Strategic PR Specialist — National Security & Tech

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

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision insurance

401K with company matching

9/80 work schedule

Paid holiday shutdown

Job summary

AeroVironment in Arlington, VA is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to support media relations, news monitoring, rapid-response communications and proactive storytelling across the enterprise. This role helps identify opportunities, develop media outreach, and build messaging around programs and events.

The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of the national security and technology news cycle, excellent writing and research skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight

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

News monitoring

Rapid-response communications

Storytelling

Research

Writing

Deadline-driven

Multitasking

Education

Bachelor’s degree in communications

Master’s degree in communications or related field

Tools

Media monitoring platforms

Job description

AeroVironment in Arlington, VA is seeking a Public Relations Specialist to support media relations, news monitoring, rapid-response communications and proactive storytelling across the enterprise. This role helps identify opportunities, develop media outreach, and build messaging around programs and events.

The ideal candidate will have a strong grasp of the national security and technology news cycle, excellent writing and research skills, and the ability to manage multiple projects under tight