Senior Manager - Brand and Engagement

Overview

Job specifications are intended to present a descriptive list of the range of duties performed by employees. Specifications are not intended to reflect all duties performed within the job.

 

SUMMARY:

 

We are seeking a highly motivated and detail-oriented Brand and Engagement Senior Manager to support the Defense Innovation Unit’s Defense Innovation OnRamp Hubs program. The successful candidate will play a pivotal role in the growth and impact of the program and will be responsible for managing and executing comprehensive communication and marketing strategies to elevate the Hubs' brand, engage key stakeholders, and drive awareness of their critical mission in connecting commercial innovation with defense and civilian sector challenges.

 

The ideal candidate will be a strategic thinker with a proven track record in integrated marketing and communications, executive support, brand management, internal communications, and external relations. They will possess exceptional communication skills, a keen understanding of both traditional and digital marketing channels, and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment. Familiarity with the defense innovation ecosystem and the Department of Defense is a significant plus.

 

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES:Responsibilities:

● Digital Marketing:○ Develop and execute integrated marketing and communication strategies to support the OnRamp Hubs' objectives.○ Lead campaign development for brand awareness, lead generation, and thought leadership initiatives.○ Conceptualize, create, and manage the production of newsletters and other content marketing materials.○ Oversee CRM and email list management for effective audience engagement.○ Ensure consistent brand messaging and visual identity across all communication channels.○ Monitor brand consistency and address any deviations.○ Interface professionally and effectively with senior leaders in the U.S. government and industry executives.○ Track and analyze key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of communication efforts and optimize strategies.○ Develop and manage newsletters.● Executive & Event Support:○ Provide high-level support to leadership, including preparing them for speaking engagements and high-profile meetings.○ Develop compelling speech drafts, scripts, briefing materials, and presentations.○ Support media training initiatives and potentially interface with the press.● Brand Management:○ Shape, evolve, and manage the OnRamp Hubs' brand identity across all digital and physical platforms.○ Maintain a consistent brand voice and tone in all communications.○ Develop and enforce visual and verbal brand guidelines.● Internal Communications Expertise:○ Develop and implement internal communication strategies to foster trust and transparency within the organization.○ Manage the creation and distribution of employee newsletters, town hall materials, and intranet content.○ Ensure internal communications align with organizational values and mission.● External Relations & Storytelling:○ Craft compelling written content across various platforms, including social media, blogs, and whitepapers.○ Develop and execute media relations strategies, including writing press releases, pitching stories, and managing media relationships.○ Identify and develop compelling stories that resonate with both technical and general audiences to highlight the impact of the OnRamp Hubs.● Project Management & Agility:○ Effectively prioritize and manage multiple communication initiatives simultaneously.○ Demonstrate agility and adaptability in response to changing priorities and circumstances.○ Utilize project management software (e.g., Asana, Trello, Notion, Monday.com) to organize and track progress, with experience in Smartsheet or equivalent preferred.○ Collaborate effectively with cross-functional teams, including marketing, HR, product, and leadership.● Technical Fluency (Preferred):○ Familiarity with defense innovation concepts and the Department of Defense.○ Comfort communicating with a technical audience.Experience working collaboratively with designers, developers, and potentially defense sector stakeholders.

 

NON-ESSENTIAL DUTIES:Other job-related duties as assigned.

 

QUALIFICATIONS:

 

Experience, Education, Skills and Abilities:

● Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in strategic communications, marketing, and brand management.● Bachelor's degree in Communications, Marketing, Public Relations, or a related field (Master's degree preferred).● Demonstrated experience working in industry, understanding commercial innovation ecosystems.● Proven experience in client-facing roles, with a track record of building and maintaining strong relationships.● Significant experience serving as a Bra