Strategist

Who We Are:  LINK is a fast-growing Woman Owned Small Business (WOSB) that leverages human-centered design to support strategy, innovation, communication, change, and branding within the federal government and adjacent industry partners. At LINK, we partner with engineers, futurists, and thought leaders to untangle complexity, discover opportunity, and communicate clearly with visual stories. 

Let us be your partners in change.

Location: We are actively hiring in the Washington, D.C. area. This role requires on-site presence with the client 5 days a week.

About the Opportunity

LINK is looking for a Strategist with a strong background in Communication to join our dynamic team. Strategists at LINK partner with clients and internal teams to develop clear, actionable strategies that address complex business challenges and advance organizational objectives. This role will independently manage significant portions of client engagements and contribute to the development of strategic recommendations that drive measurable outcomes by building a strong foundation of research, analysis, and communication.

Working closely with cross-functional teams, this role facilitates discussions, guides problem-solving efforts, and helps shape solutions that align with client needs, organizational culture, and long-term goals. Through strong analytical thinking, effective communication, and sound judgment, the Strategist will contribute to the successful delivery of client-centered solutions while helping elevate the quality and consistency of strategic work across engagements.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communication, English, Business, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications, consulting, public affairs, organizational transformation, program management, or a related field.
• Active Secret Level Clearance or higher required
• Ability to build and maintain strong client relationships and establish credibility with stakeholders.
• Strong analytical thinking and problem-solving skills, including the ability to synthesize complex information into actionable insights.
• Interest in visual storytelling, data visualization, and communicating abstract concepts through clear narratives.
• Excellent organizational skills with the ability to manage multiple priorities while maintaining attention to detail and quality.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including experience developing executive-level presentations and strategic deliverables.
• Ability to facilitate discussions, navigate ambiguity, and contribute to strategic decision-making in complex environments.
• Experience operating in ambiguous environments and exercising sound judgment with incomplete information.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in public affairs, strategic communications, or communications supporting military or federal government organizations, preferably within the Department of the Navy or Department of Defense.
• Familiarity with the Maritime Industrial Base (MIB), shipbuilding, or related maritime defense priorities is preferred
• Military experience, particularly in the U.S. Navy or U.S. Marine Corps, is preferred.

Responsibilities

Client Partnership & Strategic Advisory

• Partners with clients and internal teams to develop missions, visions, strategic goals, and measurable KPIs/OKRs aligned to enterprise priorities.
• Facilitates strategic planning efforts, including workshops, stakeholder engagements, initiative prioritization activities, and collaborative problem-solving sessions.
• Conducts primary and secondary research, stakeholder interviews, environmental scans, and benchmarking efforts to inform recommendations.
• Synthesizes complex information from multiple sources into clear findings, insights, and strategic recommendations.
• Identifies opportunities for process improvement, organizational effectiveness, and value creation through structured analysis and stakeholder engagement.
• Develops strategic deliverables that help clients navigate ambiguity and make informed decisions.

Communication Strategy, Storytelling & Execution

• Translates complex ideas into compelling strategic narratives, executive-level presentations, and communication products.
• Develops messaging frameworks that align organizational priorities, stakeholder needs, and desired outcomes.
• Collaborates with creative teams to design content structures, information hierarchies, content maps, wireframes, and visual storytelling approaches that communicate complex information clearly.
• Develops presentations, reports, and communication materials that support executive decision-making and organizational alignment.
• Ensures strategic recommendations and communication products are clear, actionable, and tailored to intended audiences.

Change Management & Organizational Transformation

• Supports development and implementation of change management strategies, including stakeholder engagement plans, change impact assessments, communications strategies, and adoption roadmaps.
• Develops governance frameworks, operating models, and supporting documentation that enable successful implementation of strategic initiatives.
• Facilitates working sessions and stakeholder discussions that build alignment, surface risks, and support decision-making.
• Establishes feedback mechanisms and performance tracking approaches that support continuous improvement and strategy refinement.
• Monitors implementation progress and incorporates stakeholder feedback to improve outcomes and sustain change efforts.

Work Schedule

• On-site with the client 5 days a week
• Full time, 40 hours per week
• Some travel required to attend relevant events and conferences, and participate in LINK team events

Salary:  LINK is committed to offering competitive compensation. While the salary range for this position is $86,000 - $110,000, your final offer may be adjusted based on factors such as experience and location.

Benefits:

• $100 monthly internet/cell phone stipend
• $150 monthly commuter stipend for eligible participants
• LINK sponsored healthcare benefits including medical, dental, vision
• Company-paid Short Term Disability Insurance
• 401K with employer contribution of up to 4%
• 11 Federal Holidays per year 
• 15 days of Paid Time Off (PTO) per year 
• Paid Holiday Time Off (Christmas Eve through the New Year) 
• Annual bonus plan participation
• Annual profit sharing participation
• $2,000 Learning and Development program reimbursement
• Technology package that includes a LINK-owned MacBook Pro, monitor, mouse and keyboard

LINK is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by applicable state, local, and federal law.

If you are unable to complete this application due to a disability, contact Human Resources to ask for an accommodation or an alternative application process.