Manager, Communications

The future of aerospace and defense starts here. Ursa Major was founded to revolutionize how America and its allies access and apply high-performance propulsion, from hypersonics to solid rocket motors, satellite maneuvering and launch. We design and deliver propulsion and defense systems that solve the most urgent and critical national security demands. Ursa Major is seeking a Communications Manager to help lead the full breadth of internal and external communications. Reporting to the Head of Marketing and Communications, this role will execute public relations, executive and employee communications, thought leadership, crisis communications, owned content, social media, events, and message alignment across the business. The ideal candidate is a highly skilled writer, strategic communicator, and trusted cross‑functional partner who can translate complex technical, business, and defense topics into clear, compelling communications for a variety of audiences. This is a high‑impact role for someone excited to strengthen Ursa Major’s external voice while leading internal communications that build trust, engagement, alignment, and culture as the company scales. Preference will be given to candidates who are able to work from Ursa Major’s Berthoud, Colorado location on a hybrid schedule, though remote candidates will be considered. Responsibilities Serve as a key communications and culture leader, helping strengthen trust, engagement, alignment, and connection to Ursa Major’s mission during a period of rapid growth. Draft and edit high-quality communications materials across internal and external channels, including press releases, media pitches, briefing documents, blogs, internal announcements, keynote talking points, panel preparation materials, op‑eds, and related communications assets. Translate highly technical aerospace, propulsion, manufacturing, and defense topics into clear, accessible, and compelling communications for employees, media, customers, partners, and other key audiences. Support Ursa Major’s external communications strategy in partnership with the Head of Marketing and Communications and public relations agency partners, including media opportunities, announcements, reactive communications, and executive visibility. Lead and support internal communications for company‑wide announcements, leadership updates, organizational changes, employee programs, facilities updates, business milestones, and other moments that shape the employee experience. Partner closely with People Operations, Facilities, Safety, Security, Legal, business leaders, and executive leadership to ensure employees receive timely, clear, coordinated, and credible information. Support social media, owned content, events, tradeshows, facility openings, and broader marketing activities as needed as a member of a lean, fast‑moving marketing and communications team. Travel as needed to support tradeshows, company events, media engagements, executive speaking opportunities, customer engagements, and other business priorities, including hands‑on event and booth support. Support crisis and issues communications planning and execution, including drafting holding statements, employee messages, FAQs, reactive statements, and leadership communications during sensitive announcements, high‑risk operations, or rapidly evolving situations. Required Qualifications Approximately 7 years of experience in communications, public relations, corporate communications, executive communications, internal communications, journalism, public affairs, or a related field. Demonstrated ability to write, edit, and publish communications materials for executives, employees, media, technical audiences, and general audiences. Experience supporting media relations programs, including drafting press materials, preparing spokespeople, coordinating with reporters, or working with agency teams. Experience creating internal and external communications materials, such as executive messages, thought leadership, remarks, blogs, press materials, social media copy, employee announcements, or change communications. Ability to quickly understand complex technical, business, or policy topics and translate them into clear messages for multiple audiences. Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to handle sensitive, confidential, or rapidly evolving information. Excellent task management skills, including the ability to manage multiple deadlines, stakeholders, approvals, and priorities in a fast‑moving environment. Willingness to travel and support tradeshows, conferences, media engagements, company events, and other business needs. Comfort providing marketing, social media, and event support as needed in a lean team environment where communications work is both strategic and hands‑on. Preferred Experience Experience in aerospace, defense, national security, advanced manufacturing, technology, government, or another complex technical industry. Experience supporting communications for a high‑growth company or rapidly scaling organization. Experience with crisis communications, change communications, employee engagement programs, or culture‑building communications. Experience preparing executives for media interviews, panels, keynotes, customer engagements, or public speaking opportunities. Experience supporting tradeshows, conferences, executive events, facility openings, or industry engagements. Skills & Competencies Exceptional writing, editing, storytelling, and message development skills. Strong understanding of both internal and external communications, with genuine interest in the full breadth of the communications function. Executive presence and ability to build trust with senior leaders, cross‑functional partners, technical teams, and agency partners. Ability to operate with urgency, clarity, and calm judgment in sensitive or ambiguous situations. Strong collaboration skills and willingness to work across functions to improve alignment and employee experience. Adaptability, ownership, and comfort operating in a rapidly scaling organization where priorities evolve quickly. Working Conditions / Physical Demands Preference for candidates able to work from the Berthoud, Colorado location on a hybrid schedule; remote candidates will be considered. Ability to travel approximatively 25% of the time to support in‑person company events, tradeshows, and engagements. Event and tradeshow support may require standing or walking for extended periods and assisting with hands‑on booth or event set‑up using standard tradeshow materials, and lifting up to 50 pounds at times. Colorado law requires us to tell you the base compensation range of this role, which is $120,000 – $149,000, determined by your education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities. Classification: Full‑time Exempt Benefits Include Unlimited PTO - Vacation, Sick, Personal, and Bereavement Paid Parental and Adoptive Leave Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance Tax Advantage Accounts (HSA/FSA) Employer‑Paid Short and Long‑Term Disability, Basic Life, AD&D Additional Benefit Options Including Voluntary Life and Emergency Medical Transport EAP Program Retirement Savings Plan – 401(k) with Company Match Equity Grants in the Company Must be a U.S. Person (this includes U.S. Citizens and Permanent Residents). Eligibility to obtain and maintain a U.S. Security Clearance. We’re an equal‑opportunity employer. You will be considered for employment without attention to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran, or disability status. #J-18808-Ljbffr