Vice President Marketing & Communications

About the role

For our client, we are seeking a Vice President Marketing & Communications to join the team of a leader in the Aerospace & Defense space. This senior leader will shape the organization's external voice, ensuring strategic messaging is clear, compelling, and aligned with executive priorities. The role will work closely with the leadership team to influence public perception, support high-visibility initiatives, and strengthen the company's presence across media, events, and thought leadership channels. It also requires balancing brand stewardship with hands-on execution in a fast-moving, highly regulated industry.

Location: Torrance, CA - US based candidates only, no visa sponsorship available

Responsibilities

• Partner with executive leadership to shape and externalize strategic messaging
• Build and manage the company's external narrative, including press strategy
• Develop and maintain relationships with defense media personnel
• Propose structured, measurable marketing approaches with clear objectives
• Direct and brief the internal design team for brand and creative work
• Lead trade shows and thought leadership opportunities for senior leaders
• Manage a small team of direct reports

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in marketing, communications, or a related field
• 10+ years of marketing, communications, or public relations experience
• Experience shaping and externalizing strategic messaging with executive leadership
• Proficiency in building and managing external narratives, including media relations and press strategy
• Demonstrated ability to develop relationships with government and defense media personnel
• Strong initiative and urgency with budget autonomy
• Excellent communication skills for simplifying complex topics

Benefits

• High visibility across the executive team
• Opportunity to shape the organization's strategic messaging and public narrative
• Work directly with senior leadership and influential stakeholders
• Engagement in high-profile events and thought leadership
• Collaborative and supportive work environment in the defense industry

Pay

Compensation: $290,300 – $361,000 annually