Strategic Communications Associate Director

About Protagonist

With our subsidiary, Parenthetic, we're revolutionizing how organizations understand and shape public discourse through our cutting-edge Narrative Analytics® platform. By fusing rigorous analysis with advanced technology, we help clients quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies that matter.

Why Join Us?

• Impact Real Change: Work directly with federal agencies, Fortune 500 companies, and leading nonprofits
• Tech at Scale: Build solutions that process and analyze massive datasets to uncover narrative patterns
• Growing Team: Join a vibrant DC tech company that's expanding rapidly
• Collaborative Culture: Work alongside communication specialists, data scientists, and domain experts

 

Job Description

At Parenthetic, a subsidiary of Protagonist, we fuse rigorous, methodologically sound analysis with our cutting-edge technology platform, Narrative Analytics®. This powerful combination enables us to quantitatively analyze open-source media, deliver strategic recommendations, and craft executive-level communication strategies for clients with missions that matter.

Parenthetic is seeking a Strategic Communications Associate Director to join our team in Washington D.C. This position will work directly with senior U.S. Government (USG) stakeholders and internal leadership. We are seeking a highly skilled leader who is passionate about space, technology, and communication.

In addition to being highly proficient in the communication field, our ideal candidate is creative, organized, highly collaborative, able to influence peers, and interacts comfortably with senior leadership across the government and private industry. Experience working in and with the U.S. Dept. of Defense, especially with OSDP, Secretary of the Air Force Public Affairs, or Space Force is highly desired. 

Lead multi-disciplinary teams developing and delivering high-impact communication support to USG customers, enabling mission success. Assess the information environment and apply relevant theories and frameworks to craft branding strategies and communication plans aligned with the objectives of senior leaders. Translate technical information into clear, compelling reports, briefings, playbooks, and press releases. Oversee the design and development of communication deliverables that advance the strategic objectives of USG customers. 

Responsibilities

• Cultivate trusted‑advisor relationships with clients—quickly diagnose problem sets, translate technical jargon into compelling takeaways.
• Own the end‑to‑end delivery of strategic communication and narrative analyses, guiding 2‑4 person teams from kickoff through final delivery and follow‑on recommendations.
• Transform insight into action: craft clear, compelling briefs, papers, and presentations for senior officials with limited oversight.
• Keep projects on track: manage scope, schedule, and dollars; document decisions; and coordinate cross-departmental teams.
• Mentor and elevate talent: coach analysts and leads, give candid feedback, and model company culture.
• Grow the business: support proposals, white papers, and BD needs while helping to turn great delivery into new work.

Work Experience and Skills

• The position requires occasional on-site work in the Washington Metropolitan Area (D.C., Maryland, Virginia) for a Federal Government client. Occasional domestic travel may be required.
• Bachelor’s or advanced degree in Management, Communication, Marketing, Psychology, Political Science, or other social science fields.
• Experience requirements: Bachelor’s degree and 7+ years of relevant experience (or Master’s degree and 5+ years of experience). Relevant military or prior government experience in lieu of a four-year degree considered.
• Possess a current Top Secret security clearance and be SCI/SAP eligible.
• Demonstrated experience in engaging a wide range of stakeholders, including senior executives, government officials, media representatives, and the public. This includes the ability to build and maintain strategic relationships, advocate for the organization's communication goals, and navigate complex political and social landscapes.
• Stellar business communication skills, including the ability to actively listen, articulate complex concepts, and provide constructive feedback.
• Proven experience in using frameworks to analyze communication challenges and opportunities, designing interventions, and measuring the impact of communication efforts (e.g., translating complex theoretical concepts into practical applications that drive real-world results).
• Ability to work collaboratively with cross-functional teams to meet or exceed business expectations.
• Exceptional project management skills, organizational abilities, problem-solving proficiencies, and attention to detail, including ability to delegate tasks and responsibilities while ensuring accountability and maintaining high standards of quality.
• Intellectual curiosity and willingness to learn about complex, highly technical topics. Openness to new perspectives, ideas, and analytical methodologies.

Ideal Candidates:

• Demonstrated professional experience in the Space domain (e.g., space operations, satellite technology, or related fields within the space industry) and in the defense sector.
• Knowledge of Air Force and Space Force processes and procedures as it relates to their functional responsibility.
• Speak/write Air Force, Space Force and Space Acquisition terminology appropriately.
• Deep understanding of mission critical aspects of space acquisition or familiarity with the U.S. Government acquisitions and budget management.
• Enjoys working alongside a growing group of critical thinkers, strategists, researchers, analysts, innovators, engineers, and others.
• Prior work in marketing/communications.
• Experience analyzing large data sets.
• Experience in experimentation design, implementation, and analysis.
• Experience in a client-facing role, delivering insights directly to stakeholders.
• Strong analytic and critical-thinking skills, with a track record of conducting data-driven analysis (quantitative and qualitative) and effectively communicating findings.

Additional Information

Parenthetic is a values-driven company that is committed to doing meaningful work for organizations we respect. We are headquartered in Washington, DC, and offer a competitive salary, flexible paid time-off policy, comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits, and a retirement plan.

Parenthetic is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Salary Range: $91,000-$140,000 based on education and level of relevant experience.

 

Pursuant to the San Francisco Fair Chance Ordinance, we will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.