Manager of Public Affairs and Media Operations

RELOCATION ASSISTANCE: No relocation assistance available

CLEARANCE REQUIRED FOR START: No

CLEARANCE TYPE: Secret

TRAVEL: Yes, 10% of the TimeDescription

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people's lives around the world today, and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation's history - from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean, to stealth bombers, to landing on the moon. We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future, and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity and bringing your whole self to work — and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history, they're making history.

Position Overview:

The Public Affairs and Media Operations Manager oversees day-to-day execution of public affairs initiatives, media operations, and advocacy communications. This role is critical in operationalizing strategies that enhance Northrop Grumman’s public positioning and support legislative and stakeholder engagement priorities. The Manager leads a team responsible for media intelligence, content development and distribution, and coordination of external communications, ensuring alignment with the company’s overarching messaging and advocacy goals. This position is located at Northrop Grumman's headquarters in Falls Church, VA.

Key Responsibilities:

• Sets the strategy and vision for the company’s Newsroom and the operations to support it. Oversees content review process for all company news content, sets the strategy for the creation of enterprise-level news content and guides team on targeting and timing strategies for public release of all news content.
• Supports the evolution and enhancement of the company’s Newsroom and external-facing communications platforms, including leveraging targeted AI tools to improve storytelling and audience targeting. 
• Coordinates daily media operations, analysis and insights to inform decision-making and content and engagement opportunities.  
• Provides operational leadership across the Center of Practice to ensure sharing of information and achievement of timelines.
• In partnership with Media Strategy & Engagement team, leads coordination with Legislative Affairs’ engagement priorities on strategic inputs, timing and shaping of media statements, news content and media engagement strategies that support the company’s advocacy priorities and efforts.
• Collaborates closely with Legislative Affairs and program teams to develop targeted communication materials and engagement plans that support Hill-facing and state-based advocacy efforts. 
• Supports the development and management of direct relationship building with select senior level customers and congressional public affairs stakeholders.
• Manages and mentors a team of public affairs and media operations specialists, providing day-to-day guidance and ensuring consistent quality and alignment with communication standards. 
• Manages the tools that support the company’s advocacy strategies, including the Economic Impact tool and strategic listening platforms, supporting high-impact stakeholder engagements and media outreach. 
• Contributes to the design and execution of company sponsorship and thought leadership strategies, engaging external stakeholders to enhance Northrop Grumman’s positioning.
• Assists in managing components of the company’s Crisis Communications Response Team, including readiness exercises, toolkits, and coordination of rapid response communications in alignment with director-level guidance.

Basic Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution and 10+ years of related experience, OR Master’s degree and a minimum of 8+ years of related experience, OR Associate’s degree and a minimum of 12+ years of related experience, OR High School Diploma (or equivalent) and a minimum of 14+ years of related experience.
• Minimum 7+ years (instead of 7–10 years) of experience in public affairs, media strategy, media operations, or strategic communications, preferably within the defense or aerospace sectors.
• Solid understanding of government relations, legislative processes, and advocacy communications strategy.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to effectively manage messaging across diverse platforms and audiences.
• Ability to lead and manage teams through ambiguity and change, while maintaining focus and productivity.
• Strong organizational skills and the ability to balance competing priorities in a fast-paced, matrixed environment; demonstrated ability to work collaboratively across functions and lead through influence.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a U.S. Government security clearance at the Secret level or higher.

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Proven ability to manage teams and coordinate multiple communication initiatives with a focus on media operations and public affairs execution. 
• Comfortable making timely decisions in a fast-paced, high-risk, and high-opportunity environment, while taking full accountability for results.
• Experience in media and customer engagement and relationship management, including building and maintaining media and customer networks.
•  Ability to develop and activate strategic media content that delivers measurable, positive business outcomes.
• Working familiarity media operations tools to build dashboards and live alerts.
• Experience managing budgets and comfort with reviewing contracts.

Primary Level Salary Range: $159,500.00 - $239,300.00

The above salary range represents a general guideline; however, Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers such as the scope and responsibilities of the position and the 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 are designed to reward individual contributions as well as allow employees to share in company results. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long Term Incentives. In addition, Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits including health insurance coverage, life and disability insurance, savings plan, Company paid holidays and paid time off (PTO) for vacation and/or personal business.

The application period for the job is estimated to be 20 days from the job posting date. However, this timeline may be shortened or extended depending on business needs and the availability of qualified candidates.

Northrop Grumman is an Equal Opportunity Employer, making decisions without regard to race, color, religion, creed, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, national origin, age, veteran status, disability, or any other protected class. For our complete EEO and pay transparency statement, please visit http://www.northropgrumman.com/EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.