Job DescriptionThe Senior Director of Strategic Communications is responsible for the planning and execution of external communications strategies, programs, and tactics that promote, protect, and enhance the reputation and capabilities of BAE Systems, Inc. as a leading global defense, aerospace, and security business. The person in this position helps lead our efforts to manage and respond to critical issues and proactively share BAE Systems, Inc.'s story with a variety of key audiences. This position reports to the vice president of strategic communications and routinely works across the U.S. enterprise, with the London-based Plc, and in support of the company's top leaders. We are looking for the right teammate to join a communications team that is passionate about our mission, is collaborative and creative, and are true believers in the power of engagement.
Key responsibilities include:
- Act as a key spokesperson for the company with media at the local, regional, national, and international level. This includes drafting and deploying media statements and releases, as well as in-person engagements.
- Possess deep relationships with defense, national security, aerospace, trade, and tech media, and top-tier business and regional news media.
- Coordinate across the company, and with colleagues at the Group level, to oversee the strategic impact and quality of external communications content and manage the public release approval process for news releases and other key collateral and content. She or he will ensure relevant information is distributed to key audiences through our newswire service, via baesystems.com, and social media.
- Play a leading role in shaping and drafting the company's public responses to key policy, regulatory, and budget issues. The successful candidate will be responsible for helping the company identify issues on the horizon and be prepared for them.
- Maintain current corporate-level talking points and messaging for use across the company and others as appropriate.
- Lead continuous preparation for and execution of crisis communications and issues management.
- Work closely with the Vice President of Executive and Internal Communications to support engagement programs for the CEO and members of the Senior Leadership Team to help position them as thought leaders with the media and other key stakeholders.
- Partner with and convene others across the enterprise to develop original storylines and media pitches that generate coverage to showcase BAE Systems' competitive discriminators, technology prowess, and expertise. She or he will need a particularly close relationship with the director of financial communications and the director of digital media.
- Work in close coordination with the director of marketing and the vice president of marketing communications and brand around key trade shows, exhibitions, and international marketing campaigns.
- Work closely with the Government Relations team, as well as communications and program teams across the enterprise, to support program-related campaigns.
- Supervise the program (and vendors) responsible for monitoring the company, industry, and competitor online news coverage and develop a more effective analytical measurement program to gauge effectiveness of external communications activities.
- Serve as a key representative of the organization in partnerships, negotiations, and communications with external stakeholders, including strategic partners and customers.
- Act as a strategic advisor on emerging trends and best practices to guide innovation within the organization. Champion new technologies and tools that will increase speed and efficiency across the organization.
Required Skills and Education- Bachelor's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a closely related field and 12 years work experience or equivalent experience
- At least 10 years of direct Aerospace and Defense industry communications or public relations experience
- Capable of leading external communications related to brand positioning, product capabilities, corporate finance, and crisis management
- Possess relationships with defense, national security, aerospace, trade, tech media, and top-tier business and regional news media
- Mastery of the Associated Press (AP) style guide
- Advanced writing and editing skills
- Ability to drive process standardization and improvement
- Skilled in fostering and maintaining effective relationships with internal and external partners
- Strong communication and collaboration skills
Preferred Skills and Education- Master's Degree in Journalism, Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a closely related field
- Experience in corporate financial communications
- Experience managing outside agency partners
- Experience in industry tools and technology innovation
This position will be posted for at least 5 calendar days. The posting will remain active until the position is filled, or a qualified pool of candidates is identified.
