Job Summary

Aptive seeks an experienced, highly organized, and detail-oriented Senior Communications Strategist to lead the execution of high-visibility communications, outreach, media, and materials development initiatives in support of the National Institutes of Health (NIH) Office of Communications and Public Liaison (OCPL). In this role, the Senior Communications Strategist will develop and deliver research-based, audience-focused communications that advance NIH’s mission to communicate health, medical, and scientific research to diverse internal and external audiences.

Primary Responsibilities

The Senior Communications Strategist will work closely with the Project Manager and Deputy Project Manager, as well as NIH leadership, program staff, subject matter experts, and creative and technical teams, to plan, develop, and execute communications products and campaigns across multiple channels. This role requires strong strategic judgment and hands-on execution skills to translate complex scientific information into clear, compelling messages, while managing multiple concurrent priorities in a fast-paced, demand-driven environment.

The ideal candidate brings demonstrated experience leading federal or public health communications initiatives, preferably within NIH or other HHS operating divisions, and excels at balancing strategic communications planning with content development and oversight. The Senior Communications Strategist consistently delivers high-quality work products by guiding message development, ensuring consistency with NIH branding and plain-language standards, coordinating reviews and approvals, and collaborating effectively with government stakeholders to meet evolving priorities and tight deadlines.

Minimum Qualifications

• 5+ years’ experience leading or executing strategic communications, public affairs, outreach, or media initiatives, preferably in support of federal health, science, or public sector organizations. Experience supporting NIH, HHS, or other federal agencies is strongly preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., communications, public relations, journalism, public health, health sciences, or a related discipline).
• Demonstrated ability to lead communications initiatives and guide cross-functional teams, including writers, designers, digital specialists, subject matter experts, and external partners, while maintaining clear, effective written and verbal communication with federal stakeholders.
• Proven experience translating complex scientific, medical, or technical information into clear, compelling, and audience-appropriate messaging across multiple formats and channels.
• Ability to manage multiple concurrent, high-visibility communications efforts with competing priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment while maintaining quality and consistency.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office tools (Word, PowerPoint, Excel) and collaboration platforms used to develop content, track deliverables, coordinate reviews, and support communications workflows (e.g., SharePoint, Teams, or equivalent tools).

Desired Qualifications

• Strategic, solutions-oriented communications professional with a strong attention to detail and the ability to lead and execute a wide range of communications, outreach, media, and digital deliverables in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies and plans for complex initiatives, including identifying target audiences, shaping key messages, selecting appropriate channels, and measuring effectiveness.
• Familiarity with the NIH organizational structure, including the Office of the Director and Institutes and Centers (ICs), and experience working in matrixed federal environments with multiple stakeholders, review cycles, and clearance processes.
• Experience overseeing and coordinating multiple concurrent communications efforts, ensuring alignment across products, channels, and timelines while maintaining consistency with organizational priorities and branding.
• Proven ability to collaborate effectively with diverse stakeholder groups, including communications professionals, designers, digital and IT staff, scientific subject matter experts, administrative personnel, vendors, and senior federal leadership.
• Strong analytical and critical-thinking skills with experience interpreting data and feedback (e.g., audience insights, media metrics, digital analytics) and translating findings into actionable recommendations and leadership briefings.
• Highly skilled in leading and facilitating working sessions and reviews, incorporating feedback, resolving issues, and ensuring timely delivery of high-quality communications products.

About Aptive

Aptive partners with federal agencies to achieve their missions through improved performance, streamlined operations and enhanced service delivery. Based in Alexandria, Virginia, we support more than a dozen agencies including Veterans Affairs, Transportation, Defense, Homeland Security and the National Science Foundation. ​

We specialize in applying technology, creativity and human-centered services to optimize mission delivery and improve experiences for millions of people who count on government services every day. ​

Founded: 2012Employees: 300+ nationwide

EEO Statement

Aptive is an equal opportunity employer. We consider all qualified applicants for employment without regard to race, color, national origin, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, parental status, veteran status, age, disability, or any other protected class.

Veterans, members of the Reserve and National Guard, and transitioning active-duty service members are highly encouraged to apply.