Communications Lead

Kaizen Labs

. Own major announcements end to end, including federal contract awards, product launches, partnerships, and funding .

Posted 9/28/2026full-timeWashington, D.C. • Washington • United StatesSeniorWebsite

Core Competencies

Role fit

Core Competencies

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Demonstrates expertise in press relations and media strategy, with a strong focus on managing major announcements and go-to-market campaigns. Proficient in writing and communications, including ghostwriting for leadership and managing relationships with media and stakeholders.

Highest-signal resume keywords

Press RelationsMedia StrategyCampaign ManagementGhostwritingFederal Clearance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills

Press ReleasesOp-EdsAd BuysSponsorshipsCampaign MeasurementEvent PlanningPublic AffairsProduct MarketingMedia RelationsFederal Lobbying

Soft Skills

Relationship BuildingCommunicationLeadershipStrategic ThinkingCollaboration

Certifications & Qualifications

Secret Clearance

Industry Keywords

Federal ContractsTechnology ReportingDefense ReportingCapitol Hill ExperienceAppropriations KnowledgeStakeholder EngagementPublic Relations Agency ManagementMedia CampaignsBrand ConsistencyEvent Coordination

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Own major announcements end to end, including federal contract awards, product launches, partnerships, and funding
Serve as Kaizen's primary media contact and build relationships with federal technology and defense reporters
Direct the PR agency on pitching, materials, and timelines
Build campaigns combining earned, owned, and paid media, including ad buys, sponsorships, and placements
Report on campaign spending returns
Ghostwrite in the founders' voice for op-eds, long-form posts, social media, and speaking materials
Run communications for events and conferences, including executive dinners, stakeholder briefings, and launch events
Position leadership on appropriate stages
Partner with the Head of Federal Strategy & External Affairs on outreach to congressional offices, committee staff, administration stakeholders, and industry associations
Maintain brand consistency across the website, collateral, and all channels

Requirements

What you’ll need

6+ years in press relations and media strategy, or equivalent experience
Experience running press for at least one major announcement from planning through coverage
Experience with go-to-market campaigns combining earned, owned, and paid media
Hands-on experience planning and managing ad buys, sponsorships, or placements, and measuring returns
Strong writing skills sufficient to ghostwrite for founders, including press releases, op-eds, and rapid-response statements
Experience directing PR agencies or outside vendors against scope, timelines, and results
Eligibility to obtain a Secret clearance
Active Secret clearance or higher is a strong-candidate advantage
Experience on Capitol Hill, with a committee, or in an agency public affairs office is a strong-candidate advantage
Working knowledge of authorizing and appropriations is a strong-candidate advantage
Ability to register as a federal lobbyist is a plus
Product marketing experience is a strong-candidate advantage
Industry event planning experience is a strong-candidate advantage
For NYC or DC-based candidates, willingness to work at the NYC HQ or DC office 3 days per week is required
Legal authorization to work in the country for which applying is required
No employment visa sponsorship

Benefits

Comp & perks

100% employer-paid medical, dental, and vision coverage, with 100% dependent coverage
$100,000 fully paid life insurance
FSA and Dependent Care FSA
One Medical membership
Fertility and family-building support through Carrot
401(k) through Guideline with a 2% company match
16 weeks fully paid parental leave for birthing parents
10 weeks fully paid parental leave for non-birthing parents
Unlimited PTO with a two-week minimum
Federal holidays off
Company-wide winter break the week of Christmas
Company offsites throughout the year
Home office or desk setup stipend: up to $750 for NYC-based employees and $500 for remote employees
$50/month commuter benefit
Expensed lunch while in the office
Company-provided laptop of choice
Fully covered Grindhouse gym membership for NYC employees
$100/month gym or physical fitness reimbursement for non-NYC employees
$100/month utility stipend
$500/year professional development stipend
$250/year recreation stipend
$300/quarter pet care stipend