Eric Bontrager

About Eric Bontrager

I\'m a seasoned communications professional with extensive experience driving policy change through strategic storytelling, coalition building, and cross-sector collaboration. My expertise lies at the intersection of policy, politics, and communications—translating complex issues into compelling narratives that build consensus and deliver results.My career spans advocacy organizations, Capitol Hill, political campaigns, and journalism covering federal policy. I also served as a Public Affairs Officer in the U.S. Navy Reserve and continue to maintain a TS/SCI clearance.Whether building coalitions for environmental conservation, managing press operations for political campaigns, or developing messaging strategies for complex policy issues, I thrive in environments where strategic thinking meets mission-driven work. I\'m passionate about advancing pragmatic, evidence-based solutions that can unite stakeholders across the political spectrum.Core Expertise: Strategic Communications & Media Relations Policy Communications & Government Affairs Coalition Building & Stakeholder Engagement Team Leadership & Cross-Functional Management Crisis Communications & Rapid Response Content Creation & Digital Strategy

Experience

1. Public Affairs Officer

   U.S. Navy Reserve

   Jan 2013 — Present · Washington, DC, US

   Support U.S. Navy public affairs outreach through communications planning, message development, media engagement, public events, and speechwriting for high-ranking officials. Served as mentor and leader to junior officers and enlisted sailors in numerous high-pressure, time-sensitive environments.• Assigned to specialized, rapid-response unit, providing public affairs support for humanitarian, disaster response, and combat-related operations.• Liaised with foreign government, NGO and U.S. government personnel during high-stakes humanitarian crises, resulting in better coordination between the bodies while maintaining the operation’s message.• Continue to maintain Top Secret / SCI security clearance, enabling communications support for highly sensitive U.S. government operations and missions.

Education

• The Johns Hopkins University

  Master of Arts (M.A.), Government, with a concentration in Political Communications

  2012 — 2015

• University of Colorado Boulder

  Bachelor of Science (B.S.), Journalism and Mass Communication

  2001 — 2005

• Defense Information School

  Public Affairs Qualifying Course

  2015 — 2015

• Washington Center for Politics & Journalism

  Student Journalist, Fall 2005

  2005 — 2005