Media Relations Manager

At Northrop Grumman

At Northrop Grumman, our employees have incredible opportunities to work on revolutionary systems that impact people’s lives around the world today and for generations to come. Our pioneering and inventive spirit has enabled us to be at the forefront of many technological advancements in our nation’s history—from the first flight across the Atlantic Ocean to stealth bombers to landing on the moon.

We look for people who have bold new ideas, courage, and a pioneering spirit to join forces to invent the future and have fun along the way. Our culture thrives on intellectual curiosity, cognitive diversity, and bringing your whole self to work—and we have an insatiable drive to do what others think is impossible. Our employees are not only part of history; they’re making history.

NG-Military Internship Program Description

As one of the largest global security companies in the world, Northrop Grumman is proud to help our nation’s military personnel transition to civilian careers. Approximately 1/4 of Northrop Grumman’s 100,000 employees self-identify as veterans, and more than 1,600 are reservists.

The Northrop Grumman Military Internship Program (NG-MIP) is an approved SkillBridge Program under Dept. of Defense Instruction 1322.29. The NG-MIP program is an opportunity for transitioning service members to gain valuable civilian work experience through an individual internship during their last six months of service, for up to 180 days. The program is open to all ranks and experience levels. SkillBridge participants are not eligible for compensation from Northrop Grumman, as they continue to receive military compensation and benefits as active-duty service members.

Responsibilities for This Internship Position

Northrop Grumman Corporation (NGC) has developed the Northrop Grumman Military Internship Program (DoD SkillBridge) utilizing DoDI guidance for SkillBridge. During this program, the service member will be on-site at their host company, performing an individual internship in an entry to mid-level career role. The service member will be on-the-job training, supporting a work schedule equivalent to 40 hours per week. Below are the goals, objectives, and outcomes for the program:

Goals: Provide transitioning service members with fellowship-style job skills training during the last portion of their military commitment. This program is specifically designed to offer internships that result in the potential to transition to a full-time opportunity at the conclusion of training. Interns serve as a pipeline for high-speed, motivated military candidates into NGC.

Objectives: Service members who complete the Intern program will be highly trained, capable future employees that align with the organization’s specific needs and are prepared to meet the NG mission of “Defining Possible” on Day 1. This program provides a comprehensive internship experience, including professional development, networking with leadership, and training specifically focused on NG leadership principles, company history, customer/stakeholder engagement, product and service overview, and core job responsibilities.

Outcome: Offer transitioning service members a rewarding opportunity to join the Northrop Grumman team.

DoD SkillBridge Eligibility

• Has served at least 180 days on active duty.
• Is within 12 months of separation or retirement.
• Will receive an honorable discharge.
• Has taken any service TAPS/TGPS.
• Has attended or participated in an ethics brief within the last 12 months.
• Received Unit Commander (first O-4/Field Grade commander in chain of command) written authorization and approval to participate in DoD SkillBridge Program prior to the start of the internship.

Job Description: Media Relations Manager

Northrop Grumman is seeking a Media Relations Manager to support the company’s Corporate functional senior executives. In this role, the Media Relations Manager serves as a leader on the company’s Media Strategy & Engagement team, responsible for developing, planning, executing, and measuring earned media and external engagement strategies in alignment with the company’s business priorities and thought leadership objectives. Your communications expertise will play a critical role in positioning the company as an innovation and technology leader.

Location: Falls Church, VA (with options for hybrid work)

Key Responsibilities

• Serve as the primary communicator supporting Corporate functional senior executives in their engagements with media and other external stakeholders.
• Develop, support, and execute strategies that align with and support the company’s overall media engagement strategy.
• Lead a team that plans, coordinates, prepares, tracks, measures, and reports on media and other events in which the company’s functional subject matter experts participate.
• Develop preparatory materials to support the company’s earnings release cycles and partner to develop and execute executive media strategy.
• Collaborate closely with other communicators and functional leaders across the company to lead media training and provide additional media engagement support.
• Write and edit news content as required.
• Lead a team of reviewers to ensure content for external stakeholder use is accurate, impactful, and ready for external audience consumption.
• Mentor and develop media and public relations professionals across the company.

How You Will Make a Difference

• Prepare and position company-wide subject matter experts for strategic external engagement opportunities and proper public release of related materials.
• Analyze and share regular results and metrics on media relations efforts to make informed decisions about engagement opportunities.
• Stay informed on industry news, flag issues and trends for internal stakeholders, correct inaccuracies, and act as a company spokesperson.
• Lead, mentor, and develop media and public relations professionals across the company.

Skills for Success

• Ability to interact with executive leadership confidently and independently.
• High attention to detail and a risk-conscious mindset.
• Experience in strategic thinking, planning, and decision-making.
• Comfort with change in a fast-paced, empowered work environment with strong collaboration and alignment to company priorities.
• Proven success in leading people both as direct reports and in matrixed projects.
• Ability to develop and execute strategic media relations communications plans.
• Strong writing and editing skills following AP style guidelines.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree and at least 10 years of experience in media relations, communications, public relations, or public affairs OR Master’s degree and at least 8 years of experience OR Associate’s degree and 12 years of experience OR High School Diploma/equivalent and 14 years of experience.
• Experience leading people.
• Knowledge of developing, deploying, and activating strategic media and communication campaigns with measurable business impact.

Preferred Qualifications

• Experience working in a large, matrixed, and/or geographically dispersed organization.
• Experience developing productive relationships with executives and reporters.
• Experience in technology, aerospace, defense, or other science-related business or government/political fields.
• Familiarity with defense and aerospace industry reporters.
• Sound judgment in decision-making and leadership actions.
• Experience with Zignal Media Monitoring & Measurement tool and MuckRack reporter database tools.

Salary Range

$129,300 – $193,900

The above salary range represents a general guideline. Northrop Grumman considers a number of factors when determining base salary offers, including position scope, responsibilities, candidate experience, education, skills, and market conditions.

Depending on the position, employees may be eligible for overtime, shift differential, and a discretionary bonus in addition to base pay. Annual bonuses are designed to reward individual contributions and company performance. Employees in Vice President or Director positions may be eligible for Long-Term Incentives.

Northrop Grumman provides a variety of benefits, including health insurance, life and disability insurance, a savings plan, company-paid holidays, and paid time off (PTO).

Equal Opportunity Employer Statement

Northrop Grumman is committed to hiring and retaining a diverse workforce. We are an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer.

For our complete EEO/AA and Pay Transparency statement, please visit Northrop Grumman EEO. U.S. Citizenship is required for all positions with a government clearance and certain other restricted positions.

Learn more here