Senior Manager, Media Relations

Worker Type Regular Job Description Summary AV is seeking a Senior Manager, Media Relations to support enterprise-level public relations, media engagement and external communications. This role will serve as a senior member of the communications team and will help drive proactive media opportunities, support major announcements, prepare executives and subject matter experts for engagement, and manage communications around key programs, events and business priorities. The ideal candidate is a strong writer, experienced media relations professional and confident operator who can work independently in a fast-paced defense and technology environment. This person should be comfortable traveling, building relationships with national and trade media, translating complex technical topics into clear narratives, and managing multiple communications efforts at once. Position Responsibilities Lead day-to-day media relations efforts across AV business areas and enterprise priorities. Plan, develop and execute proactive media strategies tied to company announcements, major programs, executive travel, trade shows and industry events. Build and maintain relationships with national, defense, aerospace, technology, financial and trade media. Identify opportunities for interviews, background engagements, briefings and other earned media. Draft and edit press releases, media pitches, talking points, briefing materials, Q&As and executive messaging. Prepare executives and subject matter experts for media interviews and public engagements. Coordinate media activity around major announcements, demonstrations, customer events and industry conferences. Respond to incoming media inquiries and coordinate internal subject matter experts as needed. Work closely with business development, government relations, investor relations, marketing and business-unit leadership to ensure external communications are aligned. Support crisis and rapid-response communications. Monitor the broader news environment and identify opportunities for AV to participate in relevant conversations. Travel as needed to support media engagements, events, demonstrations and executive activity. Basic Qualifications (Required Skills & Experience) Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public relations, political science or a related field. 8+ years of experience in public relations, media relations, journalism, public affairs or external communications. Demonstrated experience working directly with reporters and securing earned media coverage. Exceptional writing, editing and verbal communication skills. Experience preparing senior leaders for interviews and external engagements. Ability to understand complex technical or policy issues and translate them for external audiences. Strong judgment and ability to operate effectively in high-visibility or sensitive situations. Ability to manage multiple priorities with limited oversight. Other Qualifications & Desired Competencies Masters Degree in public relations, communications, or related field Experience in defense, aerospace, national security, technology or government communications. Existing relationships with national security, defense, aerospace, technology or financial media. Experience supporting major trade shows, demonstrations or executive engagements. Experience working in or with the Department of Defense, military services or defense industry. Physical Demands Ability to work in an office environment (Constant) Required to sit and stand for long periods; talk, hear, and use hands and fingers to operate a computer and telephone keyboard (Frequent) Clearance Level No Clearance The salary range for this role is: $116,500 - $177,500 AeroVironment considers several factors when extending an offer, including but not limited to, the location, the role and associated responsibilities, a candidate’s work experience, education/training, and key skills. ITAR Requirement: This position requires access to information that is subject to compliance with the International Traffic Arms Regulations (“ITAR”) and/or the Export Administration Regulations (“EAR”). In order to comply with the requirements of the ITAR and/or the EAR, applicants must qualify as a U.S. person under the ITAR and the EAR, or a person to be approved for an export license by the governing agency whose technology comes under its jurisdiction. Please understand that any job offer that requires approval of an export license will be conditional on AeroVironment’s determination that it will be able to obtain an export license in a time frame consistent with AeroVironment’s business requirements. A “U.S. person” according to the ITAR definition is a U.S. citizen, U.S. lawful permanent resident (green card holder), or protected individual such as a refugee or asylee. See 22 CFR § 120.15. Some positions will require current U.S. Citizenship due to contract requirements. Benefits : AV offers an excellent benefits package including medical, dental vision, 401K with company matching, a 9/80 work schedule and a paid holiday shutdown. For more information about our company benefit offerings please visit: . We also encourage you to review our company website at to learn more about us. Principals only need apply. NO agencies please. About AV: AV isn’t for everyone. We hire the curious, the relentless, the mission-obsessed. The best of the best. We don’t just build defense technology—we redefine what’s possible. As the premier autonomous systems company in the U.S., AV delivers breakthrough capabilities across air, land, sea, space, and cyber. From AI-powered drones and loitering munitions to integrated autonomy and space resilience, our technologies shape the future of warfare and protect those who serve. Founded by legendary innovator Dr. Paul MacCready, AV has spent over 50 years pushing the boundaries of what unmanned systems can do. Our heritage includes seven platforms in the Smithsonian—but we’re not building history, we’re building what’s next. If you're ready to build technology that matters—with speed, scale, and purpose—there’s no better place to do it than AV. We are proud to be an EEO/AA Equal Opportunity Employer, including disability/veterans. AeroVironment, Inc. is an Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) employer and welcomes all qualified applicants. Qualified applicants will receive fair and impartial consideration without regard to race, sex, color, religion, national origin, age, disability, protected veteran status, genetic data, sexual orientation, gender identity or other legally protected status. ITAR U.S. Citizen, U.S. Permanent Resident (Green Card holder), asylee/refugee status as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3) or a person approved for an export license from the appropriate governing agency.