Communication Strategist

*** This position is contingent upon contract award.***

***We anticipate a summer 2026 start.***

***If you are selected, we will issue a contingent offer and letter of intent, and your resume will be used in our proposal.***

Harkcon is seeking a Communication Strategist to lead strategic communications and change management. This role will design and execute communications that help employees, partners, and stakeholders understand and adopt new processes, policies, and IT capabilities that support backlog reduction, modernization, and improved customer experience. You will work closely with program leadership, business analysts, and data teams to craft clear, consistent, and accessible messaging.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and execute comprehensive communication strategies aligned with agency priorities, including key messages, audiences, channels, and timelines.
• Support organizational change management by creating communications, engagement plans, and feedback mechanisms that increase awareness, acceptance, and adoption of new initiatives.
• Produce clear, compelling, and Plain Language content (e.g., briefing decks, FAQs, emails, fact sheets, talking points, scripts).
• Ensure all communications products are Section 508conformant and meet accessibility standards, leveraging DHS Trusted Tester and related guidance as applicable.
• Support stakeholder engagement, including town halls, webinars, workshops, and training events.
• Partner with program and product teams to sequence and coordinate communications with deployment milestones, alpha/beta test cycles, and readiness activities.
• Collect and use feedback (surveys, retrospectives, FAQs, analytics) to continuously improve communication effectiveness and change adoption.
• Leverage modern tools (e.g., Adobe Suite, Microsoft 365, Mural, infographics) to create engaging communication materials.

Required Qualifications

• Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, or related field.
• Experience:
  • Minimum 7 years of experience developing and executing strategies for federal programs.
• Certifications (preferred):
  • Prosci Change Management Certification or similar professional certification.
• Skills/Competencies:
  • Demonstrated expertise in executivelevel communications, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement.
  • Experience supporting organizational change management initiatives.
  • Strong writing, editing, and presentation skills for diverse audiences (frontline staff to senior executives).
  • Ability to coordinate across functional teams to ensure clear, consistent messaging across initiatives and channels.
• Clearance:
  • Ability to obtain and maintain DHS public trust suitability

Preferred Experience

• Experience supporting DHS, or other large federal agencies with major IT or process modernization efforts.
• Demonstrated success applying Prosci, Lean/Agile, or SAFe frameworks to communications and change adoption.
• Familiarity with federal accessibility (Section 508) and Plain Language standards and review processes.

This position is anticipated to be a hybrid work arrangement with some time spend working remotely and some time spent at the client site in Camp Springs, MD.

Harkcon, Inc. is an is an Equal Opportunity-Affirmative Action Employer - Minority / Female / Disability / Veteran / Gender Identity / Sexual Orientation / Age