Senior Communications Specialist - VHA

Blackberg Group is seeking an experienced Senior Communications Specialist to support strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and organizational transformation initiatives within the Veterans Health Administration (VHA).

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and strategic thinker with a strong understanding of VA/VHA operations, organizational structures, and communications processes. This individual will work closely with federal leadership, program teams, and stakeholders to develop clear, compelling, and actionable communications that support organizational priorities, improve stakeholder understanding, and drive successful implementation of enterprise-wide initiatives.

This is a hands-on role requiring the ability to translate complex operational and policy information into accessible, audience-focused messaging while managing multiple priorities in a dynamic federal environment.

Key Responsibilities

• Develop and implement strategic communications plans, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement strategies that align with VHA priorities, organizational initiatives, and implementation milestones.
• Draft, edit, and refine a wide range of communications products, including executive talking points, leadership messages, briefing materials, presentations, FAQs, fact sheets, newsletters, announcements, web content, and communications toolkits.
• Support senior leadership communications, including town halls, executive briefings, organizational updates, and the development of responses to Congressional inquiries, media requests, and other high-visibility communications needs.
• Translate complex policies, operational changes, and technical information into clear, concise, and audience-specific messaging for VHA leadership, program offices, VISNs, medical facilities, and frontline personnel.
• Support organizational change management and transformation initiatives by developing communications that build awareness, address stakeholder concerns, promote engagement, and facilitate adoption of new processes and priorities.
• Collaborate with federal leadership, program managers, subject matter experts, and cross-functional teams to gather information, coordinate messaging, manage reviews and approvals, and ensure timely delivery of communications products.
• Manage communications schedules, editorial calendars, stakeholder outreach activities, and concurrent assignments while maintaining quality, consistency, and adherence to VA style, plain-language, and Section 508 accessibility standards.
• Track communications effectiveness through engagement metrics, stakeholder feedback, and performance reporting; identify opportunities to strengthen outreach, improve messaging, and enhance stakeholder understanding.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• 7+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, organizational communications, or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience supporting VA or VHA, including familiarity with its organizational structure, leadership environment, and operational priorities.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, including experience developing executive-level and federal communications.
• Experience supporting organizational change, stakeholder engagement, and large-scale initiatives.
• Ability to translate complex information into clear, concise, audience-appropriate messaging.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines.
• Familiarity with federal communications review processes, plain-language standards, and Section 508 accessibility requirements.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, Teams, and SharePoint.
• Strong interpersonal skills and experience collaborating with senior leadership and multidisciplinary teams.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience supporting VHA Central Office, VISNs, VA Medical Centers, or national VHA programs.
• Experience developing communications for organizational transformation, modernization, or change management initiatives.
• Background in federal health care communications, operations, or policy.
• Experience developing executive speeches, leadership talking points, Congressional responses, or media-related materials.
• Familiarity with VA communications policies, internal communications channels, and the VA Style Guide.
• Experience with communications analytics, engagement reporting, or tools such as Power BI.
• Change management certification, such as Prosci, or related professional trainin

About Blackberg Group

Blackberg Group is a growing, mission-driven federal consulting firm specializing in strategy, operations, communications, and digital services. As a Service-Disabled, Veteran-Owned Small Business (SDVOSB) and Woman-Owned Small Business (WOSB), we partner with federal agencies to deliver innovative solutions that advance their missions and create meaningful impact.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blackberg Group is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to fostering a diverse, inclusive, and respectful workplace. We provide equal employment opportunities to all qualified applicants and employees without regard to race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, sexual orientation, and gender identity), national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.