Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War and its allies’ core mission priorities, and meet the accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130 space and defense programs.
As Senior Manager of Integrated Communications, you will help advance Karman’s business priorities, market positioning, and growth objectives through strategic communications planning and execution. Working closely with business leaders and cross-functional teams, you will develop compelling narratives, coordinate engagement across internal and external audiences, and drive communications initiatives that support the company’s strategic goals.
Responsibilities
- Develops and executes integrated communications strategies that align business objectives with internal and external communications priorities.
- Partners with business and functional leaders to understand strategic initiatives and translate them into coordinated communications plans.
- Identifies opportunities to communicate company capabilities, business performance, customer partnerships, and strategic milestones.
- Develops news releases, media materials, executive talking points, messaging platforms, and content for multiple communications channels.
- Supports media relations efforts, including story development, media outreach, reporter engagement, and strategic announcements.
- Translates complex technologies, programs, and business initiatives into clear and compelling communications in partnership with subject matter experts and business leaders.
- Coordinates communications planning, approvals, and execution with customers, partners, agencies, consultants, and internal stakeholders.
- Manages integrated communications projects, calendars, announcement pipelines, and project timelines from planning through execution and evaluation.
- Monitors communications performance, establishes meaningful metrics, and uses insights to improve program effectiveness.
- Identifies opportunities to strengthen communications processes, collaboration, messaging consistency, and execution across channels.
Required Qualifications
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- Seven or more years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or integrated communications.
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies aligned with business objectives.
- Experience supporting business leaders and collaborating across functions.
- Strong writing, editing, storytelling, project management, and prioritization skills.
- Experience developing content across multiple communications channels.
- Experience establishing communications metrics and evaluating program effectiveness.
- Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and the ability to work effectively with senior leaders.
Preferred Qualifications
- Experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or another complex technology-driven industry.
- Experience supporting business-level communications within a large or growing organization.
- Hands-on media relations experience, including news releases, media pitching, and reporter engagement.
- Experience supporting executive communications and thought leadership initiatives.
- Familiarity with media monitoring, communications measurement, and digital analytics tools.
- Experience working with government customers, strategic partners, or complex stakeholder environments.
This position requires U.S. person status under U.S. export control laws, including U.S. citizens and nationals, lawful permanent residents, refugees, and asylees.
Benefits
- Medical, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) with company match
- Paid time off
- Health Savings Account (HSA) with company contribution
- Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
- Company‑paid life and AD\&D insurance
- Short‑ and long‑term disability coverage
- Tuition reimbursement
Karman Space and Defense is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, genetic information, protected veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.
Skills Required
- Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field
- Seven or more years of progressive experience in corporate communications, public relations, or integrated communications
- Experience developing and executing integrated communications strategies aligned with business objectives
- Experience supporting business leaders and collaborating across functions
- Strong writing, editing, storytelling, project management, and prioritization skills
- Experience developing content across multiple communications channels
- Experience establishing communications metrics and evaluating program effectiveness
- Excellent interpersonal skills, sound judgment, and ability to work effectively with senior leaders
- Experience in aerospace, defense, advanced manufacturing, or another complex technology-driven industry
- Experience supporting business-level communications within a large or growing organization
- Hands-on media relations experience, including news releases, media pitching, and reporter engagement
- Experience supporting executive communications and thought leadership initiatives
- Familiarity with media monitoring, communications measurement, and digital analytics tools
- Experience working with government customers, strategic partners, or complex stakeholder environments
Karman Space & Defense Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Karman Space & Defense and has not been reviewed or approved by Karman Space & Defense.
-
Retirement Support — Feedback suggests immediate 401(k) vesting and a profit-sharing plan are meaningful strengths that enhance long-term financial security. Multiple medical-plan options and disability coverage further indicate solid core protections.
-
Healthcare Strength — Feedback suggests a range of health-plan choices (PPO, HMO, HDHP) and disability coverage provide flexibility and security. These offerings are positioned as competitive within the aerospace and defense context.
-
Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits — Feedback suggests tuition reimbursement for undergraduate and graduate education supports professional growth and overall wellbeing. Company events and perks are occasionally noted alongside core benefits.
Karman Space & Defense Insights
What We Do
Karman Space & Defense is a leader in the rapid design, development, and production of critical, next-generation system solutions that align with the U.S. Department of War’s core mission priorities and meet our nation’s accelerating demand for access to space. Building on nearly 50 years of success, we deliver Payload & Protection Systems, Aero/Hydrodynamic Interstage Systems, and Propulsion & Launch Systems to more than 80 prime contractors supporting over 130space and defense programs. For more information, visit our website at Karman-SD.com.
