Communications Director

Forterra; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 100,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

A leading provider of autonomous systems, Forterra, seeks a Communications Director to spearhead their communications strategies. The ideal candidate will have significant experience in media relations and strategic messaging within complex domains like defense and national security. This role involves drafting high-impact content and collaborating across departments to ensure consistent messaging. Join Forterra to influence public perception and advance its mission in ground autonomy solutions.

Benefits

Premium Healthcare Benefits

Basic Life/AD&D insurance

Generous holiday calendar

Paid time off (PTO) annually

Paid parental leave

Tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend

Fully stocked beverage refrigerators

401(k) retirement plan with company match

Qualifications

• 7–10 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or media.
• Experience in defense, tech, or national security environments.
• Strong understanding of communications tools and platforms.

Responsibilities

• Lead integrated communications strategies aligned with business priorities.
• Execute PR efforts and develop high-impact content.
• Monitor media coverage and shape public appearances.

Skills

Media relations

Content development

Strategic messaging

Leadership

Organizational skills

Written communication

Verbal communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree or equivalent experience

Job description

Join to apply for the Communications Director role at Forterra.

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 align with Forterra’s business development objectives, narrative priorities, and policy goals.

What You'll Do

1. Lead the planning and execution of integrated communications strategies aligned with Forterra’s business development, public affairs, and policy priorities.
2. 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.
3. Develop and refine messaging frameworks, positioning, and campaign themes in collaboration with marketing, public affairs, government relations, business development, and executive leadership.
4. Draft and edit high-impact content including press releases, thought leadership pieces, op-eds, blogs, executive remarks, and brand messaging.
5. Monitor and assess media coverage, policy developments, and industry trends to inform strategic communications and identify risks or opportunities.
6. Shape the planning and execution of company public appearances including panels, podcasts, forums, and other executive and SME engagements.
7. Work across departments to develop internal communications initiatives that inform and engage employees.
8. Collaborate across internal departments to ensure alignment in messaging, voice, and brand narrative throughout all company communications.
9. Manage relationships with communications 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.

Benefits

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 relevant work experience, education, specialized training, critical expertise, and more. Equity in Forterra is included in most of our full-time, high-demand roles and is considered part of the overall compensation package. In addition to base salary and equity, Forterra offers competitive benefits 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, with options to purchase additional coverage.
• Generous holiday calendar including a winter break in December.
• 20 days of paid time off (PTO) annually.
• At least 7 weeks fully paid parental leave for birth or adoption.
• $9k annual tuition reimbursement or professional development stipend.
• Fully stocked beverage refrigerators with Celsius drinks.
• 401(k) retirement plan with company match up to 4%.

More details about salary and benefits will be shared during the hiring process.

Forterra is an equal-opportunity employer, committed to diversity and inclusion. All qualified applications will receive equal consideration for employment.

Additional Details

• Seniority level: Director
• Employment type: Full-time
• Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, Writing/Editing
• Industries: Defense and Space Manufacturing

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