunities for professional growth, and prioritizes overall well-being. Our comprehensive professional services benefits package includes health insurance, life and accidental death and dismemberment coverage, disability insurance, retirement plans, holiday pay, employee-managed leave, and professional growth opportunities.

We recognize exceptional performance and alignment with our core values through our STAR Award recognition program.

Compensation at Precise Systems is determined by various factors, including education, experience, skills, competencies, and contract-specific requirements. The salary range for this position is $84,707.20 to $127,060.80 (annualized USD). This range represents the standard pay for this role and is just one component of Precise Systems’ total compensation package.

Precise Systems is committed to fair and equitable pay practices in alignment with applicable pay transparency laws and equal employment opportunity standards.

Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are committed to an inclusive and diverse workplace that values and supports the contributions of each individual. This commitment and shared Vision and Values of Integrity, Respect, and Responsibility allow us to leverage differences, encourage innovation, and expand our success in the global marketplace. Precise Systems and its subsidiaries are Equal Opportunity /Affirmative Action Employers. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, protected veteran status, status as an individual with a disability, or any legally protected status under federal, state, or local law.