Craig Branson

About Craig Branson

I’m a strategic communications leader with two decades of experience translating science, security, and policy into messages that are easy to understand and build trust.From managing high-stakes media relations for national security programs to launching digital platforms that connect with real audiences, I bring a measured, mission-first approach to communications. My background spans energy, defense, nonprofit, and federal spaces - and I’ve consistently been trusted to lead messaging in sensitive, high-accountability environments.I specialize in:* Stakeholder engagement and public affairs strategy* Media relations, social media, and crisis comms* Team-building, leadership communication, and executive counsel* Translating technical breakthroughs for public and policymaker understandingI believe in audience cultivation over vanity metrics. Strategic planning over fire drills. And communications rooted in mission, not marketing.Based in Reston, Virginia. Open to remote roles or DC/NOVA-area opportunities.

Experience

1. Public Affairs Specialist

   National Nuclear Security Administration Nnsa

   Aug 2015 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Lead strategic communications for the agency responsible for the U.S. nuclear weapons stockpile and nonproliferation programs. Trusted to represent NNSA in sensitive, high-stakes communications environments involving science, policy, and national security.Key Highlights:* Serve as media liaison and spokesperson on national security topics, including deterrence, nuclear modernization, and emergency response* Translate complex scientific breakthroughs (e.g, fusion ignition, antineutrino detection) into accessible messaging for public, press, and policymakers* Develop and implement communications strategies across NNSA, Department of Energy, and contractor partners, ensuring alignment and clarity across stakeholders* Coordinate agency-wide crisis communications and cross-agency messaging; brief leadership and manage high-visibility press engagement* Edit copy to make it more accessible and memorable* Lead social media strategy, growing the agency’s audience by over 150% through platform-specific content, short-form video, and analytics-driven planning* Craft internal messaging and executive talking points to support stakeholder outreach and senior leadership visibility

Education

• The University of Texas at Austin

  BJ, Journalism

  1986 — 1989

Skills

• Web Project Management
• Web Development
• SEO
• Writing
• Joomla
• Ap Style
• Developer Relations
• Website Development
• Content Management
• Customer Service
• Facebook
• Strategic Planning
• Sem
• Scope Management
• Twitter
• Trade Associations
• Association Management
• Project Management
• Blogging
• Associations
• Vendor Management
• Copy Editing
• Non-Profits
• Search Engine Optimization (SEO)
• Drupal
• Photoshop
• Non-Profit Administration
• Press Releases
• Digital Media
• Social Media
• Public Relations
• Scope Planning
• Information Architecture
• Media Relations
• Nonprofits
• Product Management
• Developers
• Microsoft Crm
• Digital Marketing
• Online Marketing