Communications Principal Specialist

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Why Bixal?
Bixal is a consulting company headquartered in Fairfax, VA, working alongside governments and organizations to help them deliver better services and experiences to the communities they serve. Using evidence-based knowledge and technology, Bixal empowers clients to deliver on their missions more effectively by fostering a culture of learning and continuous improvement.
Our values:
- People-First: Emphasizing the importance of people in all aspects of work.
- Collaboration and Transparency: Valuing teamwork and open communication.
- Growth Mindset: Encouraging innovation and continuous improvement.
- Creating Lasting Impact: Focusing on meaningful outcomes and positive change.
About the role:
Bixal is hiring a Principal Communications Specialist to lead marketing and media strategy for the Real Warriors Campaign. You'll develop outreach strategies, write content, secure earned media, and manage communications that increase visibility and impact of this vital behavioral health campaign supporting military service members and their families.
This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of one year with two one-year option periods. This role offers you a unique opportunity to make a meaningful impact on a project that aligns with Bixal’s mission of delivering innovative, human-centered solutions. While the role has a fixed duration, we are committed to transparency and collaboration, keeping you informed about contract updates and new opportunities. At Bixal, we support your professional journey, ensuring your experience reflects our inclusive, purpose-driven culture and prepares you for future success.
Compensation:
The salary range for this role is $89,000 – $120,000. In the spirit of transparency, most offers tend to land near the midpoint of the range. We make compensation decisions thoughtfully, considering your experience, the skills you bring, and our commitment to internal equity. Fairness and transparency are core to how we operate.
Responsibilities:
- Design and lead marketing and communications strategies across digital, social, and traditional platforms
- Develop and manage campaign content including PSAs, videos, blog posts, articles, and promotional materials
- Lead media engagement efforts, secure earned media opportunities, and ensure consistency in campaign messaging
- Participate in partnership and stakeholder engagement efforts with Military Service Organizations, Veteran Service Organizations, and other agencies
- Lead the development of the annual strategic communications and media plan
- Collaborate with internal creative, public health, and technical teams to deliver cohesive messaging
- Monitor and report on media engagement performance, optimizing outreach as needed
- Other relevant duties as assigned and qualified/trained to perform
Qualifications:
- Minimum Education required: Bachelor’s degree, plus at least 10 years of professional communications, marketing, or media relations experience, including 3 years in social media and digital marketing
- Demonstrated experience leading content strategy and media relations
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills tailored to diverse and often sensitive subject matter
- Familiarity with Section 508 compliance and digital accessibility standards
- Ability to work in fast-paced environments and respond to evolving campaign needs
- Able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance
Nice to Have Skills and Experience:
- Experience supporting psychological health or suicide prevention campaigns
- Previous experience working with DoD, VA, or other federal agencies
- Master’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or related field
How We Support Our Team:
- Flex hours
- 401K with matching incentive
- Parental Leave
- Medical/dental/vision benefits
- Flex Spending Account
- Company provided short-term disability and life insurance
- Commuter benefits
- Paid Time Off (PTO)
- 11 Paid holidays
Our company is committed to providing equal employment opportunities for all individuals and complies with all applicable federal, state, and local anti-discrimination laws. Employment decisions are based on merit, qualifications, and business needs.
- Department
- Client Delivery
- Role
- Strategic Communications
- Locations
- Silver Spring, MD

About Bixal
We leverage technology, communications, data, and human-centered design to help governments and leading organizations be more efficient, effective, and impactful.