Sr. Principal Public Relations Representative

Accountabilities

• Develop and execute strategic media relations plans that support business priorities, program objectives, and organizational communications goals through proactive and reactive engagement.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with journalists, particularly those covering aerospace, defense, technology, and other highly technical industries.
• Identify emerging news cycles, industry developments, and media opportunities to strengthen thought leadership and increase visibility across priority topics.
• Prepare and position subject matter experts and senior executives for media interviews, briefings, press events, site visits, and other external engagements.
• Create compelling media materials, including press releases, news features, long-form articles, pitches, and content for digital and owned communication channels.
• Partner with communications professionals across the organization to coordinate integrated campaigns, align messaging, and ensure consistency across business units and stakeholder groups.
• Monitor industry news, media coverage, and emerging issues to identify potential risks, trends, and opportunities, providing timely insights to relevant stakeholders.
• Track, analyze, and report communications performance metrics, using data-driven insights to refine strategies and demonstrate measurable business impact.
• Provide strategic counsel to business partners and leadership on media engagement, message development, communications planning, and reputation management.
• Apply sound judgment and innovative approaches to improve media relations practices, adapt to evolving communication trends, and support organizational priorities.

• A bachelor's degree and at least eight years of relevant experience, or a master's degree and at least six years of relevant experience, within a medium-to-large communications organization, public affairs office, public relations agency, or media company.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic media relations campaigns that deliver measurable communications and business outcomes.
• Experience using media monitoring platforms, analytics tools, and performance measurement applications to evaluate media coverage and campaign effectiveness.
• Strong knowledge of media relations practices, including journalist outreach, pitching, interview preparation, media training, and message development.
• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, including proficiency in Associated Press (AP) style and the ability to produce diverse media content.
• Ability to build productive relationships with journalists and identify opportunities to leverage industry news and emerging developments to advance thought leadership.
• Strong executive presence and the confidence to advise senior leaders, collaborate with technical subject matter experts, and operate independently in a complex organizational environment.
• Excellent strategic thinking, planning, decision-making, and stakeholder management skills, with a high level of attention to detail and accountability for results.
• Adaptability, creativity, curiosity, and a willingness to test new tools and approaches in a fast-paced, collaborative environment.
• Willingness and ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including travel between organizational sites when required.
• Experience working within large, matrixed, or geographically distributed organizations.
• Familiarity with the U.S. government, national security, or Congressional environments.
• Established relationships with journalists covering aerospace, defense, or advanced technology.
• Professional experience in aerospace, defense, technology, science-related industries, or government communications.
• Demonstrated leadership, sound professional judgment, and the ability to drive change through creative communication strategies and innovative approaches.

• Competitive annual salary: Base compensation ranging from $106,800 to $160,200 , depending on experience, qualifications, skills, and market conditions.
• Healthcare coverage: Access to health insurance and comprehensive healthcare benefits.
• Life and disability insurance: Benefits designed to provide additional financial protection.
• Retirement savings: Access to an employer-sponsored savings plan.
• Paid time off: Paid vacation and personal leave to support work-life balance.
• Company-paid holidays: Designated paid holidays throughout the year.
• Potential additional compensation: Eligible employees may qualify for overtime, shift differentials, discretionary bonuses, or other incentives, depending on the position and applicable compensation policies.
• Flexible work arrangements: Remote or telework opportunities may be available, depending on business needs and the selected work location.
• Professional development: Opportunities to expand communications expertise, collaborate with experienced professionals, and contribute to high-impact strategic initiatives.
• Travel opportunities: Occasional domestic travel, with requirements of up to 25% of working time.
• Collaborative environment: Work alongside communications specialists, technical experts, and senior stakeholders on projects that highlight innovation and support important aerospace and defense objectives.