Director, Communications

About Us

At SES Space & Defense, we deliver secure, resilient connectivity and integrated space solutions for customers operating in the world’s most demanding environments. As part of SES S.A., a global leader in satellite-enabled communications, we combine capabilities across all orbits with extensive global ground infrastructure, managed networks, hosted payload solutions, and mission integration services to support communications, sensing, data transport, and operational resilience worldwide. Our vertically integrated space and ground capabilities bring together satellite capacity, terrestrial infrastructure, advanced network technologies, and deployed user terminals to support mission-critical government operations around the world.

We are a trusted partner to the U.S. Federal Government and national security community, allied governments, NATO, NASA, and other civilian agencies, delivering reliable, high-performance solutions when mission success is critical. At SES Space & Defense, our people are our competitive advantage. You’ll work alongside a mission-driven team committed to integrity, innovation, accountability, and delivering real-world impact for customers whose missions matter most.

Location: Reston, VA (Hybrid)
Travel: 10–15%
Reports To: Vice President, Marketing & Communications

Responsibilities

Internal Communications

• Lead all aspects of SES Space & Defense’s employee communications program, including strategy, planning, development, execution, and measurement.
• Develop and execute the internal communications strategy and editorial calendar.
• Draft executive communications on behalf of senior leadership.
• Produce company-wide announcements and organizational updates.
• Manage the employee newsletter from planning through publication.
• Own communications distributed through Microsoft Teams and other internal communication channels.
• Manage content and updates for digital signage throughout company facilities.
• Coordinate content collection across the organization to ensure employees remain informed about company initiatives, achievements, customer successes, and strategic priorities.
• Develop communications supporting organizational change initiatives.
• Support planning, messaging, content development, and execution of company All Hands meetings.
• Develop employee recognition communications and leadership messaging.
• Continuously improve employee engagement through effective communication programs.

Executive Communications

• Serve as the communications advisor and primary communications partner for executive leadership.
• Develop executive messaging, speaking points, public event briefing materials, presentation messaging, leadership announcements, CEO communications, and executive correspondence support.
• Lead executive visibility initiatives.
• Partner with leadership to ensure messaging is clear, compelling, consistent, and aligned with company strategy.

External Communications

• Lead the company’s corporate communications program to strengthen SES Space & Defense’s reputation across government, defense, industry, partners, employees, and media.
• Develop corporate press releases, partner and customer announcements, vendor communications, and media relations.
• Handle media inquiries and support executive visibility programs, investor communications, industry award submissions, and public announcements.
• Provide crisis communications support when required.

Thought Leadership & Executive Visibility

• Develop communications that position SES Space & Defense and its executive leadership as trusted voices within the government and defense community.
• Create executive blog development, LinkedIn thought leadership content, bylined articles, and speaking engagement support.
• Prepare award nominations, executive profiles, biographies, and messaging for conferences, panels, and public appearances.

Communications Governance

• Serve as the steward of communications quality, consistency, and governance across the organization.
• Manage communications review and approval workflows.
• Coordinate approvals with Legal, Contracts, the Facility Security Officer (FSO), executive leadership, and other stakeholders.
• Ensure communications comply with applicable security, contractual, regulatory, and corporate requirements.
• Maintain messaging consistency across all communication channels.
• Develop communications standards, templates, and best practices.

Cross-Functional Partnership

• Build strong relationships across the organization and serve as the communications advisor to multiple business functions.
• Primary partners include: Chief Executive Officer, Executive Leadership Team, Facility Security Officer (FSO), Legal Counsel, Contracts, Human Resources, Business Development, Product Management, Marketing, and external agencies and public relations partners.

Communications Planning & Measurement

• Manage the company’s communications planning process while measuring effectiveness and identifying opportunities for continuous improvement.
• Maintain the corporate communications calendar and develop editorial calendars.
• Measure employee communication engagement and monitor media coverage and executive visibility.
• Track communications performance metrics and prepare communications reports and recommendations.
• Continuously improve communications processes and effectiveness.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, Marketing, English, or a related field.
• 8–10 years of progressively responsible experience in corporate communications, public relations, executive communications, or strategic communications.
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills.
• Demonstrated experience supporting executive leadership.
• Experience managing both internal and external communications programs.
• Experience writing press releases, executive messaging, speeches, and organizational communications.
• Outstanding project management and organizational skills.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities independently in a fast-paced environment.
• Strong interpersonal skills with the ability to influence across all organizational levels.
• Excellent judgment, discretion, and professionalism.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and Microsoft Teams.
• Ability to work in a hybrid environment from the McLean, VA office.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience in government, defense, aerospace, national security, intelligence, or other highly regulated industries.
• Experience working with government contractors.
• Media relations experience.
• Executive communications experience.
• Familiarity with DCSA proxy environments and security review processes.
• Experience supporting organizational transformation and change communications.
• Experience working with public relations agencies and external communications partners.

Skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication.
• Executive presence and sound business judgment.
• Strategic thinking with strong execution skills.
• Editorial planning and content management.
• Media relations.
• Communications planning and governance.
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, compelling messaging.
• Outstanding interviewing and information-gathering skills.
• Highly collaborative with the ability to build trusted relationships.
• Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality.
• Ability to work independently with minimal supervision.

Pay

The anticipated base salary range for this position is $144,375 to $198,555. The final base salary offered will be determined based on factors such as the position’s location, the candidate’s relevant skills, experience, and qualifications. Where applicable, this position may also be eligible for an annual bonus.

Benefits

• Paid vacation, sick, and personal leave.
• Medical, dental, vision, life, and disability insurance.
• 401(k)-retirement plan.