Public Relations Communication Specialist

Position: Public Relations Communications Specialist

Location: Gaithersburg, MD or White Oak, MD

Work Environment: Hybrid (Required to report on-site as directed, flexibility for remote work 2 days a week)

Status: Funded, Part-Time

Knowesis is seeking a Public Relations (PR) Communications Specialist to support the U.S. Food and Drug Administration (FDA) by planning, developing, and executing strategic communications that advance the agency's public health mission. This position will provide comprehensive PR support, including event planning, media liaison services, message development, and rapid crisis communication response.

This position requires U.S. Citizenship (applicants without proof of US citizenship will not be considered due to the position's security requirement).

The Job Duties and Responsibilities include but are not limited to the following:

• Develop and implement communication strategies that align with FDA initiatives and goals.
• Coordinate cross-agency messaging to maintain consistency across platforms.
• Design and coordinate logistics for internal FDA events, including town halls, press briefings, and executive appearances.
• Manage event communications, invitations, and follow-up materials.
• Arrange and track executive media appearances or interviews.
• Develop briefing materials, talking points, and coordinate with internal and external stakeholders.
• Create visual communication materials including infographics, digital banners, brochures, reports, and animations.
• Ensure that all content is high quality, on brand, and supports FDA's public health communication objectives.
• Provide rapid response to public health events or reputational crises, delivering accurate and timely messaging.
• Participate in kickoff, monthly status, and ad-hoc coordination meetings.
• Provide project updates and recommendations for improving communications effectiveness.

Required Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in public relations, communications, journalism, or a related field.
• Minimum five (5) years of professional experience in public relations, media relations, or strategic communications.
• Demonstrated expertise in writing, editing, and developing messaging for multiple audiences and platforms.
• Experience coordinating media appearances, managing events, and supporting crisis communications.
• Strong interpersonal and collaboration skills with the ability to work under pressure and meet deadlines.
• Availability to work outside normal business hours, including nights and weekends, as necessary.
• Applicants must also pass a background check and VA onboarding procedures to gain access to VA systems.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience supporting federal agencies or public health programs.
• Familiarity with digital and social media strategies for government communications.
• Experience with brand management and internal/external stakeholder engagement.

Benefits:

• 401k Company Match

Knowesis is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all individuals based on merit and qualifications. We prohibit discrimination in all aspects of employment as required by Title VII of the Civil Rights Act and other applicable federal laws. Our company values all applicants and employees and fosters a work environment where everyone is treated with respect and dignity.