Senior Manager, Public Affairs & Defense Communications

Company Overview

Imagine a piloted air taxi that takes off vertically, then quietly carries you and your fellow passengers over the congested city streets below, enabling you to spend more time with the people and places that matter most. At Joby, we've been working to make that dream a reality since 2009 and we're now in the final stages of certifying our aircraft with the FAA. With plans to launch our aircraft in the US and Dubai, we're now scaling manufacturing and preparing for the launch of our commercial service.

Overview

We're seeking an experienced communications professional to lead Joby's public affairs and defense communications, supporting our policy, regulatory and government initiatives. Based in our Washington, D.C. office and reporting to the Head of Public Relations, you'll work closely with our Government Affairs, Defense and Executive teams to shape the narratives that support Joby's long-term growth.

This role offers the opportunity to work at the intersection of technology, government and national security, helping shape communications around Joby's policy, regulatory and defense initiatives. You'll play a central role in communicating the value of our work with government and defense partners while helping build understanding of how advanced aviation can benefit communities, strengthen national resilience and support the future of transportation.

As part of a lean, collaborative communications team, you'll also have the opportunity to contribute across a broad range of corporate, product and executive communications initiatives. From supporting commercial launches and community engagement in launch markets to helping tell the stories behind our technology, partnerships and people, you'll work across many of the most important moments in Joby's journey.

 

About You

You have at least 8 years of experience in public affairs, policy or strategic communications, ideally spanning government, Capitol Hill, defense, aerospace, transportation or other highly regulated industries.

 

You understand how communications, public policy and reputation work together. You're equally comfortable drafting messaging for senior executives, developing communications plans around major policy initiatives, responding to fast-moving issues and building relationships with journalists, policymakers and external stakeholders.

 

You're a strong writer who can distill complex regulatory, legislative and technical issues into compelling narratives for a wide range of audiences. You exercise excellent judgment, thrive in fast-moving environments and enjoy working across multiple disciplines to solve challenging communications problems.

Responsibilities

• Develop and execute communications strategies supporting Joby's public policy, regulatory and defense priorities

• Partner closely with Government Affairs, Defense, Legal and executive leadership to align communications with business objectives

• Develop messaging and communications materials for legislative, regulatory and policy initiatives

• Support communications around defense programmes, government partnerships and federal contracting opportunities, working closely with internal stakeholders

• Build and maintain relationships with journalists covering Congress, federal agencies, transportation, defense and public policy

• Draft high-quality communications materials, including press releases, briefing documents, Q&As, speeches, opinion pieces and executive correspondence

• Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interviews, congressional engagements, conferences and policy events

• Monitor emerging policy developments and identify proactive communications opportunities that strengthen Joby's reputation with government stakeholders

• Support rapid response communications around policy developments, legislative activity and issues affecting the business

• Collaborate with the broader Communications team to ensure consistent messaging across corporate, product and public affairs communications

• Measure communications effectiveness and provide strategic recommendations based on data and stakeholder feedback

Required

• 8+ years of experience in public affairs, policy, corporate or strategic communications
• Bachelor's degree +8yrs or equivalent industry experience

• Experience supporting communications within government, aerospace, defense, transportation or another highly regulated industry

• Strong understanding of the U.S. federal policy and regulatory environment

• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with the ability to communicate complex policy and technical issues clearly

• Experience advising senior lea