About Bright Star
Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients.
Role Description
Bright Star is recruiting an experienced Senior Strategic Communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) on a border-security technology program to detect, identify, track, and classify items of interest along the nation’s borders.
This position is full-time and hybrid in Washington, DC. This role will work as part of a dedicated team and serve as the senior communications authority overseeing strategic communications for the program.
The Senior Strategic Communications SME sets the communications direction for a high-visibility federal program by shaping messaging, advising leadership, engaging a complex stakeholder landscape, and ensuring a consistent, credible narrative across internal and external audiences.
This role offers a unique opportunity to own the communications strategy for one of CBP’s flagship border-security technology efforts and to operate at the intersection of mission, leadership, and public engagement.
Key Responsibilities
· Develop, lead, and oversee the strategic communications strategy, messaging frameworks, and communications plans for the program.
· Serve as senior communications advisor to program and client leadership, translating complex technical and operational priorities into clear, audience-appropriate narratives.
· Produce and oversee executive-level communications products, including briefings, talking points, leadership remarks, fact sheets, one-pagers, and presentations.
· Manage internal and external stakeholder engagement across federal, state, local, tribal, territorial, and private-sector partners, including planning and facilitating engagements and events.
· Coordinate closely with CBP Public Affairs, Legislative/Congressional Affairs, and component communications offices to ensure message alignment, consistency, and compliance with CBP and DHS standards.
· Support media relations and rapid-response/crisis communications for a sensitive, high-visibility program.
· Oversee the development of communications content and products, including newsletters, infographics, web content, and digital communications, ensuring quality, accuracy, and brand consistency.
· Identify communications risks and proactively advise leadership on mitigation strategies and messaging.
Required Qualifications
· Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, or a related field.
· 8+ years of strategic communications, public affairs, or related experience.
· Senior-level experience supporting federal government clients.
· Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies for complex, high-visibility, or sensitive programs.
· Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level writing, editing, and presentation development.
· Proven stakeholder engagement, media relations, and crisis/rapid-response communications experience.
· U.S. Citizenship required.
Preferred Qualifications
· Prior CBP or DHS strategic communications or public affairs experience.
· Experience supporting border security, surveillance, law enforcement, defense, or other mission-sensitive programs.
· Demonstrated experience coordinating with federal Public Affairs and Legislative/Congressional Affairs offices.
· Familiarity with border-security and surveillance technology mission areas.
· Master’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Journalism, Public Policy, or a related field.
· Active CBP Background Investigation (BI) at the time of application.
Job Details
Job Type: Full-time
Location: Hybrid – Washington, DC
Benefits:
· 401(k)
· 401(k) matching
· Dental insurance
· Health insurance
· Vision insurance
· Paid time off
Experience:
· Strategic Communications/Public Affairs: 8+ years
· Federal Government Communications: 5+ years preferred
Ability to Commute:
· Washington, DC (Preferred)
Ability to Relocate:
· Washington, DC: Relocate before starting work (Preferred)
Work Location:
· Hybrid remote in Washington, DC
To Apply
Please submit your resume and include details regarding your relevant federal strategic communications experience, CBP/DHS experience, clearance status, and salary expectations.
Equal Employment Opportunity
Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
Physical Demands: The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job.
· Regularly required to sit, talk, and hear
· Frequently required to use hands to finger, handle, or feel objects, tools, or controls
· Occasionally required to stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms
· Occasionally lift and/or move up to 15 pounds
· Specific vision abilities include close vision, distance vision, and ability to adjust focus
· Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions[VN1] [WG2]
[VN1]@Martin Lucero Wes and I discussed adding this to job descriptions, thoughts?
[WG2]according to the internet, if we are going to do this, it needs to be tailored to the specific position and not like a blanket set of requirements that may or may not apply to the specific role.
Pay: $100,000.00 - $120,000.00 per year
Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20004
