Head of Content

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Head of Content

🔹 Company: Airbus

🔹 Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States

🔹 Job Type: Full-Time, On-site

🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing

🔹 Date Posted: May 19, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years

🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (3 days on-site per week)

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Leading the development and execution of Airbus’s multi-channel content strategy in the U.S.
• Collaborating with stakeholders to deliver clear, consistent messaging that engages audiences and protects the corporate reputation.
• Managing and mentoring a content team to ensure all content aligns with Airbus’s messaging and contributes to reputation protection.
• Strengthening Airbus’s visibility and relevance among key stakeholders, reinforcing industry leadership and supporting brand-building efforts in the U.S. market.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and experience managing a team. Familiarity with the defense and space industry is preferred but not required.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Develop and implement a comprehensive content strategy to engage both external and internal stakeholders, aligning with Airbus values, culture, and purpose.

✅ Ensure the Airbus brand voice is consistent and clear, using engaging and meaningful storytelling to simplify technical concepts and connect with diverse audiences.

✅ Strengthen Airbus visibility and relevance among key stakeholders, reinforcing industry leadership and supporting brand-building efforts in the U.S. market.

✅ Collaborate with HR and business leaders to produce compelling employee communications, ensuring consistency in tone and alignment with the broader company narrative and regional priorities.

✅ Oversee the distribution of internal content across appropriate channels and monitor engagement and feedback to continuously improve relevance and effectiveness.

✅ Ensure that internal content aligns with the Airbus mission and values, highlights Airbus’s achievements to reinforce industry leadership, and fosters pride in our purpose among employees.

✅ Lead the creation of external content (traditional and digital media assets) while ensuring an integrated 360° communication approach.

✅ Work closely with business stakeholders to align content for campaign timelines, product announcements, and market positioning.

✅ Strengthen Airbus’s external narrative by identifying storytelling opportunities, aligning content with global priorities, and adapting key messages to resonate within the U.S. market context.

✅ Manage proactive and reactive media relations strategy for both traditional and social media.

✅ Responsible for the production of all audiovisual content (videos, graphics, webinars, etc.) to bring Airbus’s stories to life across various platforms.

✅ Guide the development of compelling scripts and visual narratives that reflect Airbus’s messaging and technical expertise in formats that resonate with diverse audiences.

✅ Manage end-to-end audiovisual projects, guiding internal teams and external partners to ensure creative quality and brand consistency.

✅ Ensure all multimedia content is on-brand, optimized for various platforms and audiences, and contributes meaningfully to audience engagement.

✅ Explore and integrate emerging formats (e.g., interactive media, virtual events) to expand Airbus’s content reach and deepen stakeholder engagement.

✅ Drive content operations by managing editorial calendars, workflows, and cross-functional coordination to ensure efficient, consistent, and timely delivery of content across the organization.

✅ Oversee digital asset management systems and maintain a centralized, up-to-date content library, while upholding content governance standards (including branding, style, accessibility, and quality) and updating materials as needed.

✅ Leverage data and performance metrics to extract actionable insights and continuously optimize content effectiveness based on industry best practices.

✅ Lead strategic content initiatives, including special projects and the exploration of new distribution approaches or campaign formats, ensuring alignment with business objectives and successful integration into the broader strategy.

✅ Mentor and guide the content team, strengthening skills, encouraging cross-department collaboration, and ensuring all content aligns with Airbus’s messaging while contributing to reputation protection through proactive coordination with PR and communications.

ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage multiple content projects, deadlines, and cross-functional coordination.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Marketing, Journalism, or a related field. Master’s degree is a plus.

Experience: 12+ years of experience in content strategy, content marketing, or communications, including proven experience managing and mentoring a content team. Experience in aerospace and in a global and matrixed organization is preferred.

Required Skills:

• Excellent writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to craft a consistent brand voice and simplify technical concepts for broad audiences.
• Excellent understanding of multi-channel content strategy and digital platforms (social media, internal communication channels), ensuring coherent messaging across all.
• Demonstrated knowledge of content analytics tools and current trends in digital content and media formats.

• Proven project management and organizational skills, capable of handling multiple content projects, deadlines, and cross-functional coordination.
• Proven experience managing and developing a communications team and working with leadership.
• Familiarity with content management systems and digital asset management tools, and experience maintaining content governance standards.
• Excellent interpersonal and communication skills with the ability to collaborate effectively with stakeholders at all levels and across cultures.

Preferred Skills:

• Fluency in French.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the defense and space industry, or a related field, may have an advantage in this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $150,000 - $180,000 per year (based on industry standards for a role of this level and location)

Benefits:

• Competitive base salary
• Incentive compensation, including profit sharing schemes
• Retirement savings plan and Employee Stock Ownership Plan (ESOP)
• Paid time off, including personal time and holidays
• Comprehensive insurance coverage, including medical, dental, vision, life, disability, and Employee Assistance Plan (EAP)
• Upskilling and development opportunities through Airbus’s global Leadership University, including unlimited access to 10,000+ e-learning courses

Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week, with approximately 60% on-site presence in the Herndon, VA office and 40% remote work per Airbus policy.

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for a role of this level and location. Actual compensation may vary based on experience, skills, and other factors.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing. Airbus is a global leader in aerospace and defense, designing, manufacturing, and delivering innovative solutions to meet the world’s growing transportation needs.

Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, Airbus offers extensive resources and opportunities for career growth and development.

Founded: 1970. Airbus was established through the merger of three European aerospace companies and has since grown to become a global leader in its industry.

Company Description:

• Airbus creates innovative, effective space and defense solutions and services for its customers, driving its industry forward.
• The company focuses on the people it works with and for, creating an inclusive working environment that values diversity and fosters collaboration.

Company Specialties:

• Border security
• Cyber security
• Defence systems
• Earth observation satellites
• Eurofighter Typhoon
• Military aircraft
• Orbital systems
• Telecommunication satellites
• Satellite launchers
• Secure communications
• Unmanned aircraft (UAS/UAV)
• Space
• and satellites

Company Website: http://www.airbus.com

ASSUMPTION: As a large, global organization, Airbus offers a wide range of career opportunities and benefits for its employees.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Senior leadership role, reporting directly to the Head of Communications for the Americas region.

Reporting Structure: The Head of Content will oversee a team of content specialists and may have indirect reports within the broader Communications team.

Work Arrangement: Hybrid, with approximately 60% on-site presence in the Herndon, VA office and 40% remote work per Airbus policy.

Growth Opportunities:

• Potential progression to a regional or global leadership role within the Communications team.
• Opportunities to lead strategic content initiatives and special projects, expanding skills and influence within the organization.
• Access to Airbus’s global Leadership University, offering extensive upskilling and development opportunities.

ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to expand their impact and influence within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate headquarters with adjacent facilities, including the Airbus Experience Center and a regional office located adjacent to Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD).

Office Location(s): Herndon, Virginia, United States

Geographic Context:

• The Washington, D.C. metro area is home to multiple Airbus offices, providing ample opportunities for networking and collaboration with other Airbus teams and stakeholders.
• The region is also home to numerous defense and aerospace companies, offering a rich ecosystem for industry engagement and partnership.
• The Herndon office is conveniently located near major transportation hubs, making it easily accessible for both local and visiting employees.

Work Schedule: Full-time, with approximately 60% on-site presence in the Herndon, VA office and 40% remote work per Airbus policy.

ASSUMPTION: The Herndon office offers a dynamic and collaborative work environment, with ample opportunities for networking and professional growth.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application submission through the Airbus careers portal.
• Phone or video screening with the HR team to assess qualifications and fit for the role.
• In-depth interviews with the hiring manager and other key stakeholders, focusing on relevant experience, skills, and cultural fit.
• Final round interviews, including a presentation or case study component to evaluate problem-solving skills and strategic thinking.
• Background check and reference verification for the successful candidate.

Key Assessment Areas:

• Strategic thinking and content strategy development.
• Excellent communication and storytelling skills, with a strong command of the English language (French fluency is a plus).
• Proven experience managing and developing a content team, with a track record of driving results and fostering a positive team culture.
• Strong project management and organizational skills, with the ability to handle multiple content projects, deadlines, and cross-functional coordination.
• Familiarity with content management systems and digital asset management tools, with a demonstrated ability to maintain content governance standards.

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the required qualifications for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization.
• Familiarize yourself with Airbus’s brand, mission, and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s culture.

ATS Keywords: Content strategy, content marketing, communications, writing, editing, storytelling, project management, digital platforms, media relations, team management, interpersonal skills, content analytics, content governance, employee communications, audiovisual production, stakeholder engagement, defense and space industry, global organization, hybrid work arrangement

ASSUMPTION: The interview process for this role may include assessments of both technical skills and cultural fit, with a focus on the candidate’s ability to thrive in a global, matrixed organization.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content management systems (e.g., Adobe Experience Manager, Sitecore, or similar)
• Digital asset management tools (e.g., Brandfolder, Canto DAM, or similar)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, or similar)
• Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
• Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Docs, Sheets, Slides)
• Social media platforms (e.g., LinkedIn, Twitter, Facebook, Instagram)

ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with industry-standard content management and digital asset management tools is required for this role. Candidates should be comfortable learning and adapting to new tools as needed.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation: Airbus fosters a culture of continuous improvement and innovation, encouraging employees to challenge the status quo and drive progress.
• Safety: Safety is a core value at Airbus, with a commitment to ensuring the well-being of employees, customers, and the communities in which the company operates.
• Respect: Airbus values diversity and inclusion, fostering an environment where all employees feel respected, valued, and empowered to contribute to the company’s success.

Work Style:

• Collaborative: Airbus encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork, with a focus on collective success and shared goals.
• Agile: The company values adaptability and flexibility, with a commitment to responding quickly to changing market demands and customer needs.
• Global: As a global organization, Airbus values diversity and inclusion, with a commitment to fostering a culture that reflects the global nature of its business.

Self-Assessment Questions:

• How do your personal values align with Airbus’s commitment to innovation, safety, and respect?
• How do you approach collaboration and teamwork in a global, matrixed organization like Airbus?
• How do you adapt to changing priorities and demands in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment?

ASSUMPTION: Candidates who demonstrate a strong fit with Airbus’s values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role and contribute to the company’s long-term success.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• Managing a team remotely, with approximately 40% of work time dedicated to remote work.
• Balancing multiple content projects, deadlines, and cross-functional coordination in a fast-paced, dynamic work environment.
• Adapting to changing priorities and demands in a global, matrixed organization.
• Ensuring consistent, on-brand content across multiple channels and platforms, with a focus on quality, accessibility, and user experience.

ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong project management skills, attention to detail, and the ability to thrive in a dynamic, fast-paced work environment.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Unlike traditional marketing or communications roles, the Head of Content role at Airbus focuses on content strategy and storytelling within the defense and space industry, requiring a strong understanding of technical concepts and the ability to simplify complex information for diverse audiences.
• As a global organization, Airbus offers extensive opportunities for career growth and development, with potential progression to regional or global leadership roles within the Communications team.
• This role requires a strategic mindset, excellent communication skills, and experience managing a team, with a focus on driving results and fostering a positive team culture.

ASSUMPTION: Candidates with experience in the defense and space industry, or a related field, may have an advantage in this role, but a strong fit with Airbus’s values and work style is essential for success.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive content strategy for a major defense system launch, including messaging frameworks, storytelling approaches, and multimedia assets.
• Managing a team to produce a series of thought leadership articles and whitepapers, positioning Airbus as a leading innovator in the defense and space industry.
• Collaborating with business stakeholders to create targeted content campaigns, driving brand awareness and engagement among key customer segments.

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the strategic, collaborative, and dynamic nature of the Head of Content role at Airbus, requiring strong project management skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced, global organization.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• How does the Head of Content role fit into the broader Communications team and organizational structure?
• What are the key priorities for this role in the first 90 days, and how will success be measured?
• How does Airbus support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in leadership roles like this one?
• What are the key challenges facing the defense and space industry, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
• How does Airbus foster a culture of innovation and continuous improvement, and what role does this position play in driving that culture?

ASSUMPTION: These questions help candidates better understand the role, the organization, and the industry, enabling them to make informed decisions about their fit and potential for success in the position.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the Airbus careers portal.
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant experience, skills, and accomplishments that match the required qualifications for this role.
• Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, leadership style, and ability to work effectively in a matrixed organization.
• Familiarize yourself with Airbus’s brand, mission, and values, and be prepared to discuss how your personal values align with the company’s culture.
• Follow up with the hiring manager one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application and express your continued interest in the role.

⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.