Director, Strategic Communications & Media Relations Support

Location: Arlington, VA (Hybrid) | Full Remote Considered for the Right Candidate

The Association for Uncrewed Vehicle Systems International (AUVSI) is the world’s largest nonprofit organization dedicated to advancing uncrewed systems, autonomy, and robotics. We represent corporations and professionals from more than 60 countries working across industry, government, and academia.

Our members are shaping the future of the defense, civil, and commercial sectors through innovation in drones, automated and remotely operated ground and maritime vehicles, and related technologies. At AUVSI, we are proud to be the leading voice of a rapidly growing industry that is transforming the way the world moves, connects, and defends.

The Opportunity

AUVSI is seeking a Director of Strategic Communications & Media Relations to lead the organization’s national media engagement and external narrative strategy.

This role is responsible for ensuring AUVSI’s voice is consistently represented in influential media conversations around autonomy, robotics, defense innovation, supply chain security, and emerging technologies. The Director will focus on proactive media engagement, strategic message development, and executive communications, working closely with AUVSI leadership, Government Affairs, and Public Affairs teams to turn policy priorities and industry developments into clear, compelling narratives.

This role serves as the organization’s primary strategist for media relations and external messaging, ensuring AUVSI remains a leading voice shaping public understanding of the autonomy ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

Media Strategy and Engagement

• Develop and execute AUVSI’s national and trade media engagement strategy
• Build and maintain relationships with reporters covering defense, technology, robotics, aviation, and industrial policy
• Identify and proactively pitch story opportunities tied to industry developments and policy priorities
• Secure media interviews and commentary opportunities for AUVSI leadership
• Monitor media coverage and identify opportunities for engagement or response

Strategic Messaging and Narrative Development

• Translate policy and industry developments into clear external messaging
• Draft op-eds, commentary, and thought leadership pieces for AUVSI leadership
• Develop messaging frameworks tied to major advocacy initiatives and industry developments
• Support the development of executive talking points and briefing materials

Executive Communications

Work closely with the CEO and leadership team to:

• Prepare media interviews and public remarks
• Identify high-impact opportunities for commentary and thought leadership
• Develop strategic message positioning aligned with AUVSI’s priorities

Rapid Response Communications

• Coordinate timely statements and commentary on major industry or policy developments
• Develop messaging to support AUVSI’s response to emerging issues

Qualifications

• 8+ years of experience in strategic communications, media relations, or public affairs
• Strong relationships with national and trade media
• Experience developing executive messaging and thought leadership
• Ability to translate complex policy or technology issues into accessible narratives
• Experience working in policy, technology, defense, or emerging technology sectors preferred
• Excellent writing, messaging, and media strategy skills

Supervision

• None

Work Environment

• This position will be based in our Arlington, VA office on a hybrid schedule (minimum of three days per week in the office)
• Willing to travel up to 30% of the time

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO)

As we lead our industry to new heights, our core values keep us grounded. They describe the shared beliefs and commitments that bring us together and make us a powerful advocate for autonomous technology. When we operate from our values, they inspire our daily actions, including how we work with each other and serve our members. AUVSI is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing an inclusive and welcoming environment for all members of our team and partners. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, gender, gender expression, age, national origin, disability, marital status, sexual orientation, or military status.

AI in Our Recruiting Process

AUVSI is committed to a fair, transparent, and efficient hiring experience. To support our recruiting team, we may use artificial intelligence (AI) tools at various stages of the hiring process. These tools may assist with:

• Resume screening — AI may help identify candidates whose qualifications align with the requirements of the role
• Interview scheduling — Automated systems may be used to coordinate and confirm interview logistics
• Candidate communications — Some outreach or status update messages may be generated or facilitated by AI
• Assessments — If applicable, AI-assisted tools may be used to evaluate skills or responses as part of a structured assessment

Human oversight is central to our process. All meaningful hiring decisions, including whether to advance or select a candidate, are made by our recruiting and hiring team members. AI is used only as a supporting tool, never as the sole decision-maker.

We take your privacy seriously. Any personal data processed through AI tools is handled in accordance with our Privacy Policy and applicable data protection laws.

If you have questions about how AI is used in our hiring process or would like to request a human review of any AI-assisted evaluation, please contact us at HR@auvsi.org.

Join us at AUVSI and help shape the future of autonomous innovation.

Apply today at careers@auvsi.org and be part of the team advancing uncrewed systems and autonomy worldwide.