Communications Manager

Shield AI is a venture-backed defense-tech company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent systems. Its products include Hivemind autonomy software, V-BAT and X-BAT aircraft, and Aechelon simulation and synthetic reality technologies. With offices and facilities across the U.S., Europe, the Middle East, and Asia-Pacific, Shield AI’s technology actively supports operations worldwide. For more information, visit www.shield.ai. Follow Shield AI on LinkedIn, X, Instagram, and YouTube. 

Come join a fast-growing team in a dynamic region to shape stories on the cutting-edge technologies that underlie Shield mission – to protect service members and civilians through intelligent systems and sovereign autonomy.  In this role, you will be responsible for driving media relations and communications initiatives for Shield in Europe, elevating the brand in top-tier media and amplifying its credentials as a trusted, leading defense technology company.

By partnering closely with global communications, government relations and cross-functional teams in Europe, you will support strategic business initiatives and develop narratives around consequential and forward-looking technologies that are changing the defense landscape today.

What You'll Do

• Help shape the European communications strategy and adapt global messaging for each country and audience, with an understanding of local political and cultural context 

• Manage media relations, including pitching stories, handling press inquiries, and building relationships with regional defense and aerospace journalists 

• Work with marketing, business development and wider communications colleagues to create engaging content for European audiences 

• Write and edit content including press releases, thought leadership, executive briefings, social media and web copy 

• Deliver announcements for contracts, partnerships, product milestones and flight demonstrations, from first draft through approvals to distribution and follow-up. 

• Build and maintain strong relationships with defense, aerospace, technology, business and national media in priority markets 

• Monitor media coverage, policy developments and competitor activity across Europe, and share regular insights with leadership 

• Track and report on communications performance, including coverage quality, share of voice and progress against goals 

• Lead communications for trade shows, conferences, and partner events, ensuring Shield’s messaging is clear, compelling, and consistent with global strategy 

• Work as part of Shield AI’s global communications team to align regional initiatives with company-wide goals and highlight company milestones 

Required Qualification

• 8+ years of communications experience, with time spent in defense, aerospace, government, technology sectors.

• Mix of in-house and agency experience welcome.

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, journalism, political science, international relations or similar fields.

• Familiarity with developing content and messaging, media relations, executive communications and issues management. Able to simplify complex concepts for non-technical and technical audiences alike.

• Strong critical thinking and analytical skills; able to identify opportunities for brand enhancement while also assessing gaps and possible risks.

• Experience working across cross-cultural teams and managing stakeholders.

• Ability to operate with a high degree of autonomy and to manage projects, deadlines and deliverables in a fast-paced environment.

Desired Qualifications

• Fluency in one or more European languages.

• An existing network of defence, tech or political journalists in one or more European markets. 

Our international teammates receive a comprehensive total rewards package aligned to your country office location. For full details on compensation and benefits, please consult your talent acquisition partner.