Communications Director

Forterra Inc.; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 90,000 - 140,000; Full time

Job summary

Forterra Inc., a leading provider of autonomous systems, is seeking a Communications Director responsible for managing public relations and internal communication initiatives. Ideal candidates will possess deep experience in media relations and content development, particularly within complex domains such as defense and national security. Alongside competitive salary, the role offers extensive benefits including healthcare and a generous PTO policy.

Benefits

Premium Healthcare Benefits

Basic Life/AD&D Insurance

Generous Company Holiday Calendar

Competitive paid time off (PTO)

Fully paid parental leave

$9k Annual Tuition Reimbursement

401(k) with Company Match

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or media, preferably in defense or national security.
• Demonstrated experience in developing strategic communication plans.
• Strong multitasking and leadership skills.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated communications strategies aligned with business development.
• Execute PR efforts and develop high-impact content.
• Monitor media coverage and assess industry trends.

Skills

Media Relations

Content Development

Strategic Messaging

Leadership

Organizational Skills

Communication Skills

Education

Bachelor’s Degree

Job description

About Forterra

Forterra is a leading provider of autonomous systems for ground-based movement in the working world. Amongst some of the earliest innovators in the field of driverless technology, Forterra is focused on building systems that protect front-line soldiers and enable civilian workers in our industrial base. Forterra is the go-to provider of ground autonomy solutions for the U.S. Department of Defense, which harnesses the technology for asymmetric warfare in critical conditions.

About the role

Forterra is seeking a Communications Director to lead the company’s public relations, internal and external communications initiatives. This role is ideal for someone with deep experience in media relations, content development, and strategic messaging - particularly in complex domains like defense, national security, or emerging technologies that require skilled, creative translation of nuanced technical and policy topics into clear, compelling narratives.

Reporting to the Head of Marketing, the Communications Director will be responsible for the development, execution, and day-to-day management of strategic messaging campaigns that combine Forterra’s business development objectives, narrative priorities and policy goals.

What you'll do

• Lead the planning and execution of integrated communications strategies aligned with Forterra’s business development, public affairs, and policy priorities.
• Execute PR efforts, including media tracking, proactive outreach, news-jacking opportunities, and relationship development to garner earned media in defense, tech, business and national news outlets.
• Develop and refine messaging frameworks, positioning, and campaign themes in collaboration with marketing, public affairs, government relations, business development and executive leadership.
• Draft and edit high-impact content including press releases, thought leadership pieces, op-eds, blogs, executive remarks, and brand messaging.
• Monitor and assess media coverage, policy developments, and industry trends to inform strategic communications and identify risks or opportunities.
• Shape the planning and execution of company public appearances including panels, podcasts, forums, and other executive and SME engagements.
• Work across departments to development internal communications initiatives that inform and engage employees.
• Collaborate across internal departments to ensure alignment in messaging, voice, and brand narrative throughout all company communications.
• Manage relationships with Comms counterparts at government and industry partner organizations to support joint PR and marketing initiatives.

What We're Looking For

• Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience
• 7–10 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or media—preferably in a defense, tech, or government or other national security-sensitive environments.
• Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic communications plans.
• Strong leadership, organizational, and multitasking skills, with a sharp attention to detail.
• Deep knowledge of media relations, content strategy, and communications tools and platforms.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Ability to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams in high-pressure environments.

The salary range for this role is an estimate and is based on a wide variety of compensation factors. The salary offered to candidates will vary based on a variety of factors including (but not limited to) relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, training, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is therefore considered part of Forterra’s overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits for full-time employees including:

• Premium Healthcare Benefits: Three plan options, including an HSA-eligible plan, with Forterra covering 80% of the plan premium for you and your dependents.
• Basic Life/AD&D, short and long-term disability insurance plans 100% covered by Forterra, plus the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your dependents.
• Extremely generous company holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• Competitive paid time off (PTO) offering 20 days accrued per year.
• A minimum of 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth/adoption.
• A $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with all the Celsius your little heart desires.
• 401(k) retirement savings plan, including traditional, Roth 401(k), and after-tax deferral with company match up to 4%.

Your recruiter will be able to share more information about our salary and benefits offering during the hiring process.

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, providing and promoting equal employment opportunity in accordance with local, state, and federal laws. Forterrans are unique, talented individuals who are united through a shared passion to deliver autonomous systems that enable national resilience and a robust supply chain. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.