Communications Associate (R5514)

Shield AI; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 76,000 - 110,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bonus

Benefits

Equity

Job summary

Shield AI is seeking a communications professional to shape messaging for defense technology initiatives. You will write and edit materials across press, social, and marketing formats, while coordinating with cross-functional teams to ensure timely publication.

The role emphasizes media outreach, executive communications, and thought leadership in AI and autonomy. Qualifications include 2-4 years in defense tech or PR and a Bachelor's in a related field.

Qualifications

• 2-4 years in defense tech, corporate communications, or PR.
• Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, national security, or related field.
• Experience working across teams and managing stakeholders.
• Ability to meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Familiarity with media relations, executive communications, and messaging.
• Interest in AI, autonomy, and defense technology.
• Ability to explain complex technical concepts clearly.
• Demonstrated ownership of projects from start to finish.

Responsibilities

• Write and edit copy for 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 and speaking engagements.
• Support relationships with external partners, including PR firms and other companies.
• Collaborate with internal teams to refine messaging for defense, technology, and policy audiences.
• Research and draft thought leadership content while ensuring voice consistency.
• Monitor news, industry trends, and competitor communications.
• Provide administrative support for communications and broader marketing team.

Skills

Media relations

Executive comms

Writing & editing

Cross-functional

Project management

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications or related field

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.

What you'll do:

• 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.

Required 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.

Preferred qualifications

• 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.

$76,000 - $110,000 a year

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. Please speak to your talent acquisition representative for more information.

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.