Director of Communications - Public Relations and Policy

Application close date:

At Blue Origin, we envision millions of people living and working in space for the benefit of Earth. We're working to develop reusable, safe, and low-cost space vehicles and systems within a culture of safety, collaboration, and inclusion. Join our diverse team of problem solvers as we add new chapters to the history of spaceflight!

We are a diverse team of collaborators, doers, and problem- solvers who are relentlessly committed to a culture of safety. This position will directly impact the history of space exploration and will require your commitment and detailed attention towards safe and repeatable space flight. Join us in lowering the cost of access to space and enabling Blue Origin's vision of millions of people living and working in space to benefit Earth.

We are looking for an experienced Director of Communications to oversee the media relations and communications strategy and day-to-day execution in two areas: Blue Origin public policy priorities and support for our business units, such as our engines, lunar, orbital, suborbital and in-space system groups. The ideal candidate will have shown expertise in government affairs, handling high-profile news announcements and events, crisis response, and reputation management. And, of course, previously established and close working relationships with news outlets, reporters, and influencers.

You're not only a policy and news media expert, but also an extraordinary writer and copy editor, and a great communicator across all levels. You can expertly tell and deliver stories and content and forge in-depth and ongoing relationships with key media and influencers, even during crises.

As part of a passionate and accomplished team of experts in Washington DC, you will help Blue Origin use communications to engage strategically with customers, government partners, Congressional Members, Administration officials, and third parties. You'll develop and implement communications strategies to advance Blue Origin's programs and public policy messages related to commercial, civil, and national security programs.

This is an individual contributor role within the External Communications team, meaning you will individually lead all aspects of strategy, messaging, tactics, and execution of public policy priorities and lunar programs, as well as company crises.

We are looking for someone to apply their technical expertise, leadership skills, and commitment to quality to positively impact safe human spaceflight. Passion for our mission and vision is required!

Special Mentions:

• This is an on-site and in-office position, with occasional travel. The office location is in Rosslyn, Virginia.

Responsibilities:

• Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies to advance Blue Origin's programs and public policy priorities at all levels of government
• Work with customers, internal executives, the government relations teams, sales teams, and consultants to implement these strategies
• Develop and implement comprehensive and innovative media relations strategies, messaging, and appropriate tactics for major campaigns, multiple business units, and crises that reflect effective news management, message delivery, and internal stakeholder management
• Arrange and oversee media events, press conferences, and briefings, and serve as the primary point of contact and occasional spokesperson for media inquiries.
• Write and copy-edit content, ranging from press releases, submitted articles and opinion pieces, captions, internal memos and plans, and related multimedia assets
• Support CEO communications, proactive media engagements, and public speaking opportunities
• Apply knowledge of stakeholder affairs in DC as related to aerospace and defense programs
• Develop positioning papers, messaging materials, and Op-Eds to advance key campaigns
• Develop and maintain relationships with government, policy, and space trade press and influencers
• Monitor federal government and executive branch activities and communications
• Advise on media sentiment regarding government activities
• Handle media inquiries, pitch stories, build, plan, and execute media events and campaigns
• Support preparation for and staff public engagements; run executive and employee speaking opportunities
• Work with external and internal communications teams across locations

Minimum Qualifications:

• 10+ years of experience with public policy communications
• Demonstrated relationships with reporters at key Beltway publications and relevant media organizations
• Strong writing and copyediting proficiency
• Experience as an on-the-record spokesperson
• Experience leading and directing reporter, influencer, agency and vendor relationships
• Demonstrated proficiency using social media platforms (Twitter, Facebook, Instagram, LinkedIn)
• B.A./B.S. degree in communications, political science, public relations, or equivalent
• Must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S. as a refugee or granted asylum
• Ability to earn trust, maintain positive and professional relationships, and contribute to a culture of inclusion

Inclusivity Statement

Don't meet all desired requirements? Studies have shown that some people are less likely to apply to jobs unless they meet every single desired qualification. At Blue Origin, we are dedicated to building a diverse, inclusive, and authentic workplace, so if you're excited about this role but your past experience doesn't align perfectly with every desired qualification in the job description, we encourage you to apply anyway. You may be just the right candidate for this or other roles.

Export Control Regulations

Applicants for employment at Blue Origin must be a U.S. citizen or national, U.S. permanent resident (i.e. current Green Card holder), or lawfully admitted into the U.S.as a refugee or granted asylum.

Background Check

• Required for all positions: Blue's Standard Background Check

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Defense Biometric Identification System (DBIDS) background check if at any time the role requires one to be on a military installation

• Required for Certain Job Profiles: Drivers who operate Commercial Motor Vehicles with a Gross Vehicle Weight (GVW), Gross Vehicle Weight Rating (GVWR) or combination of power unit and trailer that meets or exceeds 10,001 lbs. and/or transports placardable amounts of hazardous materials by ground in any vehicle on a public road while in commerce, may be subject to additional Federal Motor Carrier Safety Regulations including: Driver Qualification Files, Medical Certification, Road Test, Hours of Service, Drug and Alcohol Testing (CDL drivers only), vehicle inspection requirements, CDL requirements (if applicable) and hazardous materials transportation/shipping training.

Benefits

• Benefits include: Medical, dental, vision, basic and supplemental life insurance, paid parental leave, short and long-term disability, 401(k) with a company match of up to 5%, and an Education Support Program.

• Paid Time Off: Up to four (4) weeks per year based on weekly scheduled hours, and up to 14 company-paid holidays.

• Discretionary bonus: Bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results.

• Eligibility for benefits varies by role type, please check with your recruiter for a comprehensive list of the benefits available for this role.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Blue Origin is proud to be an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer and is committed to attracting, retaining, and developing a highly qualified, diverse, and dedicated work force. Blue Origin hires and promotes people on the basis of their qualifications, performance, and abilities. We support the establishment and maintenance of a workplace that fosters trust, equality, and teamwork, in which all employees recognize and appreciate the diversity of individual team members. We provide all qualified applicants for employment and employees with equal opportunities for hire, promotion, and other terms and conditions of employment, regardless of their race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin/ethnicity, age, physical or mental disability, genetic factors, military/veteran status, or any other status or characteristic protected by federal, state, and/or local law. Blue Origin will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with applicable federal, state, and local laws, including the Washington Fair Chance Act, the California Fair Chance Act, the Los Angeles Fair Chance in Hiring Ordinance, and other applicable laws. For more information on "EEO Is the Law," please see here.

Affirmative Action and Disability Accommodation

Applicants wishing to receive information on Blue Origin's Affirmative Action Plans, or applicants requiring a reasonable accommodation in order to participate in the application and/or interview process, please contact us atEEOCompliance@blueorigin.com.

California Applicant Privacy Notice

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