Motorola Solutions

Senior Communications Manager, Defense

Motorola Solutions$135K — $195K *
Aerospace & Defense
8 - 10 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor’s Degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, International Relations, Government Affairs or related discipline.
  • 10+ years of experience in public relations, corporate communications, or media relations.
  • 5+ years of communications experience in defense, aerospace, or Federal tech.
  • Demonstrated media relations track record with established relationships with key defense and business journalists.
  • Proven international experience managing global PR campaigns with understanding of geopolitical media dynamics.
  • Exceptional verbal and written communication skills capable of translating complex defense tech into compelling narratives.

Responsibilities

  • Develop and execute global communication and PR strategies for the defense portfolio.
  • Translate technical hardware and software capabilities into human-centric technology narratives.
  • Manage the global defense PR and media strategy, building relationships with influential media contacts.
  • Provide strategic counsel, message alignment, and media training for senior leaders.
  • Manage reputational risks and develop proactive issues management strategies.

Benefits

  • Incentive Bonus Plans
  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits
  • 401K with Company Match
  • 10 Paid Holidays
  • Generous Paid Time Off Packages
  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan
  • Paid Parental & Family Leave
  • and more!
Full Job Description
Department Overview
The global communications team is the voice of Motorola Solutions, bringing to life the company’s rich history in innovation and commitment to helping keep communities, businesses and nations safe, productive and thriving. Our customers are everyday heroes – from police officers, firefighters and service members to utility workers and educators – and we proudly tell their stories through thoughtful campaigns that span media, thought leadership, employee engagement and other stakeholder communications.
Job Description

About Motorola Solutions’ Defense Portfolio

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.

Role Purpose

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.

Key Responsibilities

  • Strategic Narrative Development: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.

  • Product & Customer Storytelling: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. 

  • International Public Relations & Media Engagement:Orchestrate the company’s global defense PR and media strategy by nurturing deep relationships with national and international defense reporters and influential trade publications.

  • Thought Leadership & Executive Coaching: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.

  • Issues Management & Corporate Reputation: Anticipate, identify and manage reputational risks inherent to the defense sector, collaborating on issues management strategies and messaging under tight deadlines.

Preferred Qualifications

At the Senior Manager level, candidates are expected to demonstrate strong executive presence, exceptional situational leadership and the ability to operate effectively within high-stakes, highly matrixed global environments. The ideal candidate will possess:

  • 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.

#LI-JS3

Target Base Salary Range: $135,000 - $195,000 USD

Consistent with Motorola Solutions values and applicable law, we provide the following information to promote pay transparency and equity. Pay within this range varies and depends on job-related knowledge, skills, and experience. The actual offer will be based on the individual candidate. 


Basic 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.


Travel Requirements

10-25%
Relocation Provided

None
Position Type

Experienced
Referral Payment Plan

Yes

Our U.S. Benefits include:

  • Incentive Bonus Plans

  • Medical, Dental, Vision benefits

  • 401K with Company Match

  • 10 Paid Holidays

  • Generous Paid Time Off Packages

  • Employee Stock Purchase Plan

  • Paid Parental & Family Leave

  • and more!


About Motorola Solutions

Motorola provides products, technologies, and services for mobile, wireline digital communication, information, and entertainment applications. Its product portfolio includes smartphones operating on the Android operating system, feature phones, media tablet devices, wireless accessories, and more. Its range of smartphone products includes the Moto X first generation, Moto X second generation, Moto G first generation, Moto G second generation, and more. It is also the manufacturer of Moto 360, a smartwatch that provides services such as notifications, updates, and other related features. It also provides monitors, cordless phones, applications, and accessories such as cases, wireless headsets, wireless speakers, and more. In addition, it provides multimedia content, including video, voice, messaging, and cloud-based and Internet-based applications and services to multiple screens such as mobile devices, televisions, media tablets, and personal computers. Its Medios service platform enables service providers to deliver content on devices. Motorola is based in Chicago, Illinois. It primarily sells its products in the United States, China, Brazil, and Singapore. Motorola currently operates as a subsidiary of Google Inc.

Motorola Solutions Careers

Join the dynamic team at Motorola Solutions today and be part of a company renowned for its relentless innovation, leadership in technology, and a commitment to professional excellence. As a global leader in communications and electronics, Motorola Solutions offers unparalleled job opportunities designed to empower your career growth and development. Work You’ll Do At Motorola Solutions, you will collaborate with a diverse team of experts who are at the forefront of technological innovation and public safety solutions. Our work impacts lives, ensuring safety and security for communities around the world. You will be part of a culture that values diversity, equity, and inclusion, and where every team member’s contribution is valued. Lead in Innovation and Technology Motorola Solutions is not just about radios and hardware; we are at the cutting edge of software solutions, AI, and data analytics. By joining our team, you will work on groundbreaking projects that redefine how public safety communicates in the digital age. Your work will help develop smart solutions that keep people safe and businesses thriving. Grow Your Career With Motorola Solutions, your career trajectory is boundless. We offer a variety of professional development and leadership training programs to help you hone your skills and advance within the company. From internships to full-time positions, Motorola Solutions is committed to nurturing talent and fostering an environment where innovation thrives. Benefits and Culture Our employees enjoy a competitive package of benefits that supports their life and well-being. These include health, vision, and dental insurance, employee assistance programs, and flexible working arrangements. At Motorola Solutions, we believe in maintaining a work-life balance that fosters both personal and professional growth. Join Our Team Explore the numerous employment opportunities at Motorola Solutions. Whether you are a seasoned professional or a recent graduate, we have positions ranging from engineering to marketing, sales to project management. We are hiring individuals who are passionate, curious, and ready to drive change. Networking and Professional Development Motorola Solutions values networking and connections within the industry. We encourage our employees to engage in various professional groups and forums to enhance their networking skills and industry knowledge. This engagement is pivotal in fostering a collaborative environment and sparking innovation within our teams. Internship Programs Our internship programs offer a robust introduction to the world of public safety solutions and communications technology. Interns at Motorola Solutions gain hands-on experience, working alongside seasoned professionals and participating in projects that make real-world impacts. Stay Connected Join the Motorola Solutions career community to stay updated on new job openings, company news, and industry developments. Tailor your job search with our career tools and get tips on crafting the perfect resume and acing your interview. Search Motorola Solutions Jobs Ready to start your journey with Motorola Solutions? Search open positions that match your skills and interests. We are looking for individuals who are driven, creative, and ready to make a difference. Keep Up to Date Stay ahead with career tips, insider perspectives, and industry-leading insights you can put to use today—all from the people who work here. Job Alert Emails Personalize your subscription to receive job alerts, latest news, and insider tips tailored to your preferences. Discover the exciting and rewarding career opportunities that await at Motorola Solutions.
Learn more about Motorola Solutions
Size
18,700 employees
Market Cap
$42.7 billion
Industry
Net Income
$949 million
Founded
1928
5 Year Trend
+6.2%
Revenue
$7.4 billion
NASDAQ

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