Duties and Responsibilities:

% of

Time

• Lead and collaborate with a team of multiple internal stakeholders, including functional leadership in Italy, to plan, propose and execute media relations and strategic communications for Leonardo Helicopters (commercial & defense) predominantly in the US and Americas, supporting other geographies and lines of business as needed;
• Support spokesperson preparation and/or serve as spokesperson, under supervision and direction of local and central function management, and coordinate official responses of daily media inquiries;
• Draft written materials, including but not limited to press releases, talking points, speeches, presentation decks, and other communications tools, and provide editorial review for public speeches and presentations;
• Work with individual internal business units as the voice for External Relations & Communications on routine and priority initiatives and generate ideas for robust and diverse coverage that directly support their objectives;
• Responsible for developing internal communications that include content development and distribution to all team members across the US and Central America. This includes regular emails to senior staff, periodic newsletters to all hands (>1000), organizing in person Town Hall meetings, and developing talking points together with the CEO’s Office and Human Resources regarding personnel policy or company-wide actions;
• Responsible for geographical management and strategic enhancement of Leonardo’s brand identity in the US, which includes promoting the company to publications and outlets with national visibility and across various mediums (traditional media, digital publications, nonprofit organizations that promote thought leadership) as well as developing local brand recognition in the company’s four main operating markets;
• Maintain regular communication with internal stakeholders in sales and marketing functions to develop stories on company or customer activities to advance new business or brand awareness objectives. Routinely brief them on efforts to utilize communications as a means of supporting their business development objectives;
• Develop and maintain close media relations relationships across other divisions to improve Leonardo institutional press efforts; work with a team to give input and support as needed for other Leonardo media initiatives across all divisions such as Space, Electronics and Aircraft;
• Media monitoring – regularly share & elevate critical news stories and propose responses when necessary; analyze all efforts and report on quality and quantity of resulting articles. Regularly distribute media links and stories of interest to senior staff to keep them informed of company and industry news;
• Collaborate with senior leadership at the local level and throughout the central function to prepare and maintain plan for strategic crisis communications;
• Regularly collaborate with Digital Communications team by regularly generating new content while ensuring current news are covered via all available media channels such as Leonardo’s website, social media channels, and internal communications tools in addition to traditional media;
• Local business unit support to all offices and functions resident across US sites with communications or external relations requirements;
• Work collaboratively with marketing colleagues to support Helicopters in the US with regards to marketing materials, events, exhibitions, sponsorships, memberships and thought leadership opportunities for senior executives;
• Administrative Management of US and Canadian-based memberships and sponsorships in partnership with marketing colleagues;
• Coordination with marketing & business units to develop yearly advertising plans in accordance with budget and sales objectives;
• Support the public affairs as needed with official delegations, visits, and tours as well as coordinate and facilitate community engagement activities, such as volunteer efforts, charitable donations, open houses and local sponsorships;
• Work with a team to support communications aspects of government relations work, as relevant to local internal customers and with company consultants and lobbyists;
• Administrative management of all relevant processes, procedures and directives including but not limited to payments, authorization and compliance, digital content archiving, branding consistency and reporting;
• A willingness and flexibility to positively contribute to other tasks as needed, even in support roles.

100%

TOTAL:

100%

Bachelor’s Degree in communications, public relations, political science or related field

Minimum of 7 years professional experience in media, communications or public relations roles in a corporate or large organizational setting;

Familiarity with or interest in aerospace, defense, science, technology or government

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and balance multiple projects in a

fast-paced and team-oriented environment;

Proven ability to develop, maintain and enhance relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational objectives and contribute positively to contribute company culture;

Experience working with c-suite executives, including preparation of briefings, talking point memos, and providing counsel on external affairs

Familiarity with communication fundamentals including strategic writing and messaging, content

development, proofing, editing, story pitching, and speech writing. Two-three writing samples will be required

Demonstratable experience leading national and/or global communications activities or campaigns;

Ability to manage work effectively in a team or independently, including cross-functional

colleagues and cross-geographical locations;

Ability to achieve project completion targets, often with tight deadlines, with a high degree of of quality and attention to details;

Superior people skills with a high degree of professionalism that can be leveraged to represent

the company in official capacities and work with senior executives, customers and VIPs

on communications activities in the US;

Very strong interpersonal, and motivational skills that can be used to build positive and

productive relationships with teammates across all geographies with an awareness and

appreciation for cultural diversity;

Experience and comfort with public speaking;

Knowledge of accounting and budgeting principles;

Knowledge of aerospace or similar industry;

Positive attitude, strong work ethic, consistent reliability and team-oriented approach;

Comfortable working in fast paced and entrepreneurial environment and capable

of solving problems and building consensus without constant supervision;

Additional working hours may occasionally be required, including nights, weekends and holidays;

15-20% travel (domestic/international);

Flexibility to travel when required