Sr. Strategic Communications Manager

Important Notice for Applicants:

At Bixal, we want to ensure a transparent and secure application process for all candidates. Official communication will come from an email address ending in @bixal.com or from @bixal.na.teamtailor-mail.com. Messages from other sources may be fraudulent, and you should exercise care to avoid any links or attachments included.

Bixal will ensure that individuals with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, to perform essential job functions, and to receive other benefits and privileges of employment.

Need Assistance or a Reasonable Accommodation? If you need assistance or a reasonable accommodation to complete your application, we're here to help. Please reach out to us at talent@bixal.com and let us know how we can support you. You do not need to share personal details or disclose the nature of your request. You can expect a response from a team member within 24 hours during the regular work week and on the next operating day during the weekend or holidays.

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 has an exciting opportunity to accelerate digital transformation in the federal government and enhance the quality of service delivery to the public. Collaborating directly with our federal partner, you’ll harness relevant expertise and innovative strategies to drive large-scale enterprise transformation and create customer-centric experiences. For this project, The Strategic Communications and Engagement Manager leads integrated digital communication and engagement strategy for the Office of Head Start (OHS) across all channels, including websites, email marketing, social media, webinars, and online communities. Working in close partnership with the OHS communications team and the Project Manager, this role designs and drives tailored, data-informed strategies that expand reach, deepen engagement, and support OHS program objectives. The Manager ensures content and campaigns are audience-centered, performance-optimized, compliant with federal standards, and aligned with OHS voice, tone, and priorities. This is a full-time position contingent on contract award by our client, with a defined performance period of one year with four 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 $125,000 – $130,000. 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:

Lead development and execution of a cohesive, multi-channel communications and engagement strategy aligned to OHS objectives and stakeholder needs and designed to drive awareness, engagement, and conversion. Develop and maintain a strategic communications plan with clearly defined objectives, target audiences, messaging framework, and KPIs; update semi-annually based on performance and evolving priorities. Serve as senior advisor to the Project Manager and OHS leadership on communication priorities, campaign direction, and risk mitigation. Collaborate with OHS content creators and partner teams to develop editorial calendars and campaign workplans. Guide message testing and optimization to improve relevance, clarity, and engagement across diverse audiences, including multilingual communities. Ensure content strategies reflect market trends, competitive landscapes, user insights, and behavioral data. Establish measurement frameworks for channel performance (email, social, web, MyPeers, webinars) and translate insights into continuous improvements. Monitor reach, engagement, subscriber growth, SEO, and campaign outcomes; provide actionable recommendations to OHS and the Project Manager. Support routine and ad hoc reporting needs tied to KPIs, engagement trends, and strategic outcomes. Facilitate alignment across teams to reduce redundancies, ensure consistent user experience, and support shared goals. Contribute to planning and execution of webinars, webcasts, and community engagement activities, including Spanish-language and simultaneous interpretation events. Support governance processes, approvals, and decision-making through clear documentation, briefings, and stakeholder engagement. Other relevant duties as assigned and qualified/trained to perform

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Health, Public Administration, or a related field (or equivalent experience).
• Minimum 8 years of progressive experience leading multi-channel communications or digital engagement strategies, ideally for public-sector or mission-driven organizations.

Demonstrated expertise in Audience research, segmentation, and journey mapping, Strategic content and campaign planning, Digital marketing and engagement best practices, Web, email, and social media performance optimization, Analytics tools and KPI development.

• Proven ability to translate data insights into practical strategy shifts and measurable improvements.
• Strong interpersonal skills and a track record of successful collaboration with government stakeholders and multiple external partners.
• Excellent oral and written communication skills, including ability to communicate diplomatically in high-visibility environments.
• Demonstrated experience working within cross-functional digital teams for at least 4 years.
• Ability to obtain a Public Trust clearance.

Nice to Have Skills and Experience:

• Experience supporting federal health, education, or early childhood programs.
• Familiarity with Head Start, early childhood systems, or human services audiences.
• Working knowledge of USWDS, federal web standards, Section 508, and Plain Language compliance.
• Experience managing or coordinating large-scale webinars, multilingual campaigns, or online communities.

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.