Sr. Principal Customer Communications Representative (Falls Church VA)

This position is located in Falls Church, VA. Travel is required up to 25% of the time. No relocation assistance or security clearance is required for start.

About the Role

Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Sr. Principal Customer Communications Representative to join our enterprise communications team. In this role, you will develop, plan, execute, and measure integrated, strategic customer communication efforts in support of business priorities. Your communications expertise, knowledge of the national security environment, and business acumen will be vital as you help position the company as an innovation and technology leader in aerospace and defense.

The ideal candidate is proactive, innovative, and possesses strong integrated communications skills from both strategic and tactical perspectives. You must have outstanding professional presence, collaboration skills, and the ability to advise and guide a wide range of partners across our matrix organization. Experience with customer communities and an understanding of the aerospace and defense business are critical.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute integrated customer communications plans in support of business development priorities across the enterprise.
• Translate enterprise and program strategies into clear, compelling communication approaches tailored to specific customer communities and missions.
• Conduct research on customer organizations, decision makers, and mission priorities to inform communication strategies, talking points, and engagement recommendations.
• Monitor customer news, industry developments, relevant policy or budget activities, and customer feedback; summarize key insights and flag issues, risks, and opportunities to stakeholders.
• Partner with sector and functional communicators to ensure customer messaging is consistent, accurate, and aligned with company positioning across channels.
• Build strong working relationships with business development, program teams, government relations, and functional partners, serving as a trusted communications point of contact.
• Actively participate in Customer Relations Team (CRT) and sector meetings to maintain awareness of business development priorities and identify key stakeholder engagement opportunities.
• Develop and maintain core customer communication assets (e.g., key messages, one-pagers, briefing materials, placemats, fact sheets) for assigned CRT portfolios.
• Oversee development and/or enhancement of A-level customer engagement materials (e.g., leadership briefing packages, executive decks) to ensure alignment with corporate strategy and enterprise messaging.
• Coordinate with the Sr Principal Trade Show Representative and sector teams to identify CRT trade show engagement and sponsorship opportunities.
• Coordinate with the corporate media team to assist in development of media preparation materials for CRT leaders.
• Uphold Northrop Grumman standards for quality, ethics, security, and brand, ensuring all customer communications are accurate, compliant, and aligned with company priorities.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications or related discipline with 8+ years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree in Communications or related discipline with 6+ years of relevant experience.
• Proven success developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Experience leading complex, business-driven communications projects and collaborating across matrixed environments.
• Executive-level writing and advising skills, with a systems-level mindset.
• Demonstrated success managing multiple priorities and stakeholders.
• Ability to travel up to 25% of the time; travel may include intra-office within the DC metro area, as well as other sites, as needed.

Skills

• Experience developing and executing strategic communications plans to achieve business objectives and advance thought leadership.
• Ability to identify and leverage customer and news cycles to maximize opportunities and advance company thought leadership in priority focus areas.
• Effective AP writing, editing, and strong project management skills.
• Ability to interact with executive leadership confidently and independently.
• Comfort with change in a fast-paced, empowered work environment with strong collaboration and alignment to company priorities.
• Strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making.
• High level of attention to detail and creativity.
• Commitment to quality work and accountability for results.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a large, matrixed and/or geographically dispersed organization; U.S. Government experience strongly preferred.
• Experience in technology, aerospace, defense, or other science-related business or government field.
• Sound judgment in decision-making and leadership actions with proven abilities to drive change through creative methods, ideas, and approaches.
• Ability to be granted an SCI security clearance.

Pay

Primary salary range: $117,500.00 - $176,300.00. The range represents a general guideline; base salary offers consider factors such as scope and responsibilities of the position, 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 reward individual contributions and allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives.

Benefits

• Health insurance coverage.
• Life and disability insurance.
• Savings plan.
• Company-paid holidays.
• Paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.