Public Relations Specialist

Job Description

General Information

• Job Code: PRO-PR-03/PRO-PR-04T
• Location: Client/Arlington, VA
• Employee Type: Exempt, Full-Time Regular (may also hire Non-Exempt, Part-Time)
• Telework: Partial
• Citizenship: US Citizenship Required
• Salary Range: $77,138.02 - $106,450.00

Are you passionate about advancing a mission through strategic communication and outreach that elevate complex IT and cybersecurity initiatives.

Ripple Effect is seeking a Public Relations Specialist (IT/Cyber) to lead the execution of public affairs initiatives and communications support across strategic communications planning, media relations, campaign execution, and stakeholder engagement. This role supports technology‑ and cyber‑focused programs and requires the ability to translate complex topics into clear, compelling messages for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Public Affairs: Lead public affairs initiatives by developing issue‑based content, coordinating outreach campaigns, and supporting stakeholder engagement efforts. Contribute to strategic planning while operating independently within established guidance.
• Media Relations Activities: Initiate proactive media outreach, represent the organization in interviews and briefings, refine messaging for external audiences, and monitor media coverage to support reputational goals and effective issue management.
• Communication & Representation: Communicate clearly and professionally in both internal and external settings. Serve as a representative of the organization during media interactions—including interviews, conferences, and events—to promote transparency, credibility, and goodwill.
• Schedule & Timeline Management: Independently manage and prioritize multiple public relations projects, campaigns, and events. Ensure deliverables such as press releases, media engagements, and campaign materials are completed on schedule, proactively adjusting timelines to meet deadlines.
• Documentation: Maintain organized and up‑to‑date documentation of public relations activities, including press materials, media contact lists, campaign files, and partnership records to support continuity and transparency.
• Problem Solving & Continuous Improvement: Proactively identify and resolve complex public relations challenges using sound judgment and subject‑matter expertise. Continuously seek opportunities to improve processes, tools, and strategies, escalating only the most complex issues as needed.

Minimum Education and Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Public Relations, Communications, or a related field
• Minimum of five (5) years of experience planning and executing comprehensive public relations campaigns, including strategic direction, message development, and implementation
• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS Fitness Determination

Basic Requirements

• Proven experience collaborating with clients, leadership, and cross‑functional teams to execute public relations initiatives from concept through delivery
• Experience partnering with internal teams and external stakeholders to coordinate PR projects and ensure alignment with communication objectives
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing messaging, press materials, and campaign content
• Experience reviewing communications products for quality, consistency, and alignment with organizational standards
• High degree of professionalism, judgment, and discretion when handling sensitive or high‑visibility communications
• Intermediate experience with Microsoft Office productivity software and collaboration tools such as Microsoft Teams and SharePoint
• Must be a U.S. citizen to be eligible for this role

Skills That Set You Apart

• Experience supporting IT, cybersecurity, technology modernization, or digital programs
• Background working in federal, contractor, or highly regulated environments
• Experience coordinating campaigns that involve media outreach, events, or multi‑channel communications
• Ability to translate complex or technical subject matter into clear, compelling messages for varied audiences
• Strong client‑facing skills with experience advising stakeholders on messaging and campaign approaches

Ripple Effect rewards our employees for their contributions to our mission in many ways, from competitive pay and exceptional benefits to a range of work/life programs based on your employment classification and personalized preferences.

Ripple Effect is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed to equal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity, political affiliation, or Veteran status. We also consider qualified applicants regardless of criminal histories, consistent with legal requirements. If yo