Senior Public Affairs – Communications Specialist

The Marlin Alliance, Inc.

Senior Public Affairs Specialist leading strategic communications and stakeholder engagement for The Marlin Alliance. Overseeing media relations and crafting messages to protect organizational reputation.

Posted 5/1/2026full-timeSan Diego • California • 🇺🇸 United StatesSenior💰 $115,000 - $155,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Lead the creation and execution of comprehensive communication plans to support organizational goals and mission-critical objectives.
Act as a primary point of contact for media inquiries; draft press releases, media advisories, and executive statements for high-level distribution.
Advise senior leadership on the communication implications of proposed plans, policies, and public events to mitigate risk and maximize positive impact.
Oversee the development of complex informational materials across digital and traditional platforms, ensuring consistency in brand and messaging.
Develop and maintain rapid-response communication protocols to address sensitive issues and ensure organizational stability during real-world events.
Coordinate virtual and in-person briefings, town halls, and community outreach efforts to foster transparency and build strategic partnerships.

Requirements

What you’ll need

Active or ability to obtain a DoD Secret Clearance.
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, or Public Relations and 10+ years of relevant professional experience.
Expert knowledge of public affairs principles, media relations, and strategic message framing.
Exceptional oral and written communication skills with a proven track record of briefing executive or military leadership.
Demonstrated ability to manage multiple high-priority projects simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.
Graduation from the Defense Information School (DINFOS) or similar accredited public affairs training (preferred).
Familiarity with social media analytics, digital design tools, and the M365 Teams environment for collaborative planning (preferred).
Understanding of government legislative affairs and military culture/customs (preferred).

Benefits

Comp & perks

Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the functions, absent undue hardship.

ATS Keywords

✓ Tailor your resume

Applicant Tracking System Keywords

Tip: use these terms in your resume and cover letter to boost ATS matches.

Hard Skills & Tools

public affairs principlesmedia relationsstrategic message framingcommunication plansdigital design toolssocial media analyticsbriefing executive leadershipcrisis communicationproject management

Soft Skills

oral communicationwritten communicationleadershiporganizational skillstransparencystrategic partnership buildingrisk mitigationadaptabilitycollaboration

Certifications

DoD Secret ClearanceBachelor's degree in CommunicationsBachelor's degree in JournalismBachelor's degree in Public RelationsDefense Information School (DINFOS) graduation