Director of Communications Strategy and Operations 2

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. Northrop Grumman is seeking an experienced Director of Communications Strategy and Operations 2 to join our communications team. This role will report directly to the Vice President of Strategy and Operations and is pivotal in shaping our communications landscape. This position is based in Falls Church, VA. This is not a remote position. Teleworking arrangements are subject to change based on the needs of the business. Your communications expertise, knowledge of the national and global security environments and U.S. interagency coordination will be vital as you help to strengthen the company’s position as an innovation and technology leader in aerospace and defense. The person selected for this role must be proactive and innovative, possess strong integrated communications skills from a strategic and tactical perspective, have outstanding consulting expertise at the most senior executive levels, and very strong leadership and collaboration skills. Working within our organization, the Director of Strategy and Operations must be able to advise and guide a wide range of partners and senior leaders across our company. Extensive experience with our domestic and international customer communities, the U.S. government interagency process and knowledge of Capitol Hill are required. In this role, the selected candidate will serve as and be responsible for many things, to include: • Deputy to the Communications Strategy and Operations Vice President: Act as the primary deputy to the Vice President, supporting strategic initiatives and ensuring alignment with organizational goals Support the Communications function, including the Chief Communications Officer directly, on function-wide initiatives such as engagement and professional development programs • Strategic Advisor for Communications: Provide expert guidance on domestic and international advocacy efforts, enhancing Northrop Grumman's position in the aerospace and defense sectors. • Lead CEO Communications Strategy: Develop and implement comprehensive communications strategies and plans for the CEO, ensuring alignment with business objectives and stakeholder engagement • Direct Communications Actions: Oversee the execution of integrated communications efforts that support CEO communications plans, ensuring consistency and effectiveness across all channels • Budget Management: Responsible for managing the function's budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic communications goals Skills for Success: Proven experience in developing and executing strategic communications plans that advance business objectives and enhance thought leadership. Aptitude for identifying customer trends and translating them into actionable business strategies and thought leadership positioning. Exceptional written and verbal skills with proficiency in writing, editing and speechwriting. Confident interaction with executive leadership and the ability to operate independently in a fast-paced, matrixed environment. Strategic and critical thinking with decision-making capabilities. A high level of attention to detail and creativity. Commitment to quality work and accountability for results. Basic Qualifications: Bachelor’s degree and a minimum of 15 years of experience in domestic and international communications, media relations, public relations, and public affairs OR Master’s degree and a minimum of 13 years of experience in domestic and international communications, media relations, public relations, and public affairs. Demonstrated experience in C-suite communications and messaging strategy. In-depth knowledge and experience working with the U.S. Department of Defense, the intelligence community and international governments. Experience leading or managing cross-functional teams. Proven experience in developing and activating strategic media and communication campaigns with measurable business impact. Ability to travel up to 25% of the time, including intra-office travel within the DC metro area and other sites as needed. Experience leading and mentoring individuals in their professional development. Aerospace and defense industry experience, with a familiarization of DoD and Global government customers. Candidates must have the ability to obtain, and maintain, TS/SCI level security clearance as a condition of continued employment. Preferred Qualifications: Excellent collaboration and presentation skills as well as the ability to effectively interface with and influence all levels of management. Experience in government communications leadership roles. Excellent speechwriting skills, with experience in developing executive level content, talking points and statements. Ability to support and enhance strong communications standards, workflows and branding guidelines. Excellent project management skills. Experience in a large, matrixed, and/or geographically dispersed organization. Proven ability to cultivate productive relationships with executives and media representatives.