Communications Associate (R5514)

Shieldai; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 70,000 - 95,000; Full time

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a communications professional in Washington, DC to shape messaging around cutting-edge defense technology. You will translate complex ideas into clear, impactful communications that advance our mission and engage key audiences across media, executive, and corporate channels.

You will write and edit press materials, support media outreach and executive communications, coordinate stakeholders from planning to publication, and collaborate with partners and internal teams to

Qualifications

• 2–4 years of experience in defense technology, corporate communications, or public relations.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, national security, political science, or related field.
• Experience working across teams and managing stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with media relations, executive communications, and messaging.
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail.
• Interest in AI, autonomy, and defense technology.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ownership of projects from start to finish, including follow-through on details and deadlines.
• Strong judgment and critical thinking, including the ability to assess messaging and identify risks or gaps.
• Experience supporting communications for a defense, aerospace, government, or technical organization.
• Understanding of the U.S. defense ecosystem and national security landscape.
• Experience working with PR agencies and external partners.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit copy across formats, including press releases, social posts, op-eds, and marketing materials.
• Support external communications, including media outreach and executive communications.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to move projects from planning through approval and publication.
• Support executive communications, including media briefings, speaking engagements, and message prep.
• Support relationships with external partners, including PR firms and other companies and organizations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine messaging for defense, technology, and policy audiences.
• Research and draft thought leadership content, ensuring consistency in voice and tone.
• Monitor news, industry trends, and competitor communications.
• Provide administrative support for communications and broader marketing team.

Skills

Writing & Editing

Media relations

Strategic comms

Cross-functional

Stakeholder mgmt

Concept simplification

Defense tech comms

Education

Bachelor's in Communications

Job description

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BATaircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube.

Job Description:

Help shape the story behind cutting-edge technology with real-world impact. In this role, you'll develop compelling communications that elevate our brand, engage key audiences, and support strategic initiatives across media, executive, and corporate channels. Working closely with cross-functional teams, you'll transform complex ideas into clear, impactful messaging that advances our mission.

• Write and edit copy across formats, including press releases, social posts, op-eds, and marketing materials.
• Support external communications, including media outreach and executive communications.
• Coordinate cross-functional stakeholders to move projects from planning through approval and publication.
• Support executive communications, including media briefings, speaking engagements, and message prep.
• Support relationships with external partners, including PR firms and other companies and organizations.
• Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine messaging for defense, technology, and policy audiences.
• Research and draft thought leadership content, ensuring consistency in voice and tone.
• Monitor news, industry trends, and competitor communications.
• Provide administrative support for communications and broader marketing team.

• 2-4 years of experience in defense technology, corporate communications, or public relations.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, national security, political science, or related field.
• Experience working across teams and managing stakeholders.
• Ability to manage multiple projects and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with media relations, executive communications, and messaging.
• Strong writing and editing skills with attention to detail.
• Interest in AI, autonomy, and defense technology.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ownership of projects from start to finish, including follow-through on details and deadlines.
• Strong judgment and critical thinking, including the ability to assess messaging and identify risks or gaps.
• Experience supporting communications for a defense, aerospace, government, or technical organization.
• Understanding of the U.S. defense ecosystem and national security landscape.
• Experience working with PR agencies and external partners.

Full-time regular employee offer package:

Pay within range listed + Bonus + Benefits + Equity

Temporary employee offer package:

Pay within range listed above + temporary benefits package (applicable after 60 days of employment)

Salary compensation is influenced by a wide array of factors including but not limited to skill set, level of experience, licenses and certifications, and specific work location. All offers are contingent on a cleared background and possible reference check. Military fellows and part-time employees are not eligible for benefits.

Shield AI is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace and is an affirmative action employer. We are committed toequal employment opportunity regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, marital status, disability, gender identity or Veteran status. If you have a disability or special need that requires accommodation, please let us know.