Director of Communications

Overview

The Director of Communications and Public Affairs reports directly to the Vice President of Human Resources and Administration. The selected candidate will lead the team who direct internal and external communications, government relations, media relations, advertising, community relations and philanthropy, crisis response and event management for one of the nation’s leading defense contractors.  This individual will serve as a close advisor to senior management team. 

Key areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:

• Direct internal communications strategy focused on executive communications, internal intranet, podcasts, blogs, employee bulletins, digital signage, employee-focused mobile app and other collateral materials to drive employee engagement.
• Partner with Human Resources organization to highlight ongoing recruiting efforts through strategic marketing and advertising campaigns. Implement strategies to promote employee engagement, share key HR milestones and activities, and support business critical messaging
• Direct the development, curation, and deployment of compelling advertising content to attract, engage and retain employees and maximize brand presence on various channels (e.g. web, TV and social media)
• Manage all company social media channels and external website.
• Monitor media coverage and prepare reports to evaluate the effectiveness of public relations strategies and identify areas for improvement
• Collaborate with senior management to actively engage, cultivate, manage and maintain relationships with key media outlets and influential community stakeholders. Provide public relations and public affairs guidance and training to senior leadership.
• Manage state and local government relations efforts and advocate for legislation that support’s the company’s growth strategies.
• Stay up-to-date with industry trends, current events, and emerging issues that may impact the organization's reputation and recommend proactive strategies to address them.
• Oversee production of all trade advertising and execution of key trade shows.
• Manage visits of high-level stakeholders (including Cabinet members, Navy leadership, elected officials) which highlight company’s contributions to the nation’s defense and economy. Manage vendor relationships to ensure seamless execution of events.
• Organize, plan and execute major events, including US Navy milestones (submarine keel laying’s and christenings) and employee recognition events (service award celebrations.)
• Advise company leadership on allocation of philanthropic budget. Create a strategy that is aligned with company interests and optimizes employee volunteerism.
• Represent company at local and regional events (Chambers of Commerce, regional economic advisory councils, etc.)
• Lead Public Affairs branch of company’s Rapid Emergency Response team, overseen and audited by Naval Reactors.

Qualifications

Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree in Journalism, Communications, Marketing or a related discipline.
• 15 or more years’ experience in journalism, communications, marketing, public relations or related experience.
• Proven experience in public relations, preferably in a leadership role, with a track record of successful campaigns and media placements.
•  Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies, digital marketing and social media trends, with experience leveraging these platforms for public relations purposes.
• Familiarity with crisis communication and issues management, including experience handling reputational crises quickly and professionally
• Excellent communication skills, both written and verbal, with the ability to effectively convey complex information to various audiences in relatable terms, including advanced copy-writing and copy editing abilities.
• Demonstrated ability to develop strategy, plans, and tactics to create and assess advertising concepts and campaigns that meet organizational objectives
• Strong interpersonal skills and the ability to influence, collaborate and connect with cross-functional teams, senior executives, corporate management and community leaders and local, state and federal Government stakeholders
• Must be able to maintain confidentiality.

Knowledge of Department of Defense Government Contracting a plus.