Communications Lead

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Communications Lead

🔹 Company: Savan

🔹 Location: Vienna, Virginia, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time

🔹 Category: Business Consulting and Services

🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years)

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (Savan HQ, Vienna, VA)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Developing and executing communications strategies for a federal OCIO
• Collaborating with a team to support IT modernization and cost optimization
• Communicating effectively with various internal and external stakeholders
• Leading a small team and coordinating their work
• Analyzing complex problems and applying critical thinking

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of federal client-facing environments and experience working with senior-level management.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement communications strategies, key messages, target audiences, and project timelines

✅ Support the execution of communications strategies

✅ Produce professional reports and presentations, including graphics

✅ Effectively communicate with various audiences, including senior-level management

✅ Contribute to monthly status reports on the progress of evaluations, incoming complaints, and communications activities

✅ Plan, support, and facilitate governance meetings

✅ Identify and implement process improvement opportunities

ASSUMPTION: This role involves a mix of strategic planning and tactical execution, requiring strong organizational skills and the ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree

Experience: Six years of experience with federal client-facing exposure

Required Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Ability to analyze and apply critical thinking to complex problems
• Ability to coordinate and build relationships with diverse stakeholders and senior-level clients
• Ability to plan and facilitate meetings across various stakeholder groups
• Experience developing reports, briefings, and decks and presenting them to clients
• Experience developing infographics and/or marketing slick-sheets
• Ability to effectively complete individual tasks, work in a team environment, and be proactive with little guidance
• Experience with Microsoft Office Suite, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Outlook
• Ability to hold a public trust clearance

Preferred Skills:

• Experience with communications strategy for large-scale organizational redesigns

ASSUMPTION: Given the federal client-facing nature of this role, experience working with federal agencies and understanding their unique requirements is highly desirable.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $90,000 - $120,000 per year (Based on industry standards for a mid-senior level role in the Washington D.C. area)

Benefits:

• Health, dental, and vision insurance
• 401(k) plan with company match
• Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
• Flexible work arrangements

Working Hours: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site at Savan's Vienna, VA headquarters)

ASSUMPTION: Savan offers competitive compensation and benefits packages, with salary ranges based on industry standards, market conditions, and the specific demands of each role.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Business Consulting and Services, specializing in data and information management for the federal government

Company Size: 51-200 employees (Mid-sized company)

Founded: 2006 (19 years ago)

Company Description:

• Savan helps the Federal Government solve its most critical challenges by making data and information work for people
• They prioritize the human perspective to organize data and information into an interconnected ecosystem that delivers actionable insights, informs decisions, boosts efficiencies, and improves the American experience
• Savan specializes in information technology, people and performance, organizational change, program management, risk management, policy, standards, and rulemaking, information governance, records and information management (RIM), controlled unclassified information (CUI), change management, business case development, performance measurement, strategic planning and communications, enterprise resource planning, IT vulnerability and risk assessment, IT strategy and transformation planning, program planning and development, policy impact analysis and assessment, organizational design, business process and controls, process improvement, portfolio optimization, dashboard development, performance management, career path development, leadership development, data management, information management, data analytics, artificial intelligence, cybersecurity, machine learning, advanced analytics, and strategy and transformation

Company Specialties:

• Information Technology
• People and Performance
• Organizational Change
• Program Management
• Risk Management
• Policy, Standards, and Rulemaking
• Information Governance
• Records and Information Management (RIM)
• Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI)
• Change Management
• Business Case Development
• Performance Measurement
• Strategic Planning and Communications
• Enterprise Resource Planning
• IT Vulnerability and Risk Assessment
• IT Strategy and Transformation Planning
• Program Planning and Development
• Policy Impact Analysis and Assessment
• Organizational Design
• Business Process and Controls
• Process Improvement
• Portfolio Optimization
• Dashboard Development
• Performance Management
• Career Path Development
• Leadership Development
• Data Management
• Information Management
• Data Analytics
• Artificial Intelligence
• Cybersecurity
• Machine Learning
• Advanced Analytics
• Strategy and Transformation

Company Website: http://www.savangroup.com

ASSUMPTION: Savan is a mid-sized company with a strong focus on data and information management, making it an excellent fit for candidates interested in working with federal agencies and driving meaningful change through data-driven insights.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-Senior level (5-10 years of experience)

Reporting Structure: This role reports directly to the Project Manager or a similar leadership position within the client's organization

Work Arrangement: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site at Savan's Vienna, VA headquarters, with the remaining days working remotely)

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential to take on more responsibilities and advance within the communications team
• Opportunities to work on high-visibility projects and gain exposure to senior leadership
• possibility to transition into a full-time role with Savan after completing the contract

ASSUMPTION: This role offers excellent growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to gain experience working with federal agencies and developing communications strategies for large-scale organizational redesigns.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site, with the remaining days working remotely)

Office Location(s): 1850 Towers Crescent Plaza, Suite 500, Vienna, Virginia 22182, US

Geographic Context:

• Vienna, Virginia, is a suburb of Washington D.C., with a population of approximately 160,000 people
• The area is known for its high quality of life, excellent schools, and proximity to major federal agencies
• Vienna is located approximately 15 miles west of Washington D.C., with easy access to major highways and public transportation

Work Schedule: Full-time (40 hours per week) with a hybrid work arrangement (2-3 days on-site at Savan's Vienna, VA headquarters)

ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers a good balance between on-site collaboration and remote flexibility, allowing employees to enjoy the best of both worlds.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission
• Phone or video screening with the Savan HR team
• In-depth phone or video interview with the hiring manager or a member of the Savan team
• Final in-person or video interview with the client's representative
• Background check and reference check (if applicable)
• Job offer and onboarding

Key Assessment Areas:

• Communication skills (written and verbal)
• Problem-solving and critical thinking abilities
• Experience with federal client-facing environments
• Ability to work collaboratively and manage multiple projects simultaneously
• Understanding of the federal government's unique requirements and processes

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your federal client-facing experience and relevant skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience working with federal agencies
• Research Savan and the client's organization to demonstrate your understanding of their mission and values
• Be ready to discuss your experience with communications strategy and your ability to develop and execute effective communications plans

ATS Keywords: Federal client-facing, communications strategy, stakeholder engagement, project management, report development, presentation skills, infographic development, Microsoft Office Suite, process improvement, public trust clearance

ASSUMPTION: Savan uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage their recruitment process, so including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help your application stand out.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Visio, and Outlook)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or Microsoft Project)
• Graphic design tools (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite or Canva)
• Data visualization tools (e.g., Tableau or Power BI)

ASSUMPTION: The required tools and technologies for this role are standard for the industry, with a focus on Microsoft Office Suite and project management tools to support effective collaboration and communication.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Client-focused
• Data-driven
• Innovative
• Collaborative
• Results-oriented

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic
• Team-oriented and collaborative
• Adaptable and flexible
• Results-driven and focused on delivering value to clients
• Committed to continuous learning and improvement

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?
• Are you comfortable working with diverse stakeholders and senior-level clients?
• Do you have experience developing and executing communications strategies for large-scale organizational redesigns?
• Are you able to manage multiple projects simultaneously and meet tight deadlines?
• Do you have a strong understanding of the federal government's unique requirements and processes?

ASSUMPTION: Savan values candidates who are client-focused, data-driven, innovative, collaborative, and results-oriented, with a strong work ethic and a commitment to continuous learning and improvement.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Working with multiple stakeholders and managing their expectations
• Balancing on-site and remote work effectively
• Keeping up with the fast-paced nature of federal IT projects
• Adapting to changes in priorities and project scope
• Managing stress and maintaining work-life balance in a high-pressure environment

ASSUMPTION: These challenges are common in federal IT consulting roles and can be mitigated with strong communication skills, effective time management, and a proactive approach to problem-solving.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• This role is similar to a Communications Manager or Strategic Communications Specialist within a federal consulting firm or a large federal agency
• Unlike other roles, this position requires a strong understanding of federal client-facing environments and experience working with senior-level management
• Career progression in this role could lead to a Senior Communications Manager or Director of Communications within a federal agency or a mid-sized consulting firm

ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to gain experience working with federal agencies and developing communications strategies for large-scale organizational redesigns, setting it apart from similar roles in the private sector.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications strategy for a federal OCIO seeking to modernize its IT services and drive down costs through enterprise optimization
• Creating targeted communications campaigns to raise awareness about a new federal program or initiative
• Designing and implementing a stakeholder engagement plan to gather feedback and input on a proposed policy or regulation
• Producing professional reports and presentations to communicate complex data and insights to senior leadership and other stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse range of communications tasks and responsibilities required for this role, from strategic planning and execution to tactical implementation and reporting.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the client's organization?
• How does this role fit into the overall communications strategy for the federal OCIO?
• What are the most pressing communications challenges facing the client's organization, and how can this role address them?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
• How does Savan support the professional development and growth of its employees?
• What is the typical career path for someone in this role, and what opportunities exist for advancement within the company?

ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and the organization, while also providing valuable insights into the work environment and career growth opportunities.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through this link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your federal client-facing experience and relevant skills
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your communication skills, problem-solving abilities, and experience working with federal agencies
• Research Savan and the client's organization to demonstrate your understanding of their mission and values
• Be ready to discuss your experience with communications strategy and your ability to develop and execute effective communications plans
• Follow up with Savan HR one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.