Strategic Communications Outreach Specialist

Syms Strategic Group symssg.com Open · verified Sep 20, 2026

Washington McLean Full-time Mid-level Communications

Mid-level Communications role at Syms Strategic Group. Washington · full-time · $90,000–$112,500 base.

SalaryStated by Syms Strategic Group

$90,000 – $112,500

Base salary for this role, in USD per year, as published in the posting.

This role, from Syms Strategic GroupOur estimate for the market: $75,000–$129,850

In line with the market median of $100,125 for mid-level communications roles in Washington.

Worked out from 18 postings that stated pay, median $100,125. Last updated Sep 20, 2026.

Role brief

Growth Roles summary, based on the employer's posting.

What you'll do

You'll build integrated communications and marketing plans to promote agency initiatives and grow magazine readership
You'll turn technical, policy, and transportation material into clear content for print, web, social, and email channels
You'll run outreach, promotions, and subscription campaigns for varied audiences, adapting messages by demographic
You'll create campaign assets, event materials, graphics, and author promotions across concurrent projects
You'll use reader research, surveys, and campaign analytics to assess results and improve outreach

What you bring

Bring six to ten years of increasing responsibility across strategic communications, digital marketing, and public affairs
Show that your social campaigns have grown subscriptions or readership
Hold a bachelor's degree or higher in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field
Be a U.S. citizen and qualify for a Public Trust (MBI) investigation
Transportation experience, particularly with highways or surface transportation, is preferred

Who this fits

This role suits an experienced communications professional who can explain complex transportation or policy topics to both public and technical audiences. The position is onsite in the National Capital Region and requires U.S. citizenship plus eligibility for a government security investigation. The opportunity depends on contract award, and interviews take place on Microsoft Teams with cameras on.

From the employer

Syms Strategic Group (SSG) is seeking a talented Strategic Communications Outreach Specialist
Location: Washington, DC, McLean, VA, and Remote
Department: Department of Transportation (DOT), Federal Highway Administration (FHA)
Type: Full Time
Min. Experience: Experienced
Security Clearance Level: Public Trust
Salary Range: $90,000 - $112,500

Military Veterans are highly encouraged to apply!
Essential Duties and Responsibilities

Develop and execute integrated communication strategies and marketing initiatives to promote agency initiatives and expand the magazine’s global readership
Translate complex technical or policy information into accessible, high-impact content across digital and print platforms, ensuring a cohesive and influential online presence for the agency and its primary publications
Develop and execute comprehensive outreach strategies and promotional campaigns
Manage multiple, simultaneous projects tailored to diverse audiences across various media outlets, ensuring messaging is effectively altered for each demographic
Lead all marketing efforts to increase magazine subscriptions and digital readership
Manage quarterly promotions, provide branding support, and coordinate with authors for feature story promotions
Generate high-quality content, including writing, editing, and designing graphics for social media, web pages, and electronic newsletters
Ensure the magazine and agency maintain a cohesive, professional online presence
Conduct in-depth market research and reader surveys to refine outreach strategies
Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of all campaigns and social media efforts using advanced analytics to drive data-informed decisions
Provide comprehensive staffing and marketing support for tradeshows, conferences, and internal/external events
Develop event-specific materials and innovative strategies to engage attendees and increase subscriptions
Synthesize complex highway, surface transportation, or policy information into compelling narratives for both the general public and technical stakeholders

Required Skills and Experience

Six (6) to ten (10) years of progressively responsible professional experience in strategic communications, digital marketing, and public affairs
Demonstrated expertise in developing social media campaigns that substantially increase subscriptions or readership
U.S. Citizenship required for this position.

Professional CertificationsNone requiredYears of Professional Experience6-10 years of total professional experienceDesired experienceTransportation experience, especially in highway and surface transportation is preferredFormal EducationBachelor’s degree or higher in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, Journalism, or a closely related fieldCitizenship RequirementU.S. Citizenship required for this specific opportunitySecurity Clearance RequirementsMust possess or qualify for a Public Trust (MBI)CRITICAL NOTES:

SSG will not make assumptions regarding your qualifications. Your answers to the mandatory screening questions must be supported by the information on your resume. Applications with inconsistencies will not be considered.
Recruiters or Third parties will not be considered.
This position is an onsite role located in the National Capital Region.
This project is contingent upon contract award.
This is a W-2 position.
All interviews will be conducted on Microsoft Teams with your camera on; there will be no exceptions.
As part of our screening process, you will be requested to provide a link to your LinkedIn profile

U.S Citizenship is required for this specific opportunity. Applicants selected will be subject to a government security investigation and must meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information and be able to obtain a government-granted security clearance. Individuals may also be subject to a background investigation including, but not limited to criminal history, employment and education verification, drug testing, and creditworthiness.

Syms Strategic Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, marital status, disability, veteran status, sexual orientation, or genetic information.