Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc offers advanced solutions to meet the most complex U.S. defense, security, space, and intelligence requirements. Celebrating over 50 years in the US, we remain a trusted government partner, leveraging world-class satellite, laser communication, rotor and fixed wing solutions to help our national security, defense and space focused customers meet their missions.

Airbus U.S. looks to employ a commitment driven team, dedicated to enabling our customer's mission success. We are committed to maintaining a diverse and inclusive work environment and a welcoming and engaging staff. With competitive compensation and superior employee benefits, as well as a commitment to fostering individual career growth, Airbus U.S. is the place where top talent wants to work.

Position Summary:

The Manager of Communications is responsible for organizational and creative tasks to standardize and improve the communication efforts of the organization and collaborate with teams to identify the public voice of the company. In coordination with the Director of Communications, the Manager will collaborate with the Airbus Americas Inc. communications team, the Airbus Helicopters, Inc. communications team, and the global Airbus Defence and Space communications teams. Additionally, this position is responsible for coordinating all AIRBUS U.S. corporate communications initiatives for the Military Helicopters and Military Aircraft lines of business. This includes managing external communications and media relations, internal communications, and campaign-related communications for AIRBUS U.S. The Manager of Communications plays a critical role as a thought leader in the development of the overall strategic communications goals for the business lines they support. All corporate communications goals are enhanced through close coordination with the military helicopters and aircraft business line leaders, the director of communications, the head of strategy, and the executive team.

This position will report to the Director of Communications.

Position Responsibilities:

External Communications lead for Military Helicopters and Military Aircraft U.S. Space and Defense business: 70%

• Coordinate with internal teams to develop and execute effective strategic communication plans in support of business/sales objectives and key company priorities/milestones for the military (Lakota), federal (U.S. Dept of Defense, Homeland Security/ USCG, etc.) markets.
• Support business development initiatives with appropriate public relations plans
• Provide support in preparation of messages/presentations/speeches for leadership
• Assist marketing team with associated messaging/content/visual aids for trade shows/exhibitions
• Collaborate with marketing on content/messaging for social media and internal channels as needed
• Coordinate with Airbus Helicopters, Inc. Communications team to ensure support and collaboration between the two divisions

Internal Communications support for all Space and Defense business: 20%

• Work with communications team to develop and execute communications planning to deliver key messages to AIRBUS U.S. employees and wider Airbus community in the U.S. and Europe.
• Coordinate with colleagues around the world to ensure message alignment, maximize sharing of resources and contribute to company-wide strategic initiatives.
• Ensure that positive Airbus U.S. stories are incorporated into AIRBUS U.S. internal communications, including through the Global Airbus Hub or other venues across the company.
• Responsible for improving the company's internal communication channels through investing in new software programs or enhancing communication protocols.

Digital Communications, Social Media, Website Communications: 5%

• Working with the marketing team, develop and implement strategically relevant social and digital media campaigns supporting areas of strategic emphasis, with particular focus on military helicopter and aircraft.
• Promote the use of digital media tactics more fully and effectively across the business, training internal stakeholders on best practices.
• Coordinate activities with digital communications campaigns within other Airbus business units, divisions, and countries, to maximize cross-promotion and resource-sharing.
• Maintain PR software (Muck Rack) to monitor media articles and customer engagements online. Develop media relationship, find journalists, personalize pitches, and collect analytics to measure impact of our PR.

Other support duties as assigned: 5%

• Collaborate with colleagues to support other internal and external communications activities and campaigns across divisions.

Qualified Experience / Skills / Training:

Education:

• Required: Bachelor's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or similar discipline
• Preferred: Master's degree in Business, Marketing, Communications, or similar discipline

Experience:

• Required: Five years' experience in communications, public relations, public affairs or similar field, prior military experience a plus
• Preferred: Six to ten years' experience in communications, public relations, public affairs or similar field, prior military platform experience a plus

Knowledge, Skills, Demonstrated Capabilities:

Required

• Superior written and spoken communications skills; understanding of news media operations; ability to write effective press releases and other informational materials in Associated Press Style; familiarity with digital media best practices, technique, and style
• Ability to successfully pitch stories to news media; ability to write and execute a strategic communications plan; knowledge of advertising practices and principals; ability to plan and manage complex public-facing events

Preferred

• Familiarity with military helicopters and military aviation technology and U.S. military acquisitions; familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense and other customers' business models

Communication Skills (Spoken, Written, Influencing, Proficiency in Other Languages):

• The individual must be able to write effective press releases, on-the-record statements, social media posts, Q&As, key message documents, speeches and other communications materials with an exceptional level of proficiency.
• This position requires exceptional written and spoken communications skills in English, suitable for speaking on the record on behalf of the company to skillfully incorporate key messages in answers to complex questions.

Technical Systems Proficiency:

• Basic proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook and other common social media platforms; experience with photo editing and graphic design software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite) a plus

Travel Required:

• 25% Domestic and International

Eligibility:

• US Citizenship or Permanent Resident

Decision Making, Complexity:

• The individual must be able to apply critical judgment in responding to on-the-record queries from media, crafting responses in real time that adhere to company lines-to-take, incorporating key messages and stay within the limits of authorized areas of responsibility. This position also requires the ability to analyze environmental factors within the company, such as strategic business priorities and strengths/weaknesses of individual programs, to make recommendations for strategic communications priorities.

Job Dimensions, Contributions to Success:

• This position is responsible for managing and organizing strategic communications plans that influence overall company brand identity and prospects for winning new business.
• The individual also speaks for the company in social media channels and may occasionally be called upon to speak on the record to media about issues that can impact public image or even stock price.

Nature of Contacts:

Role includes involved communication with internal and external parties on a daily basis.

Equal Opportunity: Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, or veteran status. Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is also committed to compliance with all fair employment practices regarding citizenship and immigration status.

As a leader in our field, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. provides relocation assistance for qualified positions and a comprehensive compensation and benefits package.

As a matter of policy, Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. does not sponsor visas for US positions unless specified. Only applicants with current work authorization will be considered.

Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. does not offer tenured or guaranteed employment. Employment with Airbus U.S. Space & Defense, Inc. is at will, meaning either the company or the employee can terminate the employment relationship at any time, with or without cause, with or without notice.