K2 Space
Strategic Communications Director Washington, District of Columbia, United State
K2 Space, Washington, District of Columbia, us, 20022
Overview
Washington, District of Columbia, United States K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and others, we aim to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. We seek motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup. The Role
Reporting to the Head of Strategy, the candidate will leverage deep strategic communications and public affairs experience in National Security, Congress, think tanks, and public engagement to develop and execute communications strategies that grow our portfolio of contracts. You will spearhead external communications and messaging, plan K2’s presence at aerospace and national security conferences, cultivate relationships with defense and space reporters, and craft narratives that highlight our technology and mission. Working with executive leadership, you will refine key messages and ensure executive narratives are strategically framed for high-level meetings and public engagements. You will oversee external communications channels (website content, press releases, and social media) to maintain a consistent brand voice and align messaging across the organization with internal teams and external stakeholders." Responsibilities
Lead Conference Engagement:
Plan and execute K2 Space’s presence at major aerospace and national security conferences and events, including securing speaking opportunities, organizing panels, and coordinating with government and industry partners. Strategic Media Relations:
Develop and maintain relationships with national security and defense reporters, pitch stories, arrange interviews, and respond to press inquiries to drive coverage of K2’s programs and successes. External Communications Management:
Manage externally-facing materials and channels, including website content, press releases, and social media, to ensure consistent branding and messaging. Executive Messaging:
Frame key messages for high-level engagements with senior leadership; develop talking points, briefs, and presentations aligned with strategic objectives. Narrative Development:
Shape the overall communications strategy so complex technical concepts are translated into clear, compelling stories for diverse audiences. Stakeholder Coordination:
Collaborate across departments to integrate technical insights into external messaging; align communications with business development and partner outreach. Crisis & Rapid Response:
Lead crisis communications planning and rapid-response efforts during sensitive or unexpected situations. Metrics & Analysis:
Monitor media coverage and engagement; use data-driven insights to refine strategies and report impact to senior management. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or related field. 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations. Proven experience as a spokesperson or communications advisor with a track record of managing media for executive leaders and high-profile organizations. Deep understanding of the U.S. national security ecosystem, including DoD, the Intelligence Community, and Congress. Experience engaging policymakers and defense industry stakeholders. Extensive network of media and government contacts with demonstrated ability to influence coverage. Exceptional communication and editing skills; ability to produce concise content for executives, press releases, social media, and websites. Ability to craft and align strategic narratives around complex technical or policy subjects for diverse audiences. Proven ability to work within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup or high-stakes environment. Nice to Have
Professional experience in defense, aerospace, or national security sectors. Current or previously active TS/SCI security clearance. DoD public affairs experience; prior military service. Additional Requirements
Must pass DoD-level background checks for entry into government facilities. Ability to work irregular hours and travel when required. Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $140,000 - $230,000 + equity Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience Comprehensive benefits including unlimited PTO, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills, we encourage you to apply. Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other, and non-traditional career twists are encouraged. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. Export Compliance
As defined in ITAR, U.S. Persons include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. The hired candidate will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations. The role requires eligibility for a federally issued export control license. K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Voluntary Self-Identification: This section is used for government reporting purposes. Completion is voluntary and will not affect hiring decisions. See policy details for more information. Public burden statement: This form may be used to collect demographic information for compliance with OFCCP regulations.
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Washington, District of Columbia, United States K2 Space is building large, high-powered spacecraft for the next generation of space development. Backed by Lightspeed Venture Partners, Altimeter Capital, and others, we aim to mass produce the highest-powered satellite platforms for missions across LEO to Deep Space. We seek motivated individuals who thrive in a fast-paced environment and are excited about contributing to a groundbreaking Series B space startup. The Role
Reporting to the Head of Strategy, the candidate will leverage deep strategic communications and public affairs experience in National Security, Congress, think tanks, and public engagement to develop and execute communications strategies that grow our portfolio of contracts. You will spearhead external communications and messaging, plan K2’s presence at aerospace and national security conferences, cultivate relationships with defense and space reporters, and craft narratives that highlight our technology and mission. Working with executive leadership, you will refine key messages and ensure executive narratives are strategically framed for high-level meetings and public engagements. You will oversee external communications channels (website content, press releases, and social media) to maintain a consistent brand voice and align messaging across the organization with internal teams and external stakeholders." Responsibilities
Lead Conference Engagement:
Plan and execute K2 Space’s presence at major aerospace and national security conferences and events, including securing speaking opportunities, organizing panels, and coordinating with government and industry partners. Strategic Media Relations:
Develop and maintain relationships with national security and defense reporters, pitch stories, arrange interviews, and respond to press inquiries to drive coverage of K2’s programs and successes. External Communications Management:
Manage externally-facing materials and channels, including website content, press releases, and social media, to ensure consistent branding and messaging. Executive Messaging:
Frame key messages for high-level engagements with senior leadership; develop talking points, briefs, and presentations aligned with strategic objectives. Narrative Development:
Shape the overall communications strategy so complex technical concepts are translated into clear, compelling stories for diverse audiences. Stakeholder Coordination:
Collaborate across departments to integrate technical insights into external messaging; align communications with business development and partner outreach. Crisis & Rapid Response:
Lead crisis communications planning and rapid-response efforts during sensitive or unexpected situations. Metrics & Analysis:
Monitor media coverage and engagement; use data-driven insights to refine strategies and report impact to senior management. Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or related field. 10+ years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or media relations. Proven experience as a spokesperson or communications advisor with a track record of managing media for executive leaders and high-profile organizations. Deep understanding of the U.S. national security ecosystem, including DoD, the Intelligence Community, and Congress. Experience engaging policymakers and defense industry stakeholders. Extensive network of media and government contacts with demonstrated ability to influence coverage. Exceptional communication and editing skills; ability to produce concise content for executives, press releases, social media, and websites. Ability to craft and align strategic narratives around complex technical or policy subjects for diverse audiences. Proven ability to work within cross-functional teams in a fast-paced startup or high-stakes environment. Nice to Have
Professional experience in defense, aerospace, or national security sectors. Current or previously active TS/SCI security clearance. DoD public affairs experience; prior military service. Additional Requirements
Must pass DoD-level background checks for entry into government facilities. Ability to work irregular hours and travel when required. Compensation and Benefits
Base salary range: $140,000 - $230,000 + equity Salary based on knowledge, skills, education, and experience Comprehensive benefits including unlimited PTO, medical/dental/vision, life insurance, paid parental leave, and other perks If you don’t meet 100% of the preferred skills, we encourage you to apply. Building a spacecraft unlike any other requires a team unlike any other, and non-traditional career twists are encouraged. If you need a reasonable accommodation during the application or interview process, please let us know. Export Compliance
As defined in ITAR, U.S. Persons include U.S. citizens, lawful permanent residents, and certain protected individuals. The hired candidate will have access to information and items controlled by U.S. export control regulations. The role requires eligibility for a federally issued export control license. K2 Space is an Equal Opportunity Employer. Employment is based on merit, competence, and qualifications and will not be influenced by race, color, religion, gender, national origin, veteran status, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, marital status, or any other legally protected status. Voluntary Self-Identification: This section is used for government reporting purposes. Completion is voluntary and will not affect hiring decisions. See policy details for more information. Public burden statement: This form may be used to collect demographic information for compliance with OFCCP regulations.
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