Strategic Planning Communications Manager

About Blue Water Thinking

Guided by our principles of value generation, continuous innovation, customer-centricity, and vested collaboration, Blue Water Thinking proudly supports our Federal clients in achieving their Agency goals.

Founded by a decorated twenty-eight year Veteran of the United States Army, Blue Water Thinking understands and supports the mission of our Nation's war fighters, Veterans, their families and caretakers.

Leveraging our executive team's military experience and private and public sector consulting expertise, Blue Water Thinking takes an integrated "one-team" approach and brings to bear best-fit solutions, thought leadership, and grit to meet our client's transformational needs.

Fueled by our values of integrity, respect, professionalism, stewardship and customer service, the Blue Water Thinking team understands the power of the human connection, collaboration, humility and loyalty to one another, our clients and industry partners.

Lastly, our formula for success is simple: Build something good, take care of our people, keep our clients satisfied, nurture our work ethic and reputation, build long-lasting partnerships, enjoy what we do and give back as much as possible.

Job Description

Blue Water Thinking is seeking an experienced and dedicated Strategic Planning and Communications Manager to join our team, supporting a large program at the Department of Veterans Affairs (VA). This role will support the corporate/administrative arm of VA in achieving Acquisition Modernization. In this role, you will leverage your expert knowledge to establish communications strategies that help drive the maturation of Enterprise Program Management and Acquisition Modernization. The Strategic Planning and Communications Manager is responsible for developing, implementing, and managing comprehensive communication strategies to support the organization's objectives. This role involves creating executive-level communication products, coordinating with subject matter experts (SMEs), managing communication processes, and ensuring consistency with the organization's branding and style guidelines.

Responsibilities:

• Provide subject matter expertise and consultation in assessing and refining the communications strategy in support of program/project management skill enhancement efforts.
• Develop and implement strategic communications plans in alignment with program goals and objectives.
• Lead change management initiatives, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and facilitating effective transitions.
• Design and implement communication and training programs to enhance stakeholder engagement and ensure smooth adoption of new processes and technologies.
• Conduct stakeholder analysis and develop stakeholder resistance plan.
• Develop, maintain, and manage internal and external communications artifacts at various levels.
• Serve as a liaison between the program team and key stakeholders, including government representatives, to facilitate effective communication.
• Create, edit, and disseminate high-quality internal and external communications materials such as presentations, reports, newsletters, and press releases.
• Provide communications support for events, trainings, and meetings, including coordination of logistics and materials.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of communication strategies and recommend improvements.
• Mentor and provide guidance to junior communications staff.

Minimum Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree in Communications, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of 5 years of experience in strategic planning and communications.
• Proven experience in establishing and executing strategic communications in large organizations undergoing enterprise transformation.
• Demonstrated ability in developing and implementing change management best practices (PROSCI, ADKAR, etc.) to accelerate organizational transformation.
• Proven ability to manage complex projects and multiple stakeholders.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Advanced degree in Communications, or a related field.
• Experience working with the Department of Veterans Affairs or other federal agencies.
• Strong knowledge of communications tools and platform

Eligibility:

• Must be legally authorized to work in the United States without the need for employer sponsorship, now or at any time in the future.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain the required federal public trust clearance for this role.

Compensation:

Salary for this position is determined by various factors, including but not limited to, location, the candidate's particular combination of knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements.

The proposed salary range for this position is $110,000 - $125,000.

Blue Water Thinking offers a comprehensive benefits package including health insurance (medical, dental, and vision), paid time off, federal holidays, and a matching 401K plan.

Our Commitment to Diversity

Blue Water Thinking, LLC (BWT) is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, genetic information, or any other protected status.

Applying for this Job:

• Resume must be submitted in word document format and must include dates in each section (experience, education, certifications...)
• Candidates must fill out the below form to the best of their knowledge