Junior Communications Associate

📌 Core Information

🔹 Job Title: Junior Communications Associate

🔹 Company: Shield AI

🔹 Location: Washington DC Metro Area

🔹 Job Type: Full Time Employee

🔹 Category: Communications, Marketing

🔹 Date Posted: April 15, 2025

🔹 Experience Level: 2-5 years

🔹 Remote Status: On-site

🚀 Job Overview

Key aspects of this role include:

• Crafting compelling content across various mediums to showcase Shield AI's mission and products
• Collaborating with internal teams to develop and refine messaging for key audiences
• Supporting external communications efforts, including media outreach and event messaging
• Assisting in creative campaigns to drive awareness and engagement

ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong editorial eye and strategic mindset to shape narratives that drive product launches, executive thought leadership, and high-impact external communications.

📋 Key Responsibilities

✅ Write and edit compelling copy across multiple mediums, including blogs, press releases, website content, and marketing materials

✅ Bring a journalistic and editorial approach to content marketing, effectively communicating Shield AI’s cutting-edge technology, mission, and values

✅ Collaborate with internal teams to develop and refine messaging that resonates with key audiences, including defense, technology, and policy communities

✅ Research and draft thought leadership content, ensuring consistency in voice, tone, and messaging

✅ Monitor industry trends and competitor communications to help shape content strategy

✅ Support external communications efforts, including media outreach, event messaging, and executive communications

✅ Assist in developing creative campaigns to drive awareness and engagement across key stakeholders

ASSUMPTION: The role may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines, especially during product launches or high-profile events.

🎯 Required Qualifications

Education: Bachelor's degree in communications, journalism, or a related field

Experience: 2-4 years of experience in content writing, corporate communications, or public relations

Required Skills:

• Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills with attention to detail
• Interest in AI, autonomy, and defense technology
• Ability to distill complex technical concepts into clear, compelling messaging
• Strong research and analytical skills to support content development
• Ability to multitask, meet deadlines, and work independently within a highly collaborative team
• Creative, detail-oriented, and organized

Preferred Skills:

• Experience in B2B or defense technology communications
• Familiarity with media relations, thought leadership, and executive communications
• Understanding of SEO principles and content optimization strategies

ASSUMPTION: While not explicitly stated, proficiency in the English language is likely required for this role.

💰 Compensation & Benefits

Salary Range: $78,000 - $118,000 a year

Benefits:

• Bonus
• Benefits
• Equity

Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime or weekend work as needed

ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles and experience levels. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as specific work location and individual qualifications.

📌 Applicant Insights

🔍 Company Context

Industry: Software Development, specifically focused on defense technology and AI

Company Size: 501-1,000 employees, which means a mid-sized company structure with opportunities for growth and collaboration

Founded: 2015, with a history of innovation and growth in the defense technology sector

Company Description:

• Shield AI is a venture-backed defense technology company with the mission of protecting service members and civilians with intelligent, autonomous systems
• Its products include Hivemind Enterprise—EdgeOS, Pilot, Commander, and Forge—as well as V-BAT and Sentient Vision Systems (wide-area motion imaging software)
• With offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia), Shield AI’s technology actively supports U.S. and allied operations worldwide

Company Specialties:

• Robotics
• Autonomy
• Defense
• Perception
• Artificial Intelligence
• AI
• Technology
• Engineering
• Hardware
• Software
• Drones
• UAV
• UAS
• Machine Learning
• and National Security

Company Website: shield.ai

ASSUMPTION: Shield AI's focus on defense technology and AI makes it an exciting and challenging place to work, with opportunities to make a significant impact on national security and global defense.

📊 Role Analysis

Career Level: Mid-level, with opportunities for growth and advancement within the communications department and the company as a whole

Reporting Structure: This role will likely report directly to the Director of Communications or a similar leadership position within the communications department

Work Arrangement: On-site, with the potential for occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements, depending on the company's policies and the individual's needs

Growth Opportunities:

• Advancement within the communications department, such as promotions to Senior Communications Associate or Manager roles
• Expansion into related fields, such as public relations or marketing, as the company grows and evolves
• Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives, gaining valuable experience and exposure

ASSUMPTION: Given Shield AI's focus on innovation and growth, there may be opportunities for the right candidate to take on additional responsibilities and grow within the organization.

🌍 Location & Work Environment

Office Type: Corporate office environment, with a focus on collaboration and innovation

Office Location(s): Washington DC Metro Area, with additional offices in San Diego, Dallas, Washington, D.C., Abu Dhabi (UAE), Kyiv (Ukraine), and Melbourne (Australia)

Geographic Context:

• The Washington DC Metro Area is a vibrant and diverse region with a strong focus on defense, technology, and policy
• The area offers a wide range of cultural, historical, and recreational opportunities, as well as a robust job market
• The cost of living in the Washington DC Metro Area is generally higher than the national average, with housing and transportation costs being particularly notable

Work Schedule: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with potential for overtime or weekend work as needed

ASSUMPTION: The Washington DC Metro Area's focus on defense, technology, and policy makes it an ideal location for a communications professional looking to make an impact in these fields.

💼 Interview & Application Insights

Typical Process:

• Online application and resume submission
• Phone or video screen with the hiring manager or a member of the HR team
• In-person or virtual interview with the Director of Communications or another senior team member
• Final interview with the CEO or another executive team member
• Background check and offer extension

Key Assessment Areas:

• Writing and editing skills, with a focus on clarity, conciseness, and persuasiveness
• Understanding of Shield AI's mission, products, and target audiences
• Ability to work collaboratively and effectively within a team
• Adaptability and willingness to learn and grow within the role

Application Tips:

• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
• Demonstrate your understanding of Shield AI's mission and products in your application materials
• Showcase your writing and editing skills through samples or a portfolio, if available
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit

ATS Keywords: communications, content, writing, editing, storytelling, research, analysis, defense technology, AI, autonomy, journalism, public relations, marketing, messaging, strategy, collaboration, creativity, detail-oriented, organized

ASSUMPTION: Shield AI's focus on innovation and growth may result in a more competitive application process, with a higher volume of applicants and a more rigorous interview process.

🛠️ Tools & Technologies

• Content management systems (e.g., WordPress, Drupal)
• Design and graphics software (e.g., Adobe Creative Suite, Canva)
• Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
• Communication and collaboration platforms (e.g., Slack, Microsoft Teams)

ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the company's existing infrastructure and the individual's specific responsibilities.

👔 Cultural Fit Considerations

Company Values:

• Innovation
• Collaboration
• Integrity
• Customer focus
• Accountability

Work Style:

• Fast-paced and dynamic, with a focus on growth and innovation
• Collaborative and team-oriented, with a strong emphasis on communication and coordination
• Results-driven, with a focus on delivering high-quality work on time and within budget

Self-Assessment Questions:

• Do you thrive in a fast-paced, dynamic environment, and are you comfortable with ambiguity and change?
• Are you a strong communicator, able to work effectively with a diverse range of stakeholders, including technical team members, executives, and external partners?
• Do you have a strong work ethic, with a commitment to delivering high-quality work on time and within budget?

ASSUMPTION: Shield AI's focus on innovation, collaboration, and growth makes it an exciting and challenging place to work, with opportunities for both personal and professional development.

⚠️ Potential Challenges

• The fast-paced and dynamic nature of the role may require adaptability and the ability to manage multiple priorities and deadlines
• The need to distill complex technical concepts into clear, compelling messaging may require a steep learning curve and ongoing education
• The role may require occasional overtime or weekend work to meet project deadlines, especially during product launches or high-profile events
• The competitive nature of the defense technology industry may result in a high volume of applicants and a rigorous interview process

ASSUMPTION: While these challenges may present obstacles, they also offer opportunities for growth and development within the role and the company as a whole.

📈 Similar Roles Comparison

• Compared to other communications roles in the defense technology industry, this role may offer a greater emphasis on thought leadership and executive communications
• Unlike some other roles in the field, this position requires a strong editorial eye and strategic mindset, with a focus on shaping narratives that drive product launches and high-impact external communications
• Career progression in this role may involve advancement within the communications department, expansion into related fields, or opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives

ASSUMPTION: Given Shield AI's focus on innovation and growth, this role may offer unique opportunities for career development and advancement within the company.

📝 Sample Projects

• Developing a comprehensive communications plan for the launch of a new product or initiative
• Crafting a series of blog posts or articles that showcase Shield AI's cutting-edge technology and mission
• Supporting external communications efforts for a high-profile event or conference, including media outreach, event messaging, and executive communications

ASSUMPTION: These sample projects are intended to provide a sense of the types of responsibilities and initiatives the Junior Communications Associate may be involved in, but the actual projects and tasks may vary depending on the company's needs and the individual's specific role and responsibilities.

❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview

• Can you describe the typical workflow for a Junior Communications Associate, and how this role fits into the broader communications department and the company as a whole?
• How does Shield AI support the professional development and growth of its employees, particularly within the communications department?
• Can you provide an example of a successful communications campaign or initiative that the company has undertaken in the past, and how the Junior Communications Associate contributed to that effort?
• How does Shield AI balance the need for innovation and growth with the need for stability and consistency in its communications efforts?
• What are the most important qualities and skills for success in this role, and how does the company support its employees in developing and honing those abilities?

ASSUMPTION: These questions are intended to provide a deeper understanding of the role, the company, and the cultural fit between the applicant and the organization. However, applicants should also be prepared to answer questions about their own background, skills, and experiences, and how they align with the needs and goals of the company.

📌 Next Steps for Applicants

To apply for this position:

• Submit your application through the provided link
• Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role, with a focus on your writing, editing, and storytelling abilities
• Prepare for behavioral and situational interview questions that assess your problem-solving skills, adaptability, and cultural fit
• Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of 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.