Business Strategy Communications Director 1

Northrop Grumman Defense Systems sector is seeking a Business Strategy Communications Director 1 to join our growing team of diverse professionals.

This position will serve as the primary communications advisor to the Weapon Systems division and leadership team, leading the strategy, messaging, execution and measurement of all communications efforts. This position will be based out of either Linthicum, Maryland, or McLean, Virginia.

Responsibilities:

On the business side, you will partner with communications and functional leaders to:

• Lead the development, execution and measurement of internal and external communications strategies (as well as growth priority programs and new business captures) that enable the company’s business objectives in the Weapon Systems arena and drive performance, reputation and engagement.
   
• Work at multiple levels of the organization, collaborating and aligning with the appropriate programming and proper resources to ensure consistent execution of the communications strategy.
   
• Lead the strategy and execution for shaping executive thought leadership internally and externally.
   
• Lead a small team of communications professionals responsible for the daily operations of these activities and accountable for positioning the brand to best support Weapon Systems’ business goals.
   
• Mentor this team to achieve success in their roles, support individual team member’s professional development and goals and advocate on the team’s behalf.
   
• Understand communications trends, best practices and technologies to reach broad audiences.
  
   

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Communications, Journalism, English, Marketing or a related field) with 10+ years of experience in a communications, media, marketing and/or public relations capacity OR 8+ years of experience as outlined above with Master-level degree from an accredited university.
   
• Understanding of U.S. and international defense markets; experience in technology, aerospace, defense or other science-related business or government field.
   
• Expertise developing and executing strategic integrated communications plans, including developing measurable objectives and associated KPIs.
   
• Track record of leadership success with business-driven, complex communications projects.
   
• Excellent executive-level communications and writing skills, including proficiency in Associated Press style; experience tailoring messages to various audiences, particularly in translating a message for a diverse range of stakeholders.
   
• Strategic systems-level thinking, interpersonal and organizational skills, with the ability to manage budgets, schedules and executive support; strong ability to remain agile in a fast-moving environment with rapidly shifting priorities.
   
• Experience leading teams of direct and matrixed employees, including geographically dispersed teams.
   
• Ability to obtain and maintain a U.S. Department of Defense Secret-level security clearance.

• Ability to travel domestically up to 25%, as necessary.
   
• Must be able to work on-site in Linthicum, MD or McLean, Virginia.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent collaboration, presentation and project management skills; ability to effectively interact with and influence all management levels.
   
• Experience in technology, aerospace, defense or other science-related business or government field.

• Success leading integrated communications projects for enterprise-wide initiatives and/or priorities; success leading international communications projects.

• Track record of identifying challenges and emerging issues, consulting with stakeholders, proposing alternatives to executives and implementing solutions without appreciable direction.

• Understanding of global defense landscape, including customers and competitors.
   

The health and safety of our employees and their families is a top priority. The company encourages employees to remain up-to-date on their COVID-19 vaccinations. U.S. Northrop Grumman employees may be required, in the future, to be vaccinated or have an approved disability/medical or religious accommodation, pursuant to future court decisions and/or government action on the currently stayed federal contractor vaccine mandate under Executive Order 14042 https://www.saferfederalworkforce.gov/contractors/.

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for most positions.