Strategic Communications and Marketing Lead Associate

The Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisor is a key member of the Marketing and Communications department, responsible for driving external communications and marketing initiatives that support company growth and sector success. This role partners closely with company sectors and subject matter experts to develop and execute communication and marketing strategies that effectively engage external audiences, enhance brand visibility, and support business development objectives.

As a critical contributor, the Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisor acts as the "quarterback" for high-impact external campaigns and growth-focused initiatives, ensuring cohesive messaging and seamless execution across all external channels. This position demands both technical expertise and strong communication skills to provide strategic guidance on complex topics that advance Peraton's market position and support sector growth priorities.

This role requires a strategic thinker with excellent writing skills, the ability to manage multiple projects, and a deep understanding of external communications and marketing dynamics. The Strategic Communications and Marketing Advisor plays a pivotal role in driving company growth, enhancing brand visibility, and delivering effective messaging that supports sector success across the organization.

This position requires on-site presence at our Reston, Virginia headquarters to facilitate close collaboration with sector leadership, business development teams, and corporate communications partners.

Key Responsibilities

External Communications & Marketing

• Lead integrated marketing and communications campaigns that support sector growth objectives, providing strategic counsel, messaging, and comprehensive plan development.
• Serve as the primary liaison between company sectors and MarComms for external communications and marketing needs, ensuring alignment with business development priorities.
• Develop and execute external communications strategies that enhance Peraton's brand presence and support capture and growth initiatives.
• Partner with sector leadership to identify and promote key differentiators, capabilities, and success stories to external audiences.
• Working with the content team, help develop compelling content for external channels, including press releases, thought leadership articles, case studies, website content, and marketing collateral.
• Support media relations efforts by developing messaging, preparing spokespersons, and coordinating proactive and reactive media opportunities.
• Collaborate within the department ensuring consistent messaging across social media, web properties, and digital campaigns.
• Provide subject matter expertise and strategic advisory support.
• Monitor industry trends, competitive landscape, and market dynamics to inform communications strategies and identify opportunities for thought leadership.
• Support proposal communications and marketing efforts as needed to advance business development objectives.

Sector Partnership & Growth Support

• Build and maintain strong relationships with sector leads and business development teams to understand growth priorities and communications needs.
• Develop tailored communications and marketing plans that address sector-specific objectives and target audiences.
• Coordinate cross-functional communications within MarComms and sector teams to establish a streamlined pipeline for external messaging and campaigns.
• Develop and manage communication processes that facilitate collaboration with sector SMEs and functional teams on growth-focused initiatives.
• Track and report on the effectiveness of external communications and marketing efforts, providing data-driven insights to sector leadership.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum of 5+ years of experience in external communications, marketing communications, or public relations.
• Demonstrated experience supporting business growth, business development, or marketing initiatives.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
• Proven ability to develop and execute integrated communications and marketing campaigns.
• Experience working with multiple business units or sectors in a matrixed organization.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities simultaneously.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and familiarity with marketing and communications tools.
• Must be able to work on-site at the Peraton headquarters in Reston, Virginia.
• Must be a US citizen. 

Preferred:

• Experience in the aerospace, defense, or government contracting industry.
• Familiarity with business development and capture processes.
• Experience with media relations and spokesperson preparation.
• Background in digital marketing and social media strategy.
• Agency experience in public relations, marketing, or advertising.