📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Manager, Public Relations
🔹 Company: Curtiss-Wright Corporation
🔹 Location: Ashburn, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: July 10, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 7+ years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Shaping external representation through media coverage, press releases, and executive thought leadership
- Expanding media presence, elevating thought leadership, and supporting key growth programs
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to ensure consistent and timely messaging
- Managing high-volume execution while modernizing communication approaches
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strategic and high-output individual contributor with strong writing skills and experience in public relations or communications, preferably in the Aerospace and Defense industry.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the drafting, review, and distribution of press releases across various topics, including product launches, business milestones, and contract wins
✅ Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy, cultivating strong relationships with traditional aerospace and defense media and broader tech, business, and national outlets
✅ Advance the company’s thought leadership by identifying relevant topics, coordinating with subject-matter experts, and securing speaking engagements, contributed content, and panel participation aligned to strategic pursuits
✅ Partner with internal stakeholders and Corporate Communications on messaging strategy, crisis communications preparedness, and reputation management
✅ Collaborate with business development teams to ensure PR and messaging efforts support program pursuits and competitive positioning
✅ Tailor messaging to resonate with specific audiences, including government buyers, technical evaluators, industry influencers, and media
✅ Help shape narratives that strengthen the company's position in key market segments and reflect its value as a long-term partner to aerospace and defense customers
ASSUMPTION: This role involves managing multiple priorities, maintaining attention to detail, and working effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Relations, or a related field
Experience: 7+ years of experience in public relations, communications, or journalism; Aerospace and Defense industry experience strongly preferred
Required Skills:
- Strong writing and editing skills with a portfolio demonstrating clarity, conciseness, and the ability to translate complex technical topics into compelling narratives
- Proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment while maintaining attention to detail and professionalism
- Strategic mindset with experience aligning messaging to business goals, program pursuits, and stakeholder expectations
- Familiarity with export regulations, sensitive government programs, and the communications constraints unique to the A&D industry (a plus)
- Experience working with media distribution tools, media monitoring platforms, or external PR firms (preferred)
- Confident working with senior executives and coordinating cross-functional input across business units
Preferred Skills:
- Experience working with media distribution tools, media monitoring platforms, or external PR firms
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should have a strong understanding of the Aerospace and Defense industry and be comfortable working with senior executives and cross-functional teams.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $110,000 - $160,000 per year (based on industry standards for a Manager, Public Relations role with 7+ years of experience in the Aerospace and Defense industry)
Benefits:
Working Hours: Full-time, 40 hours per week
ASSUMPTION: The salary range is an estimate based on industry standards for a Manager, Public Relations role with the given experience level and location. The actual salary may vary based on factors such as skills, experience, and performance.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing
Company Size: 5,001-10,000 employees
Founded: 1929 (as the corporate descendants of the Wright brothers and Glenn Curtiss)
Company Description:
- Curtiss-Wright Corporation is a diversified, multinational provider of highly engineered, technologically advanced products and services
- The company designs and manufactures critical components and systems for the commercial, industrial, defense, and energy markets
- Curtiss-Wright is listed on the New York Stock Exchange and trades under the symbol CW
Company Specialties:
- Commercial Aerospace
- Power Generation
- Oil & Gas
- General Industrial
- and Defense
Company Website: curtisswright.com
ASSUMPTION: Curtiss-Wright Corporation has a long history in the Aerospace and Defense industry and is known for its highly engineered products and services.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Mid-level to senior
Reporting Structure: Reports to the Director of Marketing
Work Arrangement: On-site, full-time
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential advancement to a Director or Vice President of Public Relations role as the company grows and expands
- Opportunities to work on high-profile projects and initiatives across various business units
- Chance to develop expertise in the Aerospace and Defense industry and gain experience working with senior executives
ASSUMPTION: This role offers opportunities for professional growth and development within the company and the industry.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Corporate headquarters
Office Location(s): Ashburn, VA
Geographic Context:
- The Ashburn, VA office is located in the Washington, D.C. metropolitan area, providing easy access to major transportation hubs and cultural attractions
- The area has a high cost of living compared to other regions in the United States
- The company offers competitive compensation and benefits packages to attract and retain top talent
Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00 AM - 5:00 PM (with flexibility for remote work as needed)
ASSUMPTION: The Ashburn, VA office provides a professional and collaborative work environment with opportunities for growth and development.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application and resume submission
- Phone or video screen with the Talent Acquisition team
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager and other stakeholders
- Final interview with the Director of Marketing or another senior leader
- Background check and offer extension
Key Assessment Areas:
- Writing and editing skills
- Strategic mindset and ability to align messaging with business goals
- Experience working with senior executives and cross-functional teams
- Familiarity with the Aerospace and Defense industry and its unique communications constraints
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills for this role
- Provide specific examples of your writing and editing work, demonstrating your ability to translate complex technical topics into compelling narratives
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Aerospace and Defense industry and its unique communications constraints
ATS Keywords: Public Relations, Media Relations, Strategic Messaging, Writing, Editing, Crisis Communications, Reputation Management, Thought Leadership, Stakeholder Engagement, Government Relations, Technical Communication, Media Monitoring, Cross-Functional Coordination, Relationship Building, Narrative Development, Export Regulations
ASSUMPTION: The application process for this role is competitive, and candidates should tailor their application materials to demonstrate their qualifications and fit for the position.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Media distribution tools (e.g., Cision, Business Wire)
- Media monitoring platforms (e.g., Mention, Brand24)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello)
ASSUMPTION: The specific tools and technologies required for this role may vary depending on the company's internal systems and processes.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Integrity
- Customer Focus
- Innovation
- Performance Excellence
- One Curtiss-Wright
Work Style:
- Collaborative and team-oriented
- Results-driven and focused on high-quality execution
- Adaptable and responsive to changing priorities and demands
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do I have a strong commitment to integrity and ethical business practices?
- Am I able to work effectively with senior executives and cross-functional teams to achieve common goals?
- Do I have a proven track record of delivering high-quality results in a fast-paced environment?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should assess their fit with the company's values and work style to ensure a successful and satisfying work experience.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing multiple priorities and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working with senior executives and cross-functional teams to align messaging and achieve common goals
- Navigating the unique communications constraints and export regulations of the Aerospace and Defense industry
- Adapting to changes in priorities and demands as business needs evolve
ASSUMPTION: These challenges require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to work effectively with diverse stakeholders.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to a Manager, Public Relations role in other industries, but with a focus on the unique communications constraints and export regulations of the Aerospace and Defense industry
- Compared to other Manager, Public Relations roles, this position may require more experience working with senior executives and cross-functional teams
- Career progression in this role may follow a similar path to other Manager, Public Relations roles, with opportunities for advancement to Director or Vice President levels
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should consider the unique aspects of this role and how they align with their career goals and aspirations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a proactive media relations strategy to expand the company's presence in national and technology outlets
- Collaborating with business development teams to ensure PR and messaging efforts support key growth programs and competitive positioning
- Managing a high-volume press release process while maintaining attention to detail and professionalism
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and high-output nature of the role and the importance of strong writing and editing skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the team structure and dynamics within the Marketing department?
- How does this role fit into the company's long-term growth plans, and what opportunities exist for professional development and advancement?
- What is the company's approach to thought leadership, and how can I contribute to its success in this area?
- How does the company support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a fast-paced and high-output role like this one?
- What are the most pressing challenges facing the company in the next 12-24 months, and how can this role help address them?
ASSUMPTION: These questions demonstrate a candidate's interest in the role, the company, and its long-term success.
📌 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 examples of your writing and editing work, demonstrating your ability to translate complex technical topics into compelling narratives
- Demonstrate your understanding of the Aerospace and Defense industry and its unique communications constraints
- Follow up with the Talent Acquisition team one week after submitting your application to inquire about the status of your application
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
