Director - Strategic Communications
About The Position
Based in Rosslyn, Virginia. Key Responsibilities: Assist the SVP in developing and executing communications strategy in the United States. Lead day-to-day management of media relations, internal communications, and external messaging in alignment with corporate objectives. Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications matters, including reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and crisis preparedness. Drive external positioning through proactive media engagement, thought leadership initiatives, and targeted campaigns with defense, government, and industry stakeholders. Draft press releases, speeches, talking points, Q&As, and internal messages for senior executives. Monitor U.S. defense industry media, competitor activity, and public sentiment; prepare intelligence briefs for senior leadership. Coordinate communications support for major defense programs, exhibitions, customer engagements, and corporate events. Implement and track effectiveness of communications campaigns, providing regular reports and insights to the SVP. Support the SVP, Head of Strategic Communications in planning and executing HDUSA’s communications strategy.
Requirements
- Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with ability to translate technical issues into clear narratives.
- Demonstrated success in executing media relations and digital communication campaigns.
- Hands-on experience with crisis communications and message discipline in high-stakes environments.
- Proficiency in managing digital and social media platforms.
- Strong organizational and project management skills, able to manage multiple deadlines.
- High interpersonal skills with ability to build trust with executives, colleagues, and external stakeholders.
- Analytical mindset to evaluate communication campaign performance and adjust tactics.
- 8–12 years of experience in corporate communications, public affairs, or media relations, ideally within defense, aerospace, or highly regulated industries.
- U.S. citizenship required due to nature of defense industry communications and security considerations.
- Strong knowledge of U.S. political, policy, regulatory, security, and compliance environments (ITAR, FCL/SSA considerations)
Nice To Haves
- Degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Political Science, or related field preferred.
Responsibilities
- Assist the SVP in developing and executing communications strategy in the United States.
- Lead day-to-day management of media relations, internal communications, and external messaging in alignment with corporate objectives.
- Act as a trusted advisor to senior leadership on communications matters, including reputation management, stakeholder engagement, and crisis preparedness.
- Drive external positioning through proactive media engagement, thought leadership initiatives, and targeted campaigns with defense, government, and industry stakeholders.
- Draft press releases, speeches, talking points, Q&As, and internal messages for senior executives.
- Monitor U.S. defense industry media, competitor activity, and public sentiment; prepare intelligence briefs for senior leadership.
- Coordinate communications support for major defense programs, exhibitions, customer engagements, and corporate events.
- Implement and track effectiveness of communications campaigns, providing regular reports and insights to the SVP.
- Support the SVP, Head of Strategic Communications in planning and executing HDUSA’s communications strategy.
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What This Job Offers
Job Type
Full-time
Career Level
Director
