📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Director of Communications
🔹 Company: Govini
🔹 Location: Arlington, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications, Public Relations
🔹 Date Posted: May 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site with up to 40% travel
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing and executing proactive earned media relations strategies to increase Govini's visibility
- Collaborating with executives to create engaging content and secure high-profile speaking opportunities
- Building and maintaining relationships with defense and technology journalists
- Driving narrative development to position Govini as a differentiated thought leader
- Working closely with executives to capture their voice, tone, and priorities for ghostwriting and thought leadership
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of the U.S. National Security and Defense domain, as well as experience in a high-growth or entrepreneurial tech environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Developing and executing a proactive earned media relations strategy to increase Govini's visibility
✅ Proactively keeping up with current events in defense, national security, and technology to ensure Govini is a voice in relevant topics
✅ Embedding with and shadowing executives to generate high-quality ghostwriting, op-eds, talking points, and thought leadership
✅ Helping secure high-profile speaking opportunities in the media and on stage for the CEO and other executives
✅ Creating engaging short-form content, including blogs, social media copy, and media materials
✅ Building and maintaining relationships with defense and technology journalists in collaboration with agency partners
✅ Supporting and contributing to the social media calendar with strategic direction and consistent content creation
✅ Driving narrative development that positions Govini as a differentiated thought leader at the intersection of defense and technology
ASSUMPTION: This role may require working flexible hours to accommodate meetings and events, as well as occasional travel.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: 8+ years of experience driving measurable communications outcomes through high-output, differentiated content creation
Required Skills:
- Proven experience embedding closely and directly with executives to capture voice, tone, and priorities to strengthen ghostwriting, talking points, and thought leadership
- Portfolio of excellent storytelling and writing skills with a record of capturing audience attention across multiple channels
- Exceptional project management skills to own and execute an aggressive editorial calendar
- Existing understanding of the US National Security & Defense domain
- Willingness to flex between high-level strategy and detailed executional work
Preferred Skills:
- Experience in or exposure to the nuances of a startup or other entrepreneurial environment
- Personal experience building and maintaining your own social media following
ASSUMPTION: U.S. Citizenship is required for this role due to the nature of Govini's work in the defense industry.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $120,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Director of Communications role with 8+ years of experience in the defense technology sector)
Benefits:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance
- 401(k) plan with company match
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays)
- Flexible work arrangements
- Professional development opportunities
Working Hours: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate meetings and events, and up to 40% travel
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards and may vary depending on the candidate's experience and qualifications.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Govini operates in the software development industry, focusing on transforming defense acquisition into a strategic advantage for the United States.
Company Size: Govini has 201-500 employees, providing a mid-sized company environment with opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: Govini was founded in 2011 and has since grown to support national security and defense teams with AI-enabled applications and best-in-class data.
Company Description:
- Govini transforms Defense Acquisition by providing AI-enabled applications and best-in-class data to support various defense and national security teams
- The company's flagship product, Ark, supports supply chain, science and technology, production, logistics, sustainment, and modernization teams
- Govini has offices in Arlington, Virginia, and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania
Company Specialties:
- SaaS
- Machine Learning
- Software Development
- Defense and National Security
- Modernization
- Defense Industrial Base
- Technology and Innovation
- Public Sector and Government Data
- Taxonomies, Portfolio Management, and Vendor Risk
- Supply Chain Risk Management
Company Website: http://www.govini.com
ASSUMPTION: Govini's focus on the defense industry and national security may require applicants to obtain security clearances or pass background checks.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the senior management level, reporting directly to the CEO or another executive.
Reporting Structure: The Director of Communications will likely have a team of communications professionals reporting to them, as well as collaborate with other departments such as marketing, sales, and product.
Work Arrangement: This role is on-site, with up to 40% travel required to attend meetings, events, and conferences.
Growth Opportunities:
- As Govini continues to grow, there may be opportunities for the Director of Communications to expand their team or take on additional responsibilities
- This role offers the chance to work closely with executives and influence the company's narrative and brand
- Govini's focus on innovation and technology provides opportunities to learn and grow professionally
ASSUMPTION: The Director of Communications role may evolve over time as Govini's business and industry needs change.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Govini's Arlington, VA, office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and creativity.
Office Location(s): 1735 N Lynn St, Arlington, VA 22209, US
Geographic Context:
- Arlington, VA, is located just across the Potomac River from Washington, D.C., providing easy access to the nation's capital and its many cultural, historical, and recreational attractions
- The area offers a diverse range of neighborhoods, dining options, and entertainment venues
- Arlington has a humid subtropical climate, with mild winters and hot, humid summers
Work Schedule: Full-time, with flexible hours to accommodate meetings and events, and up to 40% travel
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and be able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the HR department
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and/or other team members
- Final interview with the CEO or another executive
- Background check and reference checks
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and ability to craft compelling narratives
- Understanding of the U.S. National Security and Defense domain
- Ability to work closely with executives and capture their voice and priorities
- Project management skills and ability to execute an aggressive editorial calendar
- Cultural fit and alignment with Govini's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Include specific examples of your communications achievements and how they align with Govini's needs
- Prepare questions in advance to ask the interviewer about the company, team, or role
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the U.S. National Security and Defense domain and how it applies to this role
ATS Keywords: Media Relations, Storytelling, Content Creation, Project Management, Public Relations, Digital Communications, Thought Leadership, Social Media, Journalism Relationships, Ghostwriting, National Security Knowledge, Entrepreneurial Environment, Strategic Communication, Audience Growth, Event Coordination, High-Profile Speaking Opportunities
ASSUMPTION: Govini may use an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to screen resumes, so including relevant keywords from the job description can help your application stand out.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media monitoring and analysis tools (e.g., Muck Rack, Critical Mention)
- Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
- Social media management platforms (e.g., Hootsuite, Buffer)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
- Design and graphics tools (e.g., Canva, Adobe Creative Suite)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies used may vary depending on the candidate's preferences and the team's existing stack.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Transformative: Govini seeks to transform the defense acquisition process through innovative technology and data-driven insights
- Collaborative: The company values working together across teams and with external partners to achieve common goals
- Adaptable: Govini embraces change and continuous learning to stay at the forefront of the defense technology sector
Work Style:
- Govini fosters a fast-paced, dynamic work environment that encourages creativity and innovation
- The company values a growth mindset and continuous learning
- Govini promotes a culture of open communication and collaboration
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment, and are you comfortable adapting to changing priorities and deadlines?
- Are you passionate about the defense and national security sectors, and do you have a strong understanding of the key issues and trends in these areas?
- Can you effectively capture the voice, tone, and priorities of executives to create compelling thought leadership content?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should be comfortable working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment and be able to adapt to changing priorities and deadlines.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The defense and national security sectors can be highly regulated and complex, requiring a strong understanding of the relevant laws, policies, and procedures
- Govini's focus on innovation and technology may require applicants to learn new tools and adapt to rapidly changing priorities
- The on-site work arrangement and up to 40% travel requirement may not be suitable for all applicants
- The competitive nature of the defense technology sector may present challenges in securing high-profile speaking opportunities and media coverage
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should carefully consider their fit with Govini's work environment, cultural values, and the specific challenges of this role before applying.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Compared to other communications roles in the defense technology sector, this position places a greater emphasis on working closely with executives to capture their voice and priorities for thought leadership content
- Govini's focus on innovation and technology provides opportunities for professional growth and learning that may not be available in more traditional communications roles
- This role offers the chance to work closely with executives and influence the company's narrative and brand, which may not be available in entry-level or mid-level communications positions
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should consider their career goals and the specific opportunities and challenges presented by this role compared to other communications positions in the defense technology sector.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a media relations strategy to secure high-profile coverage for Govini's CEO in major national security and defense publications
- Collaborating with the CEO to create a series of op-eds that position Govini as a thought leader in the defense technology sector
- Managing a team of communications professionals to create engaging content for Govini's social media channels and website, driving audience growth and engagement
ASSUMPTION: The specific projects and responsibilities of this role may vary depending on the company's priorities and the candidate's skills and experience.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the company's priorities for this role in the first 30, 60, and 90 days?
- How does Govini support the professional development and growth of its communications team members?
- Can you provide examples of how the company has successfully navigated challenges in the defense technology sector, and what lessons were learned?
- How does Govini approach diversity, equity, and inclusion in its communications and overall company culture?
- What is the company's long-term vision for its communications function, and how does this role fit into that vision?
ASSUMPTION: Applicants should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, and that help them better understand the opportunities and challenges presented by this position.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Prepare questions in advance to ask the interviewer about the company, team, or role
- Be ready to discuss your understanding of the U.S. National Security and Defense domain and how it applies to this role
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and reiterate your interest in the position
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
