Nexight Group is seeking an intelligent, thoughtful communications and research associate (mid-level professional) with proven experience in quickly becoming conversant in new technical topic areas, particularly related to energy-sector cybersecurity. An ideal associate must apply his or her expertise to communicate effectively with different audiences, conduct desktop research efficiently, offer critical analysis, synthesize information to draw meaningful conclusions, and write original and engaging content (from in-depth studies to short talking points) that accurately conveys complex information. If you are passionate about protecting U.S. energy infrastructure from cyber-attack, we want to hear from you.
Nexight Group is a small technical and management consulting firm that serves a variety of clients in many topic areas. Adaptability, critical thinking, genuine curiosity, and taking pride in hard work are all equally important to skills and subject matter expertise. To learn more about the company please visit our careers page.
Skills and Job Responsibilities
Applicants should have the necessary skills to perform the following job responsibilities:
- Rapidly build subject matter expertise in new technical areas and use it to effectively research, analyze, synthesize, and communicate complex topics, data, and expert viewpoints to both technical and nontechnical audiences
- Produce succinct, accurate, and reader-centered documentation that synthesizes complex information—understanding the difference between summarizing, paraphrasing, and synthesizing information—at a level appropriate to the target audience, from executives to employees, at all levels of an organization
- Ensure technical accuracy of materials while ensuring precisions in grammar, punctuation, readability, style, flow, and persuasiveness
- Assist in engaging with subject matter experts from diverse backgrounds, including through interviews, meetings, and workshops, to gather informed and original opinions, clarify specific trends, reach consensus decisions, and creatively solve complex problems
- Service clients through excellent verbal and written communications by scheduling, organizing, and managing teams engaged in complex, multi-faceted projects
- Pragmatically interface with individuals from different technical, experiential, and political backgrounds within the public- and private-sectors
- Thrive in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment while successfully managing multiple, simultaneous workstreams
Please note that this job description is not designed to cover or contain a comprehensive listing of activities, duties, or responsibilities required of the employee for this job. Duties, responsibilities, and activities may change at any time, with or without notice.
Working Conditions/Physical Demands
Nexight’s offices are in Silver Spring, MD. The position is open to in-person, remote, or hybrid candidates. Candidates must be willing to travel to the Washington, D.C. area as well as other areas of the country to support clients. Applicants should also expect to travel to Nexight’s offices at least once per quarter.
This is a primarily sedentary position in an environmentally controlled office setting, although moving between work areas may be required. Manipulating a computer keyboard or mouse and operating standard office equipment is required for this position. Reasonable accommodation may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
Summary of Qualifications
Minimum
- Bachelor’s degree or comparative experience
- At least 5 years of professional experience, including 2 working at least indirectly within the energy, cybersecurity, or infrastructure sectors
- Experience in scheduling and meeting coordination
- Excellent communications skills, both verbal and written, that reflect strong critical thinking, analysis, and synthesis capabilities
- Demonstrated ability to understand highly technical, complex information and translate it for technical and non-technical audiences
- Ability to work well independently and collaboratively in a fast-paced, deadline-oriented environment
- Ability to adapt to rapidly changing client needs, schedules, and priorities
- Strict attention to detail with minimal oversight required
- An entrepreneurial, “roll up your sleeves” spirit that realizes value in all tasks, large and small, likes to learn by doing, and desires continuous improvement and innovation
- Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office programs, particularly Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
- Ability to obtain a public trust clearance
Preferred
- Master’s degree in communications, public policy, science, engineering, business, infrastructure security, or related field with demonstrated writing experience
- Previous professional experience in a consulting or other professional services environment
- Previous professional experience in energy, cybersecurity, or infrastructure security
- Previous experience supporting a federal government client or working for the federal government
- Experience conducting stakeholder consultations via interviews, focus groups, or facilitated workshops
- Experience driving diverse groups of stakeholders towards consensus on complex topics
- Ability to obtain a security clearance
Compensation and Benefits
The salary range for this role takes into account the wide range of factors that are considered in making compensation decisions, including but not limited to skill sets; experience and training; licensure and certifications; and other business and organizational needs. A reasonable estimate of the current range is $70,000 to $90,000.
All full-time employees of Nexight Group receive a competitive salary and attractive benefits, including medical, dental, and vison insurance; paid parental leave; company contributions to employee health savings accounts (HSAs); company 401(k) contributions; profit sharing; and an annual bonus program.
To Apply
Please email the following information to careers@nexightgroup.com:
- Resume
- A cover letter that articulates your qualifications, uses examples that demonstrate your relevant skills and background, and details your motivation for this position (optional)
- May be required to submit a work sample
If you require reasonable accommodation to complete a job application, pre-employment testing, or a job interview or to otherwise participate in the hiring process, please contact us at careers@nexightgroup.com.