The posting
Umbra is an American space technology company delivering advanced systems, from sensors to spacecraft, that empower customers worldwide with unmatched access to critical information from space. Our mission is simple and ambitious: redefine space—for people, systems, and missions in every domain. Umbra’s ecosystem operates through three business units: Remote Sensing (the data), Space Systems (the components), and Mission Solutions (the platforms). Together, our teams develop capabilities that deliver persistent access, resilient performance, and mission-ready solutions, advancing U.S. space leadership while keeping the world safe and informed.
About the Job
Umbra is seeking a seasoned, strategic Director of Communications to lead the company’s internal and external communications and shape how Umbra tells its story to employees, customers, media, policymakers, industry stakeholders, and the broader public.
Reporting to the VP of Communications, the Director will lead the day-to-day execution of Umbra’s communications strategy, with responsibility for media relations and press engagement, internal communications, executive communications, corporate messaging, and major company announcements. This individual will serve as a trusted communications advisor to senior leaders across the company and help build and protect Umbra’s reputation as a leading American space technology company.
The ideal candidate is an exceptional writer and communicator with strong news judgment, deep media relations experience, and the ability to translate complex technical and business topics into clear, compelling narratives. This role requires someone who can operate strategically while also moving quickly and executing directly in a fast-paced, mission-driven environment.
This position is based on-site in our Arlington, VA office.
Key Responsibilities
External Communications & Media Relations
- Lead Umbra’s day-to-day media relations and press activities, serving as a primary point of contact for journalists and managing both inbound and proactive media engagement.
- Build and maintain strong relationships with national, trade, defense, space, technology, and business media.
- Develop and execute proactive media strategies that elevate Umbra’s capabilities, leadership, business priorities, and role in the broader space and national security ecosystem.
- Lead communications planning and execution for company announcements, product and mission milestones, partnerships, contracts, launches, and other significant developments.
- Draft and edit press releases, statements, speeches, talking points, op-eds, executive communications, Q&As, briefing materials, and other external content.
- Prepare and advise senior executives for media interviews, public speaking engagements, panels, and other high-profile opportunities.
- Manage press inquiries and coordinate responses across leadership, Legal, business units, and other relevant stakeholders.
- Monitor the media and external environment to identify emerging opportunities, issues, and reputational risks.
- Lead communications response to sensitive, high-profile, or rapidly evolving issues, ensuring messaging is timely, accurate, and coordinated.
Internal & Executive Communications
- Lead Umbra’s internal communications efforts, helping ensure employees are informed, aligned, and connected to the company’s mission, strategy, and priorities.
- Develop and execute internal communications plans around company priorities, organizational developments, milestones, and other important employee matters.
- Establish and manage a consistent cadence of internal communications across channels, including Slack, newsletters, all-hands meetings, and leadership communications.
- Partner closely with senior leadership to develop executive messaging, talking points, presentations, company-wide announcements, and other leadership communications.
- Partner with People, Legal, Operations, and business leaders on sensitive or complex employee communications.
- Ensure internal communications are clear, timely, and consistent with Umbra’s voice, values, and broader corporate narrative.
Corporate Narrative & Communications Strategy
- Partner with the VP of Communications to develop and execute Umbra’s overarching communications strategy and corporate narrative.
- Help ensure a clear and consistent Umbra story across the company’s three business units: Remote Sensing, Space Systems, and Mission Solutions.
- Translate complex technology, missions, and business priorities into clear and compelling communications for technical and non-technical audiences.
- Partner with business leaders to identify stories, milestones, and opportunities that advance Umbra’s strategic objectives and strengthen its external profile.
- Partner with People, Legal, Operations, and business leaders on sensitive or complex employee communications.
- Ensure internal communications are clear, timely, and consistent with Umbra’s voice, values, and broader corporate narrative.
- Develop and maintain core corporate messaging, executive talking points, company background materials, and other foundational communications resources.
- Ensure consistency of voice, positioning, and messaging across earned media, internal communications, executive engagement, social media, and digital channels.
- Establish processes and metrics to assess communications effectiveness and continuously improve how Umbra reaches key audiences.
Cross-Functional Leadership
- Serve as a trusted communications partner to executives and leaders across Umbra’s business units and corporate functions.
- Collaborate closely with Marketing, Government Affairs, Business Development, People, Legal, and other teams to ensure communications are coordinated and aligned with company priorities.
- Partner with digital and content teams on integrated communications efforts spanning earned media, social media, web, and internal channels.
- Provide communications counsel on emerging issues, reputational considerations, and significant company decisions.
- Manage external communications agencies, consultants, and other partners as needed.
- Help strengthen communications processes, planning, and coordination across the organization as Umbra continues to grow.
Requirements
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Political Science, or a related field.
- 10+ years of communications experience, including significant responsibility for media relations, corporate communications, executive communications, and internal communications.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing communications strategies for complex, high-profile, or mission-driven organizations.
- Deep media relations experience, including a track record of developing reporter relationships, securing meaningful earned media opportunities, and managing press inquiries.
- Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across formats, including press releases, statements, speeches, op-eds, executive messaging, internal communications, and digital content.
- Experience advising and preparing senior executives for media interviews, public appearances, and sensitive communications.
- Strong news judgment and demonstrated ability to manage both proactive communications opportunities and fast-moving issues.
- Ability to understand complex technical, business, and policy topics and communicate them clearly to a range of audiences.
- Excellent judgment and discretion, particularly when handling sensitive, confidential, or high-profile matters.
- Proven ability to work effectively across functions and influence stakeholders at all levels of an organization.
- Ability to balance strategic thinking with hands-on execution and manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment.
Desired Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, defense, national security, technology, or another highly technical industry.
- Established relationships with national, defense, aerospace, technology, or business media.
- Experience communicating on matters involving the U.S. government, national security, or public policy.
- Experience leading communications around significant corporate announcements, crises, or other high-profile events.
- Familiarity with digital communications, social media strategy, communications analytics, and content management platforms.
- Experience managing communications agencies, consultants, or external partners.
Benefits
- Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave
- Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
- Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
- 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
- Stock Options
- Free Parking
- Free lunch daily in office
Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We do not discriminate in hiring on the basis of sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religious creed, national origin, physical or mental disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local law.
Employment Eligibility Verification
In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.
ITAR/EAR Requirements
This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable.
Pay Transparency This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.
Compensation Range
The Compensation Range for this role is $175,000 - $210,000 DOE.
