Program Lead, US Defense Engagements - Tampa, FL, Washington, DC, or Stuttgart

Introducing Zinc Network For over fifteen years, Zinc Network has been helping governments and businesses navigate the world’s most complex challenges using communications, technology, and behavioural science. We work on some of the toughest briefs: protecting children online, strengthening democratic resilience, and championing purpose-driven technologies and organisations. Working in partnership with a global network of media outlets, communities, and influencers, we help clients understand complex issues, design and deliver behavioural interventions, create compelling campaigns, activate trusted grassroots networks, and evaluate impact. We’re now building Kora — our AI-powered platform that systematises this expertise into scalable technology, enabling clients to work faster, more impactfully, and more cost-effectively. We’re looking for people who want to operate at the intersection of geopolitics, security, and technological disruption, and who are committed to building a safer, more secure world. Outline of the job The Program Lead will own Zinc Network's delivery and relationship management on a multi-year US government defense information operations (IO) program, on which Zinc is engaged as a subcontractor. As the single point of accountability for Zinc's performance under the subcontract, you will translate the prime contractor's and government customer's requirements into deliverable campaign and program work, while building the US-based team needed to deliver it. Working closely with Zinc's UK-based leadership, you will bridge genuine private-sector strategic communications expertise and firsthand US defense IO experience, enabling Zinc to operate credibly within the US federal contracting environment. The role is hands-on in its first phase, with a clear path to leading a larger US-based portfolio and team as Zinc's position on the program grows. The Program Lead will be based in Washington, DC, Tampa, FL, or Stuttgart, Germany. This is a hybrid role, with office attendance subject to location. The role also involves regular travel to customer and prime contractor locations.