Section Manager, Strategic Communications, Planning & Campaigns

NASA JPL • Pasadena, CA

360d • $171,496 - $227,136

About The Position

New ideas are all around us, but only a few will change the world. That's our focus at JPL. We ask the biggest questions, then search the universe for answers-literally. We build upon ideas that have guided generations, then share our discoveries to inspire generations to come. Your mission-your opportunity-is to seek out the answers that bring us one step closer. If you're driven to discover, create, and inspire something that lasts a lifetime and beyond, you're ready for JPL. Located in Pasadena, California, JPL has a campus-like environment situated on 177 acres in the foothills of the San Gabriel Mountains and offers a work environment unlike any other: we inspire passion, foster innovation, build collaboration, and reward excellence. JPL's Communications and Education Directorate is seeking an experienced Communications professional with demonstrated knowledge of JPL/NASA Programs and strong management and leadership skills to fill the position of the Strategic Communications, Planning & Campaigns Section Manager. The new Strategic Communications, Planning & Campaigns Section plans and delivers cross-cutting communications and stakeholder engagement strategies and campaigns in service of NASA/JPL-direct-funded missions. It works directly with programmatic leadership both at JPL and NASA (SMD) to ensure communications goals, messages, and engagement activities are aligned with overarching program, project and SMD thematic goals.

Requirements

• Typically requires a Masters degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Management or related disciplines with a minimum of 10 years of relevant experience along with a minimum of 4 years of management experience; or a Bachelors degree in similar disciplines with a minimum of 12 years of relevant experience along with a minimum of 4 years of management experience.
• Proven experience in managing end-to-end an organization of mixed programmatic elements and a hybrid budget.
• Demonstrated ability to manage a diverse group of professionals and staff under a variety of employment conditions.
• Experience working with NASA and JPL Program Directorates, and partnerships with Project/Program Management.
• Demonstrated ability to interact with multiple stakeholders and handle difficult situations in a timely manner.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills.
• Proven strong analytical skills applied to strategic planning and continuous process improvement.
• Ability to motivate large teams and stay focused on key priority areas for future work.

Responsibilities

• Lead communications campaign planning and execution ensuring consistency, clarity and alignment with the strategic goals of all NASA JPL direct-funded missions.
• Point of contact for all customers (JPL and NASA) related to integrated mission communications planning, strategy and budgets.
• Ensure delivery of campaigns, activities and products in line with SMD Task Plans and long-range business plans.
• Deliver integrated communications and outreach plans - inclusive of media, social media, events, employee, STEM, influencer engagement and networks, launches and mission milestones.
• Work in lockstep with Program Offices and Project teams at JPL to advise on stakeholder prioritization, engagement and outreach.
• Communicate directly with key NASA programmatic and funding stakeholders to ensure that JPL's work in SMD thematic areas continues to be valued.
• Provide strategic direction and expertise to develop products and messaging geared to key stakeholders across NASA, aerospace and support Legislative Affairs with congressional stakeholders.
• Proactively identify relevant opportunities to engage; work with creative and technical SMEs to pitch new, innovative activations and content ideas.
• Leverage technical SMEs to build a clear understanding of different stakeholder communications needs.
• Deliver integrated Communications lookahead (short and long-term) to anticipate opportunities and risks; provide counsel on proactive and reactive messaging.
• Develop KPIs for work ahead and communicate progress.
• Create summaries of impact metrics for key campaigns and engagement activities.
• Maintain situational awareness of macro-operating environment, sharing relevant industry, economic, governmental issues that can inform or impact communications planning and campaigns.
• Manage and oversee the staffing of the Strategic Communications, Planning & Campaigns Section including hiring, development, and retention.
• Effectively supervise, mentor, and evaluate the performance of Direct Reports including Group Supervisors/Managers.
• Assign tasks and responsibilities and provide leadership and oversight of Section products and services.
• Oversee Section budget consisting of direct funds from NASA and JPL institutional funds.
• Conduct regular meetings with the Section Resource Analyst and Group Supervisors to monitor the budget.
• Oversee the preparation of financial reports and presentations to NASA and the Communications and Education Directorate.
• Manage the overall business operations of the Section; resolve technical, staffing, and resource issues.
• Perform institutional activities such as developing office charter and policies, reviewing relevant JPL policy documents, preparing semi-annual and annual performance reports.
• Function as an essential member of the Communications and Education Directorate's management team.
• Contribute to the planning and implementation of the Directorate's strategic goals and objectives.
• Inform and present to JPL upper management and the Executive Council as required.
• Provide advocacy for process improvements in collaboration with other JPL organizations.
• Maintain strong and professional relationships across organizational lines.
• Engage in person with other NASA partners, in Washington DC and elsewhere.

Benefits

• A variety of health, dental, vision, wellbeing, and retirement plans.
• Paid time off.
• Learning opportunities.
• Rideshare assistance.
• Childcare support.
• Flexible schedule.
• Parental leave.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Senior
• Industry: Professional, Scientific, and Technical Services
• Education Level: Master's degree
• Number of Employees: 5,001-10,000 employees