Senior Communications Manager, Defense

Motorola Solutions•Washington, DC

7d•$135,000 - $195,000

About The Position

Motorola Solutions has a storied history in defense, dating back to its pioneering two-way radios used by the U.S. Army in the Second World War. This heritage has evolved, alongside modern global defense strategies, to include mission-critical communications that meet the government’s highest standards for data security, command center technologies that unify pertinent mission data and advanced video security technology, such as long-range thermal cameras. Recent investments have brought the company mobile ad hoc networking (MANET) technology that enables highly secure voice, video and sensor data transmission and radio frequency (RF) intelligence tools that can detect and geolocate RF signals in congested and contested environments. Together, this portfolio enables data-driven decision-making and enhanced safety and security across battlefields, bases and borders worldwide. As the Senior Communications Manager, Defense, you will lead the strategic formulation, execution and orchestration of global communication initiatives for Motorola Solutions' rapidly growing Defense portfolio. This role serves as a principal communications advisor to senior executives and business leaders across our Federal and Defense divisions. Operating with a high degree of autonomy, you will translate highly complex defense, aerospace and tactical technology capabilities into differentiated, high-impact narratives tailored for distinct global stakeholders, including customers, potential customers, defense tech media, global institutional investors and the general public.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Government Affairs or a related discipline.
Minimum of 10+ years of progressive professional experience in public relations, corporate communications or media relations.
Relevant Defense Tech Expertise: 5+ years of communications experience in defense, aerospace or Federal tech.
Deeply understands the defense market environment, multi-year government buying cycles and tactical technology.
Proven International Experience: Background managing global PR campaigns, demonstrating cross-cultural communication capability and an understanding of geopolitical media dynamics.
Exceptional Verbal & Written Communications: A proven track record of translating complex defense tech into compelling narratives for diverse audiences—seamlessly shifting writing styles to satisfy highly technical defense audiences, investors and lay consumer/business media.
Demonstrated Media Relations Track Record: Established, current relationships with key tier-one defense and relevant mainstream business journalists.
Demonstrated success in pitching and securing high-profile coverage, with a sophisticated understanding of today's rapidly evolving media environment and digital news trends.
Sound Reputational Leadership: Direct experience navigating high-pressure crisis communications or managing sensitive, complex narratives under rapid-response conditions.
Polished Presentation & Interpersonal Skills: Exceptional verbal articulation and strong interpersonal acumen to seamlessly guide cross-functional teams and company leadership.

Nice To Haves

Strong executive presence
Exceptional situational leadership
Ability to operate effectively within high-stakes, highly matrixed global environments

Responsibilities

Architect and execute comprehensive, long-term global communication and public relations strategies that establish Motorola Solutions as an elite innovator in the defense tech, tactical networking and counter-drone spaces.
Translate highly technical hardware and software capabilities into compelling, human-centric narratives that clearly demonstrate how our technology empowers data-driven decision-making across battlefields, bases and borders.
Orchestrate the company’s global defense PR and media strategy by nurturing deep relationships with national and international defense reporters and influential trade publications.
Serve as a trusted advisor to senior leaders, providing strategic counsel, message alignment and media training for high-profile defense interviews, speaking opportunities and trade shows.
Anticipate, identify and manage reputational risks inherent to the defense sector, collaborating on issues management strategies and messaging under tight deadlines.