Public Affairs Manager

Skyeton•Fayetteville, NC

2d•Hybrid

About The Position

The Public Affairs Manager owns Skyeton Inc.’s external story and public affairs function, translating the company’s operational flight experience, US manufacturing base, and defense programs into clear, credible, mission-focused communications for US defense, Special Operations Forces, and international partner audiences. The role covers the narrative and messaging, media relations, customer-facing materials, presence on Department of War (DoW) and industry marketplaces, digital and social content, community relations, and communications during incidents or other high-stakes situations. Reporting to the Chief of Staff, the manager works with Skyeton leadership in the US and Europe, business development, engineering, and flight operations. The role advises leadership on messaging and public posture; builds press relationships and manages announcements, inquiries, and interviews; develops customer briefs and event presence; directs content and brand standards; and supports recruiting and employer-brand communications. It also develops community and stakeholder relationships around Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and the Sandhills region. The position maintains a crisis communications plan and leads communications during incidents, while ensuring that public releases receive export-control, OPSEC, and customer-sensitivity review. It tracks communications performance and reports regularly to the Chief of Staff. The hybrid role requires regular onsite presence in Fayetteville, NC, occasional domestic travel, work outdoors at flight-test and demonstration sites, and the ability to carry camera equipment weighing up to 25 pounds. The manager must handle export-controlled and confidential information and participate in calls across US time zones and occasional cross-Atlantic calls.

Requirements

At least 8 years of experience 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 skills across press releases, briefs, scripts, op-eds, and short-form social content.
Hands-on visual storytelling experience in photography, video, or production direction, with a portfolio to show.
Understanding of the US defense community and how it consumes information, with the ability to communicate credibly with military and acquisition audiences.
Sound judgment handling sensitive and export-controlled information; comfort working under ITAR/EAR and OPSEC constraints.
US person status.
Ability to work outdoors at flight-test and demonstration sites in variable weather and carry camera equipment weighing up to 25 pounds.
Ability to travel domestically approximately 15–25%, occasionally on short notice for announcements or events.
Ability to handle export-controlled and confidential information per Skyeton policy.
Ability to participate in calls across US time zones and occasional cross-Atlantic calls with Skyeton’s international team.

Nice To Haves

Military public affairs, command information, or strategic communications experience, particularly with Special Operations Forces.
Active security clearance at Secret level or above; TS/SCI is a plus.
National-level journalism experience with a 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, or Sandhills community.
Bachelor’s degree in journalism, communications, public relations, or a related field.

Responsibilities

Own Skyeton Inc.’s core narrative, messaging framework, and positioning for US defense, SOF, and international partner audiences.
Write and maintain the message house, boilerplate, fact sheet, and approved talking points, keeping them accurate as programs, 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, including press releases, media advisories, embargoed briefings, and interview preparation for executives and engineers.
Serve as the company’s media point of contact and manage inbound inquiries, interviews, and press visits to facilities or flight demonstrations.
Own the crisis communications plan, including scenarios, roles, approval chain, holding statements, and rehearsals.
Lead communications during incidents such as flight mishaps, security events, program setbacks, or public scrutiny.
Produce customer-facing briefs, capability decks, one-pagers, and award announcements with business development.
Own Skyeton’s presence on DoW and industry marketplaces and partner platforms, keeping profiles current and compelling.
Plan and run Skyeton’s presence at trade shows, industry days, and customer demonstrations.
Create and direct written, photo, and video content featuring Skyeton’s aircraft, people, and mission.
Steward the Skyeton Inc. brand, including visual standards, templates, website content, and social media channels.
Own recruiting and employer-brand communications with HR, including communications related to the Fayetteville plant ramp.
Build relationships in the Fayetteville, Fort Bragg, and Sandhills community, with local and state economic-development partners, and with elected officials’ offices in partnership with leadership.
Communicate milestones such as facility openings, hiring, and first deliveries to community stakeholders.
Review every public release for export-control (ITAR/EAR), OPSEC, and customer-sensitivity concerns; maintain the release-approval process and its records.
Track and report coverage, share of voice, audience growth, and inbound interest attributable to communications; report regularly to the Chief of Staff.
Perform other duties as assigned by Skyeton leadership.