Head of PR & Communications - Remote

Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Umbra’s ecosystemoperatesthrough three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.Umbra isseekinga seasoned, strategic Director of Communications to lead the company’s internal and external communications and shape how Umbra tells its story to employees, customers, media, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the broader public.

Reporting to the VP of Communications, the Director will lead the day-to-day execution of Umbra’s communications strategy, with responsibility for media relations and press engagement, internal communications, executive communications, corporate messaging, and major company announcements. This individual will serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders across the company and help build and protect Umbra’s reputation as a leading American space technology company.

The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and communicator with strong news judgment, deep media relations experience, and the ability to translate complex technical and business topics into clear, compelling narratives. This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office.

External Communications & Media Relations

Lead Umbra’s day-to-day media relations and press activities, serving as a primary point of contact for journalists and managing both inbound and proactive media engagement.

Lead communications planning and execution for company announcements, product and mission milestones, partnerships, contracts, launches, and other significant developments.

Draft and edit press releases, statements, speeches, talking points, op-eds, executive communications, Q&A, briefing materials, and other external content.

Manage press inquiries and coordinate responses across leadership, Legal, business units, and other relevant stakeholders.

Monitor the media and external environment to identify emerging opportunities, issues, and reputational risks.

Lead communications response to sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly evolving issues, ensuring messaging is timely, accurate, and coordinated.

Internal & Executive Communications

Lead Umbra’s internal communications efforts, helping ensure employees are informed, aligned, and connected to the company’s mission, strategy, and priorities.

Develop and execute internal communications plans around company priorities, organizational developments, milestones, and other important employee matters.

Establish and manage a consistent cadence of internal communications across channels, including Slack, newsletters, all-hands meetings, and leadership communications.

Partner closely with senior leadership to develop executive messaging, talking points, presentations, company-wide announcements, and other leadership communications.

Partner with People, Legal, Operations, and business leaders on sensitive or complex employee communications.

Ensure internal communications are clear, timely, and consistent with Umbra’s voice, values, and broader corporate narrative.

Corporate Narrative & Communications Strategy

Partner with the VP of Communications to develop and execute Umbra’s overarching communications strategy and corporate narrative.

Help ensure a clear and consistent Umbra story across the company’s three business units: Remote Sensing, Space Systems, and Mission Solutions.

Translate complex technology, missions, and business priorities into clear and compelling communications for technical and non-technical audiences.

Partner with People, Legal, Operations, and business leaders on sensitive or complex employee communications.

Ensure internal communications are clear, timely, and consistent with Umbra’s voice, values, and broader corporate narrative.

Develop and maintain core corporate messaging, executive talking points, company background materials, and other foundational communications resources.

Ensure consistency of voice, positioning, and messaging across earned media, internal communications, executive engagement, social media, and digital channels.

Establish processes and metrics to assess communications effectiveness and continuously improve how Umbra reaches key audiences.

Serve as a trusted communications partner to executives and leaders across Umbra’s business units and corporate functions.

Collaborate closely with Marketing, Government Affairs, Business Development, People, Legal, and other teams to ensure communications are coordinated and aligned with company priorities.

Partner with digital and content teams on integrated communications efforts spanning earned media, social media, web, and internal channels.

Provide communications counsel on emerging issues, reputational considerations, and significant company decisions.

Manage external communications agencies, consultants, and other partners as needed.

Help strengthen communications processes, planning, and coordination across the organization as Umbra continues to grow.

Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or related field.

10+ years of communications experience, including significant responsibility for media relations, corporate communications, executive communications, and internal communications.

Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies for complex, high-profile, or mission-driven organizations.

Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats, including press releases, statements, speeches, op-eds, executive messaging, internal communications, and digital content.

Experience advising and preparing senior executives for media interviews, public appearances, and sensitive communications.

Strong news judgment and demonstrated ability to manage both proactive communications opportunities and fast-moving issues.

Ability to understand complex technical, business, and policy topics and communicate them clearly to a range of audiences.

Excellent judgment and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive, confidential, or high-profile matters.

S. government, national security, or public policy.

Experience leading communications around significant corporate announcements, crises, or other high-profile events.

Familiarity with digital communications, social media strategy, communications analytics, and content management platforms.

Experience managing communications agencies, consultants, or external partners.

Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)

Stock Options

Free lunch daily in office

We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.