Public Relations Manager

Manager, Public Relations

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 Manager of Public Relations to support media relations, corporate communications and executive visibility. As part of the integrated marketing & communications team, you will collaboratively create, develop, and execute high-visibility global story campaigns that support BlackSky’s business objectives while contribute directly to shaping BlackSky’s reputation in the news and earned media. The Manager of Public Relations will support press initiatives around corporate announcements and speaking engagements and be responsible for the operational aspects of BlackSky’s PR machine, including monitoring and tracking. 

This role is based in our Herndon, VA, office, and will be expected to spend two days in the office each week. We may also consider candidates in the Seattle, WA area.

Responsibilities:

• Creatively develop, and collaboratively execute high-visibility global-reaching international security and economy story campaigns.
• Write corporate announcements (press releases), award submissions, speaker abstracts, executive speeches, blog posts and more.
• 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.
• Manage operational aspects of media relations activities, i.e. curating and maintaining a database of key reporters, third-party national security analysts and experts, and managing channels of communication.
• Measure and communicate insights around the qualitative and quantitative impact of media activities. Use these insights to continually optimize BlackSky’s earned media efforts.
• Partner within the integrated marketing and communications team to develop earned+owned+paid plans in support of industry events and major milestones.
• Coordinate day-to-day media relations activities, including drafting media materials, responding to inquiries, and coordinating interviews.
• Support earned media initiatives by identifying opportunities for coverage and collaborating with agency partners, journalists, and internal stakeholders.
• Develop communication plans and messaging for company announcements, organizational updates, product launches, and major business initiatives.
• Monitor media coverage and industry trends to provide summaries, recommendations, and communication support as needed.
• Support crisis and issues communications planning, including the development of response messaging and materials.
• Other job-related duties as assigned.

Required Qualifications: 

• A Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a relevant field, or equivalent length of relevant professional PR experience.
• At least seven years of relevant experience in creating and managing global-reaching earned media campaigns that deliver measurable story results against pre-defined objectives.
• Ability to work well and remain calm under pressure and can flow within the dynamics of multiple editorial deadlines.
• A quick and enthusiastic learner. Inquisitive and resourceful, with exceptional negotiation, persuasion, and communication skills.
• Exhibits a healthy balance of risk-taking and discernment, with on-the-fly complex problem solving and decision-making abilities.
• Strong organizational skills as a good time manager and effective multi-tasker.
• A passion for the space industry and a natural grasp for technology and cultural megatrends shaping our world.
• Previous experience landing Tier-1 stories.

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Master’s degree in communications, journalism, international relations, or related field.
• Previous defense or aerospace technology exposure; international a plus.
• Deeply 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 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 or Seattle, WA is $130,000 - $140,000 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 or 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