Director, Public Relations

Responsibilities

• Build and execute the annual PR plan, collaborating with communications leads across the company to develop and execute strategic approaches that support investor, program and business objectives.
• Maintain situational awareness on industry news through ongoing media monitoring and flag activities, issues and trends.
• Maintain and build new relationships with reporters and journalists.
• Own relationships and proactively pitch with top-tier, trade, defense and space reporters, and build relevant preparation documents for every opportunity.
• Turn launches, contracts, acquisitions and mission milestones into stories that earn coverage.
• Manage inbound media requests with speed and judgment
• Partner with Investor Relations, Government Relations, Business Development, Events, Social and Creative so earned, owned and paid channels work together.
• Report coverage, share of voice, sentiment and message pull-through to the EVP and senior leadership each quarter.

Requirements

• 10+ years in public relations or corporate communications, including 4+ years leading a team.
• A track record of earning coverage in top-tier national, business and trade media.
• Experience in aerospace, defense, space, government technology or another regulated, technical industry.
• Proven spokesperson preparation and crisis communications experience, with real incidents behind it.
• Working knowledge of public company disclosure rules, including Regulation FD, and how to work with Legal and Investor Relations.
• Writing that is punchy, declarative and free of jargon.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, public relations, English or a related field, or equivalent experience.

Preferred

• Experience supporting an IPO, a newly public company or major M&A communications.
• Familiarity with export control, ITAR and customer approval requirements on public statements.
• Relationships with defense, space and business reporters.
• Experience managing agencies and a PR budget.
• Ability to obtain and hold a U.S. security clearance, if required for the position.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off (FTO), empowering employees to take the time they need to recharge and maintain a healthy work-life balance
• Comprehensive medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and their families, with a significant portion of premiums covered by the company and many benefits paid at 100% for employees
• Flexible, affordable gym memberships with 12,700+ options nationwide, including 24 Hour Fitness, EoS Fitness, Crunch Fitness, Anytime Fitness, Blink Fitness, Chuze Fitness, and more! No long-term contracts and FREE on-demand workout videos before you enroll
• 401(k) retirement plan with a 50% company match on contributions up to 8%, supporting long-term financial security
• Company wellness programs that support physical and mental well-being
• Additional voluntary benefits and employee support resources
• The opportunity to work alongside a highly talented team in an innovative, mission-driven environment