Corporate Communications and Marketing Director

About Us:

BlackSky is a real-time intelligence company. We own and operate the world's most advanced space-based intelligence platform and provide customers satellite imagery, automated analytics and high-frequency monitoring of strategic locations, economic assets and events from around the globe. BlackSky is trusted by the most demanding allied military and intelligence organizations and commercial companies to deliver foresight into critical matters that affect national security and the economy. BlackSky's data enables governments and businesses to see, understand and anticipate change as it happens, giving them the ultimate strategic advantage so they can act quickly. Our global team works with cutting-edge technology to make a difference around the world and prides itself on being people-first, customer-focused and fun.

BlackSky is seeking a strategic communications and marketing leader to define and execute our corporate brand, reputation and market-engagement strategy. Reporting to the Senior Director of Marketing & Communications, the Director will lead a high-performing team that advances our position with key industry stakeholders and manages the company's reputation. This leader will balance engaging storytelling with brand discipline to elevate BlackSky’s narrative and maintain a consistent presence. The role requires a player/coach mindset, and you will contribute directly to shaping BlackSky’s reputation in the news and other avenues of earned media. This hybrid position is based in Herndon, Virginia, or Seattle, Washington, and is expected to travel occasionally to support BlackSky engagements globally.

This position is based either in Herndon, Virginia or Seattle, WA and will be in the office on a hybrid basis of at least two days per week.

Responsibilities: 

• Develop and own the integrated corporate communications and marketing strategy aligned with growth, capture and investor priorities.
• Define the company's brand architecture, positioning and messaging across defense, space and commercial segments.
• Serve as trusted advisor to the C-suite on messaging, reputation and stakeholder engagement.
• Lead executive visibility planning and execution, through speeches, keynotes, op-eds, panel preparation, and thought leadership.
• Partner with Government Relations to support congressional, agency and allied-nation engagement.
• Support investor, analyst and industry association communications as applicable.
• Direct crisis communications planning and response.
• Manage external agency resources, including a PR-focused agency, while coordinating reviews, executive stakeholder meetings and media.
• Collaborate with leadership and internal subject matter experts to train/prepare spokespersons and create supporting campaign assets, not limited to briefing documents, outward-facing briefing materials and news announcements, imagery, and other creative visual assets.
• Other duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, Business, or related field
• A minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in corporate communications and/or B2B marketing.
• Exceptional writing, editing and executive presence.
• Proven crisis communications experience and sound judgment under pressure.
• A quick and enthusiastic learner who is resourceful and committed to finding solutions.
• A passion for the space industry and a natural grasp for technology and cultural megatrends shaping our world.
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills with the capacity to explain and translate complex technology concepts into simple and intuitive narrative.
• Exceptional attention to detail, even when managing multiple deadlines.
• Proven ability to work with and influence cross-functional teams without formal authority.
• Candidates must be eligible to obtain a U.S. Security Clearance. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Previous defense or aerospace technology experience, both internationally and within the U.S.
• Familiarity with the defense acquisition lifecycle and customer decision-making.
• Experience with account-based marketing, marketing automation, and CRM platforms.
• Familiar with (U.S.) media law, AP Style and journalistic principles for newsgathering and publication.

Life at BlackSky for full-time benefits eligible employees includes:

• Medical, dental, vision, disability, group term life and AD&D, voluntary life and AD&D insurance
• BlackSky pays 100% of employee-only premiums for medical, dental and vision and contributes $100/month for out-of-pocket expenses!
• 15 days of PTO, 11 Company holidays, four Floating Holidays (pro-rated based on hire date), one day of paid volunteerism leave per year, parental leave and more
• 401(k) pre-tax and Roth deferral options with employer match
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Employee Stock Purchase Program
• Employee Assistance and Travel Assistance Programs
• Employer matching donations
• Professional development
• Mac or PC? Your choice!
• Awesome swag

The anticipated salary range for candidates in Herndon, VA and Seattle, WA is $175,000 - $200,000 per year. The final compensation package offered to a successful candidate will be dependent on specific background and education. BlackSky is a multi-state employer, and this pay scale may not reflect salary ranges in other states or locations outside of Herndon, VA and Seattle, WA.

BlackSky is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. All Qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, age, national origin, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, protected veteran status or any other characteristic protected by law.

To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.

EEO/Pay Transparency Statements:

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/eeopost.pdf

https://www.dol.gov/ofccp/regs/compliance/posters/pdf/OFCCP_EEO_Supplement_Final_JRF_QA_508c.pdf

#LI-hybrid