Public Relations Director

### In fast-changing markets, customers worldwide rely on Thales

Thales is a business where brilliant people from all over the world come together to share ideas and inspire each other. In aerospace, transportation, defense, security, and space, our architects design innovative solutions that make our tomorrow’s possible.

Knowing what Thales does today means asking where technology is taking us tomorrow. We are creating the waves of digital transformation that will carry our customers into the future. Where these transformations intersect and interfere is where the most interesting and innovative tomorrows are being built. Thales operates at the intersection of these technologies to find every tomorrow.

### Media & Brand Communications Director

**Location:** Arlington, Virginia (Hybrid)

#### Position Summary

Reporting to the Vice President of Communications North America, the Media & Brand Communications Director is a passionate ambassador for the Thales brand, representing and promoting Thales capabilities, products, innovation, and thought leadership to key stakeholders, including customers, employees, partners, government leaders, and the investment community.

The primary focus of this role is to drive Thales North America visibility through media coverage in Tier 1 Business publications, creating a critical and instrumental awareness of Thales.

Key objectives include:

– Strengthening the notoriety of the Thales brand within its scope and protecting its reputation in North America and worldwide.
– Promoting the Thales purpose: building a future we can all trust.
– Promoting Thales CSR/ESG priorities: for a safer, greener, and more inclusive world.
– Increasing shareholding in the U.S.

#### Key Areas of Responsibility

– Work closely with and serve as a strategic partner to Thales North America Government Relations, Marketing, Businesses, Thales Digital Solutions, and Group Communications.
– Identify creative approaches for brand communications that reflect NORAM’s strategic vision and brand objectives.
– Develop and execute the NORAM media relations program: pitch and secure placement of news and features to the media; draft press releases, media advisories, and reactive responses; position Thales as an expert source; flawlessly execute media events, such as press conferences, interviews, and tours; address information requests from the media; be the first point of contact for media, serving as spokesperson as needed.
– Identify NORAM 360°-Communication Campaigns for global execution.
– Lead the development and deployment of content related to the Thales core technologies and initiatives across communication channels, including print, electronic, web, email, broadcast, and digital.
– Lead the delivery of strategic communication planning, message development, writing, and thought leadership activities using research and analytics to drive planning and messaging.
– Partner with the VP of Communications to lead the development of Crisis Communications.
– Manage communications vendors/agencies.
– Track and analyze media coverage; establish and maintain quantifiable KPIs.
– Pitch and secure executive and subject area expert speaking engagements, leveraging the Thales Speakers Bureau.
– Represent NORAM Communications in Integrated Campaigns and lead interactions between the Communications Team and the businesses.
– Possess exceptional diplomacy skills in working with executives within and outside of North America and across cultures.

#### Minimum Qualifications

– Bachelor’s degree in Journalism, Communications, and/or Public Relations with a minimum of 10+ years of relevant work experience ~or~ a Master’s degree in Journalism, Communications, and/or Public Relations with 8+ years of relevant work experience.
– Supervisory or management experience.
– Demonstrated experience in media relations and success in working with Trade and Tier 1 Business Media independent of using a PR agency.
– Sound relationships with Tier-1 Business reporters.
– Exceptional verbal, written, and interpersonal communication skills.
– Exceptional presentation skills.
– Well-versed in social media.
– Strong project management skills.
– Adept in informational and promotional writing and editing.
– Experience with tactical plan development and reporting.
– Experience in defense, cybersecurity, or technology industry.

#### What We Offer

Thales provides an extensive benefits program for all full-time employees working 30 or more hours per week and their eligible dependents, including the following:

– Elective Health, Dental, Vision, FSA/HSA, Voluntary Life and AD&D, Whole Group Life w/LTC, Critical Illness, Hospital Indemnity, Accident Insurance, Legal Plan, Identity Theft, and Pet Insurance.
– Retirement Savings Plan after 30 days of employment with a company contribution and a match, and with no vesting period.
– Company-paid holidays and Paid Time Off.
– Company-provided Life Insurance, AD&D, Disability, Employee Assistance Plan, and Well-being Program.

#### Why Join Us?

Say HI and learn more about working at Thales [click here].

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This position will require successfully completing a post-offer background check. Qualified candidates with a criminal history will be considered and are not automatically disqualified, consistent with federal law, state law, and local ordinances. Successful applicants must comply with federal contractor vaccine mandate requirements.

Thales champions inclusion and we believe diversity strengthens the fabric of our culture. We are an equal opportunity/affirmative action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, gender identity, sexual orientation, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law.

If you need accommodation or assistance to apply for a position with Thales, please contact us at [email protected].

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