Manager of Communications (M2)

Northrop Grumman Corp. (AU); Virginia (MN); On-site; USD 133,000 - 200,000; Full time

Job summary

Northrop Grumman Space Systems seeks a strategic Communications Manager 2 to lead the CORE team, delivering integrated content, outreach and resources that support priority campaigns and capabilities. You will guide day-to-day operations and collaborate with cross-functional partners to tell the Space story across channels.

The role emphasizes leadership, storytelling, and disciplined execution in a fast-paced environment, with multiple base locations in the US.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of experience in a Communications capacity OR 4+ years with a Master-level degree.
• People leadership experience; demonstrated ability to mentor and develop talent.
• Proficient with Microsoft Office (Word, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).
• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.
• Ability to operate in a fast-paced team environment.
• Strong interpersonal effectiveness and relationship-building skills.
• Detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Ability to obtain a government security clearance; U.S. Citizenship required.

Responsibilities

• Lead and manage the Content Execution CORE team with day-to-day direction.
• Own CORE operations: intake, resourcing, workflows, prioritization and process improvements.
• Partner with strategy and operations teams to bring the Space story to life.
• Translate strategy into clear execution plans aligned with priority campaigns and capabilities.
• Develop and oversee integrated communication plans and compelling narratives.
• Use data and feedback to assess impact and refine content, channels and processes.
• Collaborate with division/program leaders to align priorities and ensure consistency.
• Provide leadership, mentoring, and coaching to build a high-performing team.

Skills

People leadership

Microsoft Office

Written and verbal communication

Cross-functional collaboration

Data-driven communications

Executive presence

Stakeholder management

Process improvement

AP writing style

Education

Bachelor's degree plus 6+ years in Communications

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

Microsoft Lists

Planner

Tracker

Job description

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: None

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the Time

Description

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Northrop Grumman employees have incredible opportunities to work on extraordinary systems that impact people’s lives around the world. We’re curious and committed people, passionate about innovating technology to connect and protect the world by solving our most challenging problems. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to invent the future…and have fun along the way.

Northrop Grumman Space Systems is seeking a strategic Communications Manager 2 to lead the Content, Outreach & Resource Execution (CORE) team of communicators responsible for executing our communications strategy across the Space portfolio. In this role, you will provide day-to-day leadership, guidance and prioritization for a core content execution team, ensuring they deliver compelling, integrated communications that support priority campaigns, programs and capabilities.

We’re looking for someone who is passionate about leading and developing a diverse team, highly organized, and energized by process, operations and disciplined execution. You should enjoy building and running communications campaigns, translating complex topics into clear, engaging content, and fostering strong relationships with stakeholders. As the CORE team lead, you will partner closely with cross-functional communications teams and business leaders to drive strategic, omni-channel communications that tell our Space story to key audiences.

This full-time position reports to the Sr. Manager of Communications within the Space Communications team.

This position can be based in McLean, VA, Redondo Beach, CA, Linthicum, MD, or Dulles, VA.

RESPONSIBILITIES

• Lead and manage the content execution CORE (Content, Outreach & Resource Execution) team, providing day-to-day direction for a team of communicators.

• Own CORE team operations, including intake, resourcing, workflows, prioritization and continuous improvement of execution processes.

• Partners with the communications strategy and operations team and division communications partners to bring the NG space story to life.

• Translate the Space communications strategy into clear execution plans, ensuring CORE team work supports priority campaigns, programs and capabilities.

• Develop and oversee integrated communication plans and compelling narratives for major initiatives, working with cross-functional partners to ensure alignment and consistency.

• Leverage data and feedback to assess communication impact and recommend improvements to content, channels and processes.

• Collaborate with division and program leaders to align priorities, share updates and drive consistent execution across the portfolio.

• Provide leadership, mentoring and performance coaching to build a high-performing, collaborative team of communicators, remove roadblocks and ensure clarity of expectations and deliverables.

You’ll be a great fit if you are/have:

• Proven experience leading and developing a team of communicators to deliver high-quality, on-time work in a fast-paced environment.

• Strong background in designing and executing communications strategies that generate visibility, credibility and engagement for key programs and campaigns.

• A trusted advisor with a track record of building effective relationships with and influencing senior leaders and cross-functional partners.

• A gifted storyteller and writer who can translate complex, technical topics into clear, compelling content across channels.

• Highly organized and operations-minded, with sound judgment and the ability to balance short- and long-term priorities in a disciplined, process-oriented way.

• Skilled at harmonizing multiple stakeholder perspectives, providing clear counsel, setting priorities and driving alignment toward shared outcomes.

• Confident in facilitating meetings, leading group discussions and gaining consensus among stakeholders with differing views.

• Comfortable using data and feedback to assess communication effectiveness and refine content, channels and workflows.

• An inclusive, collaborative leader who fosters a positive team culture and models strong partnership across the broader communications function.

• Able to thrive in a continuously evolving environment, adapting plans and priorities while maintaining execution excellence.

• Proficient with collaboration and workflow tools such as Microsoft Lists, Planner and Tracker (or similar tools) to manage intake, resourcing and execution.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 6+ years of experience in a Communications capacity – OR – 4+ years of experience as outlined above with Master-level degree from an accredited university.

• People leadership experience, with commitment to talent development.

• Proficient in Microsoft Office suite (Word, SharePoint, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook).

• Outstanding written and verbal communication skills.

• Demonstrated ability to operate in a fast-paced team environment.

• Demonstrated increasing leadership experience.

• Strong interpersonal effectiveness and relationship building skills.

• Detail-oriented and strong organizational skills.

• Ability to obtain a government security clearance. U.S. Citizenship is required at the time of application.

Preferred Qualifications

• Background in consulting and/or agency experience with track record of overseeing communications programs in leadership roles.

• Ability to multi-task and prioritize competing demands in a fast-paced environment.

• Affinity for developing solutions to a variety of problems of moderate scope and complexity.

• Strong business acumen and executive presence with a history of cultivating trusting relationships with executive leaders.

• The ability to distill complex and sometimes voluminous technical processes, programs and content into clear, concise and engaging communications.

• Experience leveraging data to create and execute communications strategies, plans, programs and events.

• Understanding of AP writing style.

Working at Northrop Grumman is more than just a paycheck. We offer a comprehensive Total Rewards and benefits package designed to help you thrive at work and in life. For more information on our Total Rewards package, please visit our Total Rewards site.

Northrop Grumman Total Rewards (https://totalrewards.northropgrumman.com/?_gl=1*1y2u5rc_gcl_au*MTkyMjcyNDUxNS4xNzUyNTg4MDg3_ga*MzA4NDM5NjgzLjE2NzM5ODM3ODg.*_ga_7YV3CDX0R2*czE3NTMyNzU3NDgkbzEyMzckZzEkdDE3NTMyNzY2ODQkajU5JGwwJGgw))

Primary Level Salary Range: $133,100.00 - $199,700.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the candidate's experience, education, skills and current market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Job Category: Communications