Director of Communications

Job description

CONSEQUENTIAL WORK. DEDICATED PEOPLE. ABOUT ONEBRIEF Onebrief builds collaboration and AI-powered workflow software for military planning and operational coordination. Today, many critical planning workflows still rely on fragmented systems, static documents, and disconnected tools that make collaboration and decision-making unnecessarily difficult. Onebrief brings modern software, AI, and real-time collaboration into those environments, helping teams operate with greater clarity, coordination, and adaptability in situations where decisions carry real-world consequences. We are a distributed team of builders from military, operational, and technology backgrounds who care deeply about improving how important work gets done. Some team members work remotely, while others work directly alongside customers in operational environments around the world. Founded in 2019, Onebrief is backed by leading investors including General Catalyst, Battery Ventures, Insight Partners, Sapphire Ventures, and Human Capital. Valued at more than $2 billion, we continue to invest in product innovation, AI capabilities, and team growth. WHY THIS ROLE EXISTS We are hiring a Director of Communications to shape and execute an integrated strategy that advances Onebrief’s policy, congressional and reputational objectives. This position exists to ensure Onebrief communicates with speed, discipline, and impact. You will be responsible for translating complex issues into clear, compelling narratives for policymakers, reporters, and other key stakeholders. As a hands-on leader within the External Affairs team, you will partner closely with senior leaders to strengthen our external voice. Success in this role requires exceptional strategic judgment, sophisticated media instincts, ability to work quickly and under tight deadlines, and a collaborative approach to helping the team and mission move forward. This role reports into our Vice President of External Affairs. WHAT YOU’LL DO You will strengthen Onebrief’s external voice and ensure the organization communicates with precision and impact. You will: - Develop and execute integrated communications strategies to advance organizational priorities and shape external narratives - Lead proactive and reactive media engagement, identifying emerging issues and opportunities for Onebrief to lead, respond to, or shape the debate - Partner closely with government relations, legal, marketing and senior leaders to translate complex issues into clear, compelling communications - Oversee the drafting, approval, and dissemination of external materials, including press releases, op-eds, and digital content - Direct rapid response efforts, developing real-time communications and messaging aligned with reputational priorities Build, mentor, and manage the communications team to ensure high-quality output, operational discipline, and alignment with company goals MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS - 10+ years of relevant experience in strategic communications, executive communications, public affairs, or related fields - Strong media relations experience and proven proficiency in third-party relationship management - Experience directing rapid response efforts and producing written products targeted to a range of high-level audiences - Demonstrated ability to serve as a communications adviser to senior leadership on messaging, tone, and reputational risk - Track record of leading, managing, and developing a communications team while maintaining high standards for execution - Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills across executive, corporate, media, and social formats PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS - Located in the Washington, D.C. area - Strong background in navigating complex political, defense, or technical regulatory landscapes - Experience developing modern, multi-channel campaigns that integrate earned, owned, social, and paid media - Proven ability to establish clear processes that ensure the communications function operates with speed, accountability, and sound judgment INDICATORS OF SUCCESS This role will evolve as priorities change, but the outcomes below reflect what success typically looks like in the first six months. A successful Director of Communications will: - Establish and execute an integrated communications strategy that measurably extends Onebrief’s reach and influence beyond traditional press coverage - Build and maintain a trusted, active network of key media contacts - Translate complex organizational priorities into a clear, unified messaging framework - Implement streamlined operational processes for rapid response, ensuring the team consistently acts with speed and discipline - Become a trusted strategic adviser to senior leaders in the company, proactively identifying emerging issues and external opportunities Notice to Third Party Recruitment Agencies Please note that Onebrief does not accept unsolicited resumes from recruiters or employment agencies. In the absence of an executed Recruitment Services Agreement, there will be no obligation to any referral compensation or recruiter fee. In the event a recruiter or agency submits a resume or candidate without an agreement Onebrief explicitly reserves the right to pursue and hire those candidate(s) without any financial obligation to the recruiter or agency. Any unsolicited resumes, including those submitted to hiring managers, shall be deemed the property of Onebrief.