Public Affairs Manager

Responsibilities

• Own Skyeton Inc.'s core narrative, messaging framework, and positioning for US defense, SOF, and international partner audiences.
• Write and maintain the company's message house, boilerplate, fact sheet, and approved talking points; keep them accurate as programmes, facilities, and products evolve.
• Advise the CEO and leadership on messaging, positioning, and public posture for major announcements, contract awards, and events.
• Build and maintain relationships with defense, aerospace, trade, business, and local press.
• Plan and execute announcements: press releases, media advisories, embargoed briefings, and interview preparation for executives and engineers.
• Serve as the company's media point of contact; manage inbound inquiries, interviews, and facility or flight-demonstration visits by press.
• Own the crisis communications plan: scenarios, roles, approval chain, holding statements, and rehearsal.
• Lead communications during incidents — flight mishaps, security events, programme setbacks, or public scrutiny — protecting accuracy, the company's reputation, and the people involved.
• Produce customer-facing briefs, capability decks, one-pagers, and award announcements in partnership with business development.
• Own Skyeton's presence on DoW and industry marketplaces and partner platforms; keep profiles current and compelling.

Requirements

• 8+ years in journalism, public affairs, corporate communications, or media relations, including significant experience producing content and managing media under deadline.
• Demonstrated ability to advise senior leaders on messaging, media engagement, and crisis communications in sensitive or high-stakes environments.
• Exceptional writing and editing across formats — press releases, briefs, scripts, op-eds, and short-form social content.
• Hands-on visual storytelling — photography, video, or directing production — with a portfolio to show for it.
• Understanding of the US defense community and how it consumes information; ability to communicate credibly with military and acquisition audiences.
• Sound judgment with sensitive and export-controlled information; comfortable working under ITAR / EAR and OPSEC constraints.
• US person status.

Preferred

• Military public affairs, command information, or strategic communications experience — particularly with Special Operations Forces.
• An active security clearance (Secret or above; TS/SCI a plus).
• National-level journalism experience (wire service, network, or national digital outlet); recognized industry awards.
• Experience in defense, aerospace, or UAS industries, or with DoW acquisition and industry-engagement processes.
• Familiarity with the Fayetteville / Fort Bragg / Sandhills community.
• Bachelor's degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.