Communications Products Specialist Sr

Job Summary As a Senior Communications Products Specialist supporting the VHA AI Education Hub, you will develop and execute strategic communications initiatives that advance the Department of Veterans Affairs' mission to educate and inform stakeholders about artificial intelligence adoption in federal healthcare. You will craft compelling public-facing content—including press releases, social media campaigns, and media responses—that translate complex AI and health IT topics into clear, accessible messaging for Veterans, clinicians, and the broader public. This role operates at the intersection of federal communications policy and cutting-edge healthcare innovation, requiring a seasoned professional who understands the nuances of government communications in a highly regulated environment. The ideal candidate is a self-directed communications strategist with a proven track record of managing high-visibility public affairs programs for large, complex organizations—someone who thrives in a fast-paced federal contracting environment and can balance multiple deliverables while maintaining message integrity and compliance with VA communications standards. Primary Responsibilities Develop, draft, and disseminate press releases, official statements, and media advisories related to VHA AI Education Hub programs, initiatives, and milestones in accordance with VA public affairs guidelines. Manage and execute social media strategies across approved federal platforms, creating engaging, policy-compliant content that promotes AI education resources and drives stakeholder engagement among Veterans, VA staff, and partner organizations. Serve as a primary point of contact for incoming media inquiries, coordinating responses with VA communications leadership, contracting officers, and subject matter experts to ensure accurate, timely, and on-brand messaging. Develop and maintain a comprehensive communications calendar, tracking deliverable deadlines, campaign timelines, and media outreach activities to ensure consistent information output across all channels. Collaborate with program managers, technical subject matter experts, and graphic design teams to produce multimedia communications products—including newsletters, fact sheets, infographics, and video scripts—that support VHA AI education objectives. Monitor, analyze, and report on communications performance metrics (e.g., media coverage, social media engagement, content reach), providing data-driven recommendations to continuously improve outreach effectiveness and audience engagement. Minimum Qualifications Minimum 8 years of professional experience in communications, public relations, public affairs, or a closely related field, with demonstrated expertise in managing information output across multiple channels for large or complex organizations. Bachelor's degree (BA/BS) in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related discipline required. Prior experience supporting federal government agencies, healthcare organizations, or other highly regulated institutions, with familiarity with federal communications policies, clearance/approval workflows, and Section 508 compliance requirements. Ability to obtain and maintain a VA Personal Identity Verification (PIV) credential and successfully pass a VA background investigation; must be able to access VA systems and facilities as required by the contract. Must be a U.S. citizen or authorized to work in the United States; this position may be subject to federal contractor employment eligibility verification (E-Verify). Demonstrated proficiency in drafting and editing press releases, media statements, and social media content, with a portfolio or writing samples that reflect experience across diverse communications formats and audiences. Desired Qualifications 1. Prior experience supporting VA, VHA, or other federal health agency communications programs, with working knowledge of VA communications governance, branding standards, and public affairs approval processes. 2. Familiarity with artificial intelligence, health IT, or emerging technology topics, and the ability to translate technical concepts into plain-language content accessible to non-expert audiences including Veterans and caregivers. 3. Experience with federal digital communications platforms and tools (e.g., VA.gov content management, GovDelivery, HHS Communicate, or equivalent), as well as knowledge of Section 508 accessibility standards for digital content. 4. Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications campaigns that span earned media, owned social channels, and internal stakeholder communications within a federal or government contracting environment. 5. PMP, APR (Accredited in Public Relations), or equivalent professional certification is a plus, as is prior experience working on health equity, patient education, or public health awareness campaigns. About Aptive 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: 2012. Employees: 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. 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: 2012. Employees: 300+ nationwide.