Media Relations and Social Media Specialist full_time

Job Summary

We are seeking a Media Relations and Social Media Specialist (Communications Specialist III) to join THE Aerospace Corporation and become part of a team that solves some of the most complex technical challenges in existence. With challenges spanning clandestine to commercial, you will have the opportunity to work with nationally renowned experts who are evolving our nation’s space and launch capabilities. 

Work Model

This position is a full-time position based in Crystal City, offering a hybrid work model with 3+ days per week onsite with balance of days remote, or as business conditions allow.

What You’ll Be Doing

• Works with Media Relations Associate Director to implement proactive Corporate strategic media plans; builds, maintains, and engages with international, national, regional, and trade journalists; targets high-level placements in print, broadcast, and digital media
• Serves as a trusted Media Relations advisor, fostering strong relationships with executives, subject matter experts, and colleagues across all levels
• Collaborates with Communications Strategic Partners and subject matter experts to develop and execute media strategies and tactics for key campaigns and priorities across the company. Promotes activities and initiatives by pitching media interviews, publications, opinion pieces, and other tactics.
• Develops and maintains network of journalist contacts; regularly formulate, pitch, and place stories in relevant international, national, local, and trade media outlets
• Co-manages day-to-day relations with key national, international and trade media, which includes responding to media queries, supporting interviews, media events and briefings, and preparing and distributing press materials
• Writes and issues media advisories, news releases, briefings, capability statements, and other press materials
• Provides media preparation for subject matter experts and executives, coordinates and supports media interviews
• Co-monitors and analyzes weekly news coverage results
• Develops Crisis Communications strategies and plans in support of The Aerospace Corporation’s DC offices
• Works with Social Media team on content strategy and development for company social media channels
• Develops in-depth understanding of the company’s strategic goals, imperatives, innovations, technical capabilities, and expertise, as well as industry trends
• Provides additional external communications support, as assigned

What You Need to be Successful – Communications Specialist III

Minimum Requirements:

• Bachelor’s Degree in Journalism, Strategic Communications, or related field.
• 5+ years of relevant experience
• Previous Media & Social Media experience required
• Excellent writing skills a must; work should require minimal oversight and editing
• Thorough knowledge of AP Style
• Strong decision-making abilities
• Translate complex technical issues into understandable messages that resonate with key audiences and stakeholders

How You Can Stand Out

It would be impressive if you have one or more of these:

• Strong journalistic or feature writing, social media, press release writing and editing, multimedia, event planning and support.
• Strong desire to work in the defense and space sector

Leadership Competencies

Our leadership philosophy is simple: every employee, regardless of level and role, can demonstrate leadership. At Aerospace, our commitment is our people. To cultivate our talent and ensure that we have a strong pipeline of future leaders, we want individuals who:

• Operate Strategically
• Lead Change   
• Engage with Impact   
• Foster Innovation   
• Deliver Results  

Ways We Reward Our Employees

During your interview process, our team will provide details of our industry-leading benefits.

Benefits vary and are applicable based on Job Type.  A few highlights include:

• Comprehensive health care and wellness plans
• Paid holidays, sick time, and vacation
• Standard and alternate work schedules, including telework options
• 401(k) Plan — Employees receive a total company-paid benefit of 8%, 10%, or 12% of eligible compensation based on years of service and matching contributions; employees are immediately eligible and vested in the plan upon hire
• Flexible spending accounts
• Variable pay program for exceptional contributions
• Relocation assistance
• Professional growth and development programs to help advance your career
• Education assistance programs
• An inclusive work environment built on teamwork, flexibility, and respect

We are all unique, from diverse backgrounds and all walks of life, yet one thing bonds all of us to each other—the belief that we can make a difference. This core belief empowers us to do our best work at The Aerospace Corporation.

Equal Opportunity Commitment

The Aerospace Corporation is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action employer. We believe that a diverse workforce creates an environment in which unique ideas are developed and differing perspectives are valued, producing superior customer solutions. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment and will not be discriminated against on the basis of race, age, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, and related medical conditions), sexual orientation, gender, gender identity or expression, color, religion, genetic information, marital status, ancestry, national origin, protected veteran status, physical disability, medical condition, mental disability, or disability status and any other characteristic protected by state or federal law. If you’re an individual with a disability or a disabled veteran who needs assistance using our online job search and application tools or need reasonable accommodation to complete the job application process, please contact us by phone at 310.336.5432 or by email at ieo.mailbox@aero.org. You can also review Know Your Rights: Workplace Discrimination is Illegal, as well as the Pay Transparency Policy Statement.