National Security PR & Media Relations Specialist

avav; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 93,000 - 142,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical insurance

Dental and vision coverage

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment is seeking a Public Relations Specialist in Arlington, VA to support national security and technology media relations, rapid-response communications, and proactive storytelling across the enterprise.

You will monitor news, develop media outreach, and craft messaging for programs, executive travel, and external events. The role requires strong writing, research, and deadline-driven execution in a fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, international relations or a related field.
• 3–5 years of experience in media relations, communications, journalism, public affairs, government affairs or a related field.
• Strong understanding of the news cycle and demonstrated interest in national security, defense or technology.
• Excellent research, writing and organizational skills.
• Ability to work quickly and accurately under deadline.
• Strong attention to detail and ability to manage multiple simultaneous projects.
• Ability to identify newsworthy angles and translate complex information into clear communications products.

Responsibilities

• Monitor national security, defense, aerospace, technology, policy and business news for issues relevant to AV.
• Identify real-time opportunities for proactive media engagement based on breaking news and emerging trends.
• Develop media pitches, reporter lists, background materials and supporting research.
• Assist with development of messaging, talking points, Q&A, briefing cards and media preparation materials.
• Track AV media coverage and identify trends, opportunities and potential reputational issues.
• Support press release development and distribution.
• Research reporters, outlets, podcasts, broadcast programs and other media opportunities.
• Build PR plans around executive travel, customer events, demonstrations, conferences and trade shows.
• Coordinate with government relations and other internal teams to identify relevant Hill, policy and national security communications opportunities.
• Maintain media lists, engagement records and communications calendars.
• Support media logistics for interviews, briefings, events and facility visits.
• Assist senior communications leaders with rapid-response and crisis communications.
• Develop routine media intelligence reports and summaries for communications and company leadership.

Skills

Media relations

Writing

Research

Organizational skills

Deadline-driven

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science, international relations or related field

Master’s degree in communications or related field

Job description

AeroVironment is seeking a Public Relations Specialist in Arlington, VA to support national security and technology media relations, rapid-response communications, and proactive storytelling across the enterprise.

You will monitor news, develop media outreach, and craft messaging for programs, executive travel, and external events. The role requires strong writing, research, and deadline-driven execution in a fast-paced environment.