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Public Affairs Specialist Supporting DARPA

Hybrid work opportunity in the DC area with onsite support in Ballston, VA. once a week week. Secret clearance required.

Spire is a full-service communications agency supporting innovative programs in government, technology, healthcare, and science. We seek a mid-level communications professional to support the public affairs work across DARPA. This position will work closely with Spire’s senior-level, award-winning media relations team to advance awareness about DARPA and its mission through media outreach and custom content writing.

This position will communicate groundbreaking technologies ranging from quantum computing and nanobots, to using vegetation as sensors in operational environments. We’re looking for someone fascinated by groundbreaking technology who’s also gifted at explaining it in accessible terms to lay audiences.

We seek a qualified individual with 5+ years of media relations experience who is ready to take their skills to the next level and learn from some of the best practitioners in the business.

A security clearance will be required. You do not have to hold a clearance to apply, but only U.S. citizens will be considered.

Spire’s client roster includes technology companies, government contractors, and large federal agencies working in science and technology.

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What You’ll Do

  • Support media relations activities across DARPA’s technology offices, helping educate the public and potential partners regarding DARPA’s innovations.
  • Write content including media announcements, social media posts, media pitches, podcast scripts, and web content.

What You’ll Bring to Spire

  • 5+ years of experience in media relations
  • Superior ability to develop and maintain a strong working relationship with clients and subject matter experts
  • Ability to understand and clearly communicate highly complicated information
  • Strong relationships with media and ability to regularly place stories
  • Excellent writing and editing skills
  • Strong understanding of AP style

Our benefits

Medical (United Healthcare), dental (CareFirst BlueCross BlueShield), and vision (United Concordia) plans paid at 100% (employee premium) plus 30% contribution to family premium

Monthly $50 “wellness” stipend for gym memberships, spa services, etc.

Life and disability insurance (short- and long-term)

18 days PTO and 8 federal holidays per year (+Veterans Day for those who have served)

Flexible home/office environment

Home office expense reimbursement

401(k) plan with automatic 3% of salary employer contribution

Employee referral bonuses

Annual stipend for employee and/or job-related training

About Spire

We are a boutique, woman-led agency that specializes in technology, health, and science. Our clients are federal agencies and contractors charged with advanced R&D and vital national programs that make life better for all Americans. Our team is committed to the work of these pioneers and public servants. We believe in their missions, marvel at their innovations, and delight in telling their stories.

Every member of our team is a senior-level communicator. This means every assignment is an opportunity to work with and learn from the best strategists and storytellers—designers, videographers, writers, editors, media relations leads, social media managers, and web developers.

About DARPA

For sixty years, DARPA has held to a singular and enduring mission: to make pivotal investments in breakthrough technologies for national security. DARPA explicitly reaches for transformational change instead of incremental advances.

Submit an Application

Careers - Application

1. Contact Information

Please provide some basic contact details so that we can get in touch about the available position.

2. Personal Details

Let us know why you want to work with Spire

3. Upload Resume

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Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB.
Accepted file types: pdf, doc, docx, Max. file size: 50 MB.

4. Submit Application

Before submitting your application, please review and acknowledge the following information:

Equal Opportunity Employer

Spire Communications is an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer and considers qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, gender, age, color, religion, disability, veterans’ status, sexual orientation, or any other protected factor.

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