📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Internal Communications Manager
🔹 Company: Vast
🔹 Location: Long Beach, California, United States
🔹 Job Type: On-site, Full-time
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: April 4, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Shaping internal communications strategy to drive employee engagement
- Developing impactful storytelling to connect employees with Vast's mission, values, and vision
- Managing core communication channels and optimizing the internal communications ecosystem
- Collaborating with leaders and teams across Vast to understand communication needs and ensure clarity and alignment
- Measuring performance and using data to drive impact and improve communication effectiveness
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a proactive, strategic thinker with strong communication skills and the ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Bring Internal Comms to Life: Empower leaders and employees to communicate effectively and authentically—fostering connection, alignment, and culture across the company.
✅ Own the Narrative: Develop and deliver impactful, employee-focused storytelling across channels—spotlighting milestones, achievements, and the people behind the work.
✅ Manage Core Channels: Support and optimize internal communications channels, including Slack, Confluence, all-hands meetings, and more.
✅ Be a Strategic Partner: Collaborate closely with leaders and teams across Vast to understand communication needs, craft effective messaging, and ensure clarity and alignment across the board.
✅ Use Data to Drive Impact: Measure what matters—track the performance of internal channels and campaigns to continuously improve communication effectiveness and employee engagement.
✅ Think Creatively: Push boundaries and experiment with new formats and channels to keep internal communications fresh, engaging, and impactful.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong focus on storytelling, data-driven decision making, and continuous improvement.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Psychology, Communications, English, or related field (preferred)
Experience: 5-7 years of experience in internal communications, executive comms, or related experience
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing and storytelling experience
- Strong experience managing multiple internal communications channels (email, Slack, Confluence, etc.)
- Strong business acumen and sound judgment, with experience handling confidential information
- Ability to travel up to 10% of the time
- Willingness to work evenings and/or weekends to support critical mission milestones
Preferred Skills:
- Flexible, solutions-oriented mindset and ability to adapt quickly in ambiguity
- Ability to balance multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Experience in the science, aerospace, start-up, or technology sector
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with relevant experience and a strong portfolio of internal communications work are preferred.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $100,000 - $160,000 USD per year
Benefits:
- 100% medical, dental, and vision coverage for employees and dependents
- Flexible paid time off for exempt staff and up to 10 days of vacation for non-exempt staff
- Paid parental leave
- Short and long-term disability insurance
- Life insurance
- Access to a 401(k) retirement plan
- One Medical membership
- ClassPass credits
- Personalized mental healthcare through Spring Health
- Other discounts and perks
- Exceptional food perks, including snacks, drip coffee, cold drinks, and dinner meals, with lunch subsidized
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to support critical mission milestones
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is inclusive of the base salary and may include additional compensation components.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing. Vast is developing humanity’s next-generation space stations and pioneering the path to long-term living and thriving in space.
Company Size: 501-1,000 employees. This size allows for a dynamic and collaborative work environment with ample opportunities for growth and impact.
Founded: 2021. Vast was founded by Jed McCaleb with a mission to create artificial gravity habitations that enable humans to live in space.
Company Description:
- Vast is developing Haven-1, the world’s first commercial space station, scheduled to launch in 2026
- The company is also developing Haven-2, a proposed successor to the International Space Station (ISS)
- Vast's long-term ambition is to create artificial gravity habitations that enable humans to live in space, reaffirming its commitment to ensuring a spacefaring future for all
Company Specialties:
- Artificial gravity space stations
- Long-term living and thriving in space
- Commercial space stations
Company Website: https://www.vastspace.com
ASSUMPTION: Vast's focus on innovation and pushing boundaries in the space industry makes it an exciting place to work for candidates passionate about space exploration.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior. This role offers significant responsibility and the opportunity to make a substantial impact on Vast's internal communications strategy.
Reporting Structure: The Internal Communications Manager reports directly to the Vice President of Communications and works closely with leaders and teams across the company.
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time, with flexibility to support critical mission milestones. This role may require occasional travel (up to 10% of the time).
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to grow into a leadership role within the communications department
- Opportunities to work on high-impact projects and initiatives
- Exposure to various aspects of the space industry and Vast's mission
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to learn, develop, and make a meaningful impact on Vast's success.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Vast's headquarters is located in Long Beach, California, offering a modern and collaborative work environment.
Office Location(s): 700 E Ocean Blvd, Long Beach, CA 90802, United States
Geographic Context:
- Long Beach is a coastal city in Southern California, offering a mild Mediterranean climate and a diverse range of neighborhoods
- The city is known for its beaches, museums, and cultural attractions, as well as its proximity to Los Angeles
- Long Beach is home to a vibrant and growing tech industry, with a strong focus on aerospace and defense
Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility to support critical mission milestones. The work environment is fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on collaboration and innovation.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who enjoy a fast-paced, collaborative work environment and are passionate about space exploration will thrive in this role and location.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team
- On-site or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other team members
- Final interview with the Vice President of Communications
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills and storytelling ability
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving skills
- Adaptability and flexibility in a fast-paced environment
- Cultural fit and alignment with Vast's mission and values
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your internal communications experience and relevant skills
- Provide examples of your storytelling and data-driven decision-making abilities
- Demonstrate your understanding of Vast's mission and how your skills and experience align with the role's requirements
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview, focusing on Vast's internal communications strategy and growth opportunities
ATS Keywords: Internal Communications, Storytelling, Writing, Employee Engagement, Communication Strategy, Data Analysis, Project Management, Collaboration, Creativity, Business Acumen, Judgment, Adaptability, Confidentiality, Fast-Paced Environment, Technology Sector Experience
ASSUMPTION: Vast's application process is designed to assess candidates' communication skills, strategic thinking, and cultural fit, with a focus on finding the best fit for the role and the company.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Slack
- Confluence
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
- Data analysis tools (e.g., Google Analytics, Tableau)
ASSUMPTION: The tools and technologies required for this role are standard for internal communications professionals and can be learned on the job if necessary.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation: Vast values pushing boundaries and challenging the status quo to create a spacefaring future for all
- Collaboration: Vast fosters a culture of teamwork and collaboration to achieve its mission
- Integrity: Vast upholds the highest ethical standards and is committed to transparency and accountability
Work Style:
- Fast-paced and dynamic, with a strong focus on execution and results
- Collaborative and team-oriented, with a emphasis on open communication and information sharing
- Adaptable and flexible, with a willingness to take on new challenges and learn continuously
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with Vast's mission to create a spacefaring future for all?
- How do you approach balancing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment?
- How do you adapt to ambiguity and change in a dynamic work environment?
ASSUMPTION: Vast values candidates who are passionate about its mission, adaptable, and committed to fostering a collaborative and innovative work environment.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment with tight deadlines and changing priorities
- Managing multiple internal communications channels and stakeholders
- Balancing strategic thinking and execution in a rapidly growing company
- Occasional travel requirements (up to 10% of the time)
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who thrive in fast-paced environments and are adaptable, organized, and strategic thinkers will be well-suited to this role.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is unique in its focus on internal communications within the space industry, but it shares similarities with other internal communications manager roles in fast-paced, innovative companies
- Compared to other internal communications roles, this position offers a unique opportunity to work on high-impact projects and initiatives in a rapidly growing industry
- Career progression in this role may lead to leadership positions within the communications department or other areas of the company, depending on the candidate's skills and interests
ASSUMPTION: This role offers a unique opportunity to work in a growing industry and make a significant impact on Vast's internal communications strategy and success.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive internal communications plan to support the launch of Haven-1
- Creating engaging and informative content for internal communications channels, such as Slack and Confluence
- Analyzing data and metrics to optimize internal communications channels and improve employee engagement
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the range of responsibilities and initiatives the Internal Communications Manager may undertake to drive employee engagement and support Vast's mission.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into Vast's overall communications strategy, and how will my work impact the company's success?
- What are the biggest challenges facing the internal communications department, and how can this role help address them?
- How does Vast support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly in the communications department?
- What is the company's long-term vision for internal communications, and how does this role contribute to that vision?
- How does Vast foster a culture of collaboration and innovation, and what role does this position play in maintaining that culture?
ASSUMPTION: Asking thoughtful, insightful questions demonstrates your interest in the role and Vast's mission, and helps you better understand the company's culture and priorities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your internal communications experience and relevant skills
- Prepare for your interview by researching Vast's mission, values, and recent projects
- Prepare questions to ask during the interview, focusing on Vast's internal communications strategy and growth opportunities
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team after your interview to express your appreciation and reiterate your interest in the role
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
