📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Vice President, Employee Communications
🔹 Company: Amentum
🔹 Location: Herndon, Virginia, United States (Hybrid role)
🔹 Job Type: Full-time
🔹 Category: Defense and Space Manufacturing
🔹 Date Posted: April 24, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 10+ years
🔹 Remote Status: Hybrid (2-3 days on-site in Herndon, VA)
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Leading strategic communication initiatives to promote a positive organizational culture and enhance employee engagement.
- Overseeing internal communications strategies that foster transparency, trust, and collaboration within the organization.
- Partnering with CMO and CPO to ensure consistent and unified messaging to employees, fostering a cohesive organizational culture.
- Managing content distribution channels to ensure effective reach and engagement with employees.
- Aligning internal and external communications during major organizational changes, M&A, and crisis situations.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of strategic thinking, excellent communication skills, and the ability to work effectively with diverse teams across various levels of the organization.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Develop and execute a comprehensive internal communication strategy that supports the company’s vision, mission, and values.
✅ Lead the communication of organizational change, new initiatives, and important business updates to ensure clarity and transparency.
✅ Collaborate with HR to create a culture of recognition, wellness, and professional development.
✅ Develop and partner on targeted and compelling communication tools for Frontline Managers/PMs to enhance employee experience.
✅ Lead the creation and delivery of internal content, including newsletters, intranet articles, videos, town hall presentations, and other materials.
✅ During major organization changes, M&A, and crisis situations, provide strategic counsel, manage internal communications, and align with external messaging.
✅ Support key performance indicators (KPIs) to measure the effectiveness of internal communication and engagement efforts.
ASSUMPTION: This role involves a high degree of responsibility and requires strong leadership, interpersonal, and communication skills.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Business Administration, or related field. Advanced degree is preferred.
Experience: At least 15 years of experience in corporate communications or a related field with at least 5 years leading employee and culture communications, working with executives and working as part of a Marketing and Communications leadership team.
Required Skills:
- Exceptional writing, editing, and verbal communication skills.
- Strong leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Expertise in utilizing digital communication tools, internal social platforms, and employee engagement software.
- Strategic thinking with a results-driven mindset.
- Ability to handle high-level confidential matters with discretion and professionalism.
Preferred Skills:
- Proven experience developing and executing successful “change communication programs” at the enterprise level within large, complex organizations.
- Ability to navigate complex challenges and provide clear, actionable solutions.
- Innovative in designing engagement initiatives and communication approaches that resonate with diverse employee groups.
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role, candidates should have a proven track record in employee communications and experience working with executives.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $150,000 - $200,000 (Based on industry standards for a VP-level role in the defense industry with 10+ years of experience in a major metropolitan area)
Benefits:
- Competitive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance.
- 401(k) plan with company match.
- Paid time off (vacation, sick, and holidays).
- Employee assistance program.
Working Hours: Full-time, with occasional travel required depending on organizational needs. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for similar roles in the defense industry. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as experience, skills, and market conditions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Defense and Space Manufacturing. Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security, and sustainability.
Company Size: 10,001+ employees. As a large organization, Amentum offers opportunities for career growth and diverse experiences.
Founded: Amentum was founded in 2020 through the combination of Dynetics and AECOM’s Management Services business.
Company Description:
- Amentum is a global leader in advanced engineering and innovative technology solutions, trusted by the United States and its allies to address their most significant and complex challenges in science, security, and sustainability.
- The company has more than 53,000 employees in approximately 80 countries across all 7 continents.
- Amentum is committed to safety, inclusion, and well-being as integral to success.
Company Specialties:
- Defense and Space Manufacturing
- Advanced Engineering
- Innovative Technology Solutions
Company Website: http://www.amentum.com
ASSUMPTION: Amentum's large size and global presence offer applicants the opportunity to work on diverse projects and gain international experience.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: Executive. This role reports directly to the Chief Marketing Officer (CMO) with dotted-line reporting to the Chief People Officer (CPO).
Reporting Structure: The Vice President, Employee Communications will lead a team of communications professionals and collaborate with various departments, including Marketing, Human Resources, and Public Affairs.
Work Arrangement: Hybrid role, working on-site in Herndon, VA 2-3 days a week and working remotely from home the rest of the time.
Growth Opportunities:
- Potential to advance within the Marketing and Communications department or explore opportunities in other areas of the organization.
- Chance to gain experience working with executives and contributing to strategic decision-making processes.
- Opportunity to develop and implement innovative communication strategies that drive employee engagement and organizational success.
ASSUMPTION: Given the strategic nature of this role and Amentum's large size, there are ample opportunities for career growth and development.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Hybrid. The primary office location for this role is in Herndon, VA, with the expectation to work on-site 2-3 days a week.
Office Location(s): 4800 Westfields Blvd, 400, Chantilly, Virginia 20151, US
Geographic Context:
- The Herndon, VA area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with easy access to Washington D.C. and other major cities in the Mid-Atlantic region.
- The area is known for its strong job market, high quality of life, and diverse cultural attractions.
- The office is located near major highways and public transportation, making it easily accessible for commuters.
Work Schedule: Full-time, with occasional travel required depending on organizational needs. Ability to manage multiple priorities and work in a fast-paced, dynamic environment.
ASSUMPTION: The hybrid work arrangement offers flexibility while still providing opportunities for in-person collaboration and networking.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission and resume review.
- Phone or video screen with the HR department.
- In-person or virtual interview with the hiring manager (Chief Marketing Officer) and other team members.
- Final interview with the Chief People Officer.
- Background check and offer extension.
Key Assessment Areas:
- Communication skills, both written and verbal.
- Leadership and interpersonal skills.
- Strategic thinking and problem-solving abilities.
- Cultural fit and alignment with Amentum's values.
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in employee communications and strategic planning.
- Prepare examples of successful change communication programs you've led in the past.
- Demonstrate your understanding of Amentum's business and the defense industry during the interview.
ATS Keywords: Employee Communications, Strategic Planning, Change Management, Internal Communications, Leadership, Marketing and Communications, Amentum
ASSUMPTION: Amentum's interview process is designed to assess candidates' strategic thinking, communication skills, and cultural fit for the organization.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Employee engagement software (e.g., Culture Amp, Officevibe)
- Internal social platforms (e.g., Yammer, Workplace from Meta)
- CMS and intranet platforms (e.g., WordPress, SharePoint)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with these tools and technologies is expected, but training may be provided as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Safety: Amentum prioritizes the safety of its employees and the communities in which it operates.
- Inclusion: The company fosters a diverse and inclusive work environment where all employees feel valued and respected.
- Well-being: Amentum is committed to supporting the physical, mental, and emotional well-being of its employees.
Work Style:
- Collaborative: Amentum encourages cross-functional collaboration and teamwork.
- Adaptable: The company values employees who can adapt to change and thrive in a dynamic environment.
- Innovative: Amentum fosters a culture of innovation and continuous improvement.
Self-Assessment Questions:
- How have you demonstrated your commitment to safety, inclusion, and well-being in your previous roles?
- Can you provide an example of a time when you successfully navigated a significant organizational change, and how did you ensure effective communication with employees?
- How do you approach building and maintaining strong relationships with diverse teams and stakeholders?
ASSUMPTION: Amentum places a strong emphasis on cultural fit and seeks candidates who align with the company's values and work style.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Managing internal communications during significant organizational changes, M&A, or crisis situations.
- Ensuring consistent and unified messaging across various departments and levels of the organization.
- Balancing long-term strategic initiatives with day-to-day operational needs.
- Adapting to a hybrid work environment and managing remote team members.
ASSUMPTION: These challenges can be overcome with strong leadership, strategic thinking, and effective communication skills.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- Unlike other VP-level roles in employee communications, this position requires a higher level of strategic thinking and collaboration with executives.
- In the defense industry, internal communications play a critical role in maintaining employee engagement and morale, especially during times of change and uncertainty.
- Career progression in this role could lead to opportunities in other areas of the organization, such as Marketing, Public Affairs, or Human Resources.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique challenges and opportunities compared to similar positions in other industries or organizations.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing and executing a comprehensive internal communication strategy to support a major organizational restructuring.
- Creating targeted and compelling communication tools for Frontline Managers/PMs to enhance employee experience during a company-wide initiative.
- Managing internal communications during a high-profile merger or acquisition, ensuring clarity, transparency, and employee engagement throughout the process.
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects demonstrate the strategic and operational aspects of the role, as well as the need for strong communication and leadership skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the current state of employee engagement and communication within the organization, and what initiatives are in place to improve these areas?
- How does this role collaborate with other departments, such as Marketing, Human Resources, and Public Affairs, to ensure consistent and unified messaging?
- What opportunities are there for professional development and growth within this role and the organization as a whole?
- How does Amentum support work-life balance for its employees, particularly in a hybrid work environment?
- Can you provide an example of a time when the company successfully navigated a significant organizational change, and how did internal communications play a role in that process?
ASSUMPTION: These questions help applicants better understand the role, the organization, and the opportunities for growth and development.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your experience in employee communications, strategic planning, and change management.
- Prepare examples of successful change communication programs you've led in the past.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your understanding of Amentum's business and the defense industry.
- Follow up with the HR department one week after submitting your application to confirm receipt and 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.
