Job Description
US CITIZENSHIP REQUIRED
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BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems (SMS) is searching for an experienced, results-oriented Communications Specialist Senior to join their Marketing & Communication's (MarCom) Public Relations (PR) team. This position is part of the Strategic Operations (StratOps) organization, which consists of Washington DC Operations, Marketing & Communications and Strategic Development.

As a key member of the MarCom team, the Communication Specialist's primary purpose is to support the day-to-day media relations efforts and strategic media/press planning for BAE Systems SMS. Working with the Director of Public Relations, the Communications Specialist will recommend, implement and coordinate SMS public relations strategies and tactics to build and enhance the company's story and drive earned media visibility.

The Strategic Operations (StratOps) Strategic Capabilities Unit, consists of Washington DC Operations, Marketing & Communications and Strategic Development. The StratOps team promotes and elevates the business within our markets, works with customers and industry to influence and drive growth and facilitate collaboration across the business enterprise to increase opportunities.

What You'll Do:

Work with the Director of Public Relations to develop and implement the overall media and public relations strategy that aligns with the broader StratOps/MarCom strategy and protects the SMS brand.
Create and write proactive media pitches, press releases, blogs, article features, talking points, media statements and opinion editorials so all content is on-brand, error-free, consistent in style and messaging to optimize media pick-up and achieve organizational objectives.
Conduct independent research and interview program team members to gain expertise on past, current and upcoming SMS programs.
Work with the Director of Public Relations to vet and respond to media requests and inquiries.
Help develop detailed materials and training to support and prepare company representatives/subject matter experts for interviews and interactions with the media.
Develop and maintain good working relationships with the media and key stakeholders.
Monitor SMS and competitor news daily to gather and maintain weekly metrics, as well as create and issue a weekly "Heads Up" report.
Assist with social media and earned media campaigns.
Collaborate with team members to write website and social media content.
Work with the employee communications team to ensure company milestones are effectively communicated within the business.
Collaborate with MarCom and StratOps team on content, messaging, channels and media and public relations support for events/tradeshows/STEM activities.
Communicate directly with SMS customers to help plan and execute external messaging campaigns.
Work with stakeholders at SMS; BAE Systems, Inc.; and customer organizations to ensure all materials are properly reviewed and approved ahead of public release.
Support the Director of Public Relations in partnering with the BAE Systems, Inc. team on announcements, press releases, reports, executive talking points, community engagement, and investor relations efforts.
Serve as a MarCom liaison to a SMS business unit or function, which will include developing a strategic communications plan for that business or function and working with the MarCom team to execute on all internal and external communications to support that business/function.
Maintain a regular and predictable work schedule.
Establish and maintain effective working relationships within the department, the Strategic Business Units, Strategic Capabilities Units and the Company. Interact appropriately with others in order to maintain a positive and productive work environment.
Perform other duties as necessary.

On-Site Work Environment: This position requires regular in-person engagement by working on-site three or more days each normally scheduled week in the primary work location. Travel and local commute between company campuses and other possible non-company locations may be required.

Working Conditions:

Work is performed in an office environment, laboratory, cleanroom, or production floor.

Required Education, Experience, & Skills

Bachelor's degree plus 4 or more years related experience (e.g.: journalist, reporter).
Each higher-level degree, i.e., Master's Degree or Ph.D., may substitute for two years of experience. Related technical experience may be considered in lieu of education. Degree must be from a university, college, or school which is accredited by an agency recognized by the US Secretary of Education, US Department of Education.
Exceptional business acumen, writing and communication skills, strategic perspective and collaborative spirit.
The ability to identify sources for stories, distill important information from internal experts, and describe complex scientific topics in a way that is interesting and understandable to industry peers and the public.
Experience in media relations, including media pitching, vetting and responding to media requests/inquiries and organizing media events and interviews.
Solid relationships with media and key influencers.
Demonstrated ability to identify and leverage new public relations channels.
Experience using Cision/PR Newswire or other press release distribution service.
Knowledge of media monitoring and analytics tools.
Demonstrated ability to write in accordance with AP Style.
Proven project management skills.
Excellent organizational skills and the ability to track several projects and write assignments simultaneously.
Experience and the ability to collaborate with individuals and teams at all levels whether at SMS; BAE Systems, Inc.; or within media organizations.

Preferred Education, Experience, & Skills

Familiarity with Microsoft SharePoint and Adobe Creative Suite.
Familiarity with the Aerospace and Defense industry.
Photography and video experience.

Pay Information
Full-Time Salary Range: $78760.000 - $133870.000

Please note: This range is based on our market pay structures. However, individual salaries are determined by a variety of factors including, but not limited to: business considerations, local market conditions, and internal equity, as well as candidate qualifications, such as skills, education, and experience.

Employee Benefits: At BAE Systems, we support our employees in all aspects of their life, including their health and financial well-being. Regular employees scheduled to work 20+ hours per week are offered: health, dental, and vision insurance; health savings accounts; a 401(k) savings plan; disability coverage; and life and accident insurance. We also have an employee assistance program, a legal plan, and other perks including discounts on things like home, auto, and pet insurance. Our leave programs include paid time off, paid holidays, as well as other types of leave, including paid parental, military, bereavement, and any applicable federal and state sick leave. Employees may participate in the company recognition program to receive monetary or non-monetary recognition awards. Other incentives may be available based on position level and/or job specifics.

About BAE Systems Space & Mission Systems
BAE Systems, Inc. is the U.S. subsidiary of BAE Systems plc, an international defense, aerospace and security company which delivers a full range of products and services for air, land and naval forces, as well as advanced electronics, security, information technology solutions and customer support services. Improving the future and protecting lives is an ambitious mission, but it's what we do at BAE Systems. Working here means using your passion and ingenuity where it counts - defending national security with breakthrough technology, superior products, and intelligence solutions. As you develop the latest technology and defend national security, you will continually hone your skills on a team-making a big impact on a global scale. At BAE Systems, you'll find a rewarding career that truly makes a difference.
Headquartered in Boulder, Colorado, Space & Mission Systems is a leading provider of national defense and civil space applications, advanced remote sensing, scientific and tactical systems for the U.S. Intelligence, Department of Defense and scientific communities. We continually pioneer ways to innovate spacecraft, mission payloads, optical systems, and other defense and civil capabilities. Powered by endlessly curious people with an unwavering mission focus, we continually discover ways to enable our customers to perform beyond expectation and protect what matters most.