External Communications Manager

Lockheed Martin•Highlands Ranch, CO

4d•Onsite

About The Position

The coolest jobs on this planet… or any other… are with Lockheed Martin Space Space is a critical domain, connecting our technologies, our security and our humanity. While others view space as a destination, we see it as a realm of possibilities, where we can do more— we can innovate, invest, inspire and integrate our capabilities to transform the future. At Lockheed Martin Space, we aim to harness the full potential of space to cultivate innovation, reduce costs, and push the boundaries of what technology can achieve. We’re creating future-ready solutions, focusing on resiliency and urgency through our 21st Century Security® vision. What does this role look like? We are seeking a dynamic media relations manager to join our Space Communications leadership team to help lead our storytelling efforts, crisis communications and rapid response strategies, and team operations. The ideal candidate will have a proven track record of creating and implementing strategic campaigns, using AI to streamline and elevate, enhancing brand awareness through earned media efforts, leading crisis communications, and managing PR projects and professionals. This leader should be comfortable with and prepared to support and drive communications activities regarding disruptive capabilities and complex subject matter, including for the company’s space exploration and emerging technology portfolios. They’ll support and guide a team spearheading external communications, advising executives, conducting media relations, supporting externally-facing thought leadership efforts, and executing crisis communications for a variety of emerging situations. Reporting to the external communications senior manager, the successful candidate will work with business leaders and Communications colleagues to support the overall strategy and track and report results. In this role will offer you the following daily key responsibilities:

Requirements

Bachelor’s or advanced degree in journalism, public relations, communications, marketing, or related field (advertising, etc.).
Media relations experience.
Understanding of contemporary communications and industry trends.
Previous experience with communications measurement techniques.

Nice To Haves

Results-driven with an ability to develop and execute communications strategies to achieve desired outcomes.
Possess effective relationship-building skills with peers, leadership and external stakeholders including influencers.
Experience leading a team.
Prior experience working with government public affairs and/or communications counterparts at various organizations.
Ability to convey highly complex information in clear, compelling ways.
Demonstrated exceptional writing, editing and oral communication skills.
Strong communications planning and project management experience.
Able to track news, social and digital metrics and analysis, leverage AI, and use results to inform future communications strategies and activities.
Comfortable working as part of a fast-paced, matrixed team with close attention to detail
Crisis communications experience and sense of urgency.
Strong work ethic, excellent prioritization and time management skills.
Motivated self-starter who performs without appreciable direction.

Responsibilities

Oversee and guide a team of PR professionals responsible for media relations and thought leadership, ensure all deliverables meet the Corporation’s media relations standards and promote a coordinated story.
Collaborate with communicators, government relations and business development organizations to understand their business objectives, prioritize requests and drive an overarching media outreach strategy.
Serve as first-line editor for team’s content (news releases, media statements, communications strategies/tactics, etc.).
Provide overall support, and jump in where needed, to drive the team’s storytelling efforts on a variety of programs and topics in the space exploration and advanced technology portfolios.
Build and maintain relationships with reporters and other influencers.
Develop and implement a rapid response approach for integrating quickly into news cycles.
Implement and continuously refine crisis communications/reputational risk program, to include preparation and response.
Provide insightful, informed and strategic communications counsel to business leaders to include media training.
Manage multiple workstreams and projects simultaneously, and support corporate-wide initiatives.
Own media operations, including maintaining and enhancing media coverage metrics and analysis program and templates, leveraging digital tools like AI.