Head of Communications - Umbra

Our mission: Deliver global omniscience.

To stay ahead of climate change, geopolitical risk, and other major crises and issues, we need a global understanding of what is changing, where, and how fast. Umbra provides easy access to the highest quality commercial satellite data available, which is an indispensable tool for the growing number of organizations monitoring the Earth. We empower our customers to create solutions that inform, inspire, and address our planet’s most pressing needs. We’re helping to create a brand new industry that has never meaningfully existed before.

We are looking for a strategic and results-driven Head of Communications to lead supporting members of our team and to enhance our communication efforts across various channels. This role requires a seasoned professional with expertise in government affairs, communications lobbying, marketing, and company branding. The Head of Communications will be responsible for shaping and executing our communication strategies to support organizational goals, influence public policy, and enhance our brand presence.

Key Responsibilities

The Head of Communications will work with senior business managers and the CEO.  They will manage their areas of responsibility, and the associated professionals, to provide positive business outcomes for these corporate stakeholders.

Government Affairs:

• Develop and implement strategies to influence relevant public policy and legislation.
• Build and maintain relationships with key officials, legislators, and regulatory bodies.
• Monitor and analyze political and regulatory developments and assess their impact.
• Prepare and deliver advocacy materials, position papers, and presentations to key stakeholders.
• Represent the company in meetings, forums, and public hearings as needed.

Marketing:

• Oversee the development and execution of marketing strategies aligned to business objectives.
• Ensure consistent messaging and branding across all marketing channels.
• Evaluate the effectiveness of marketing campaigns and adjust strategies to maximize impact.

Company Branding:

• Develop and implement a comprehensive branding strategy that reinforces the company’s mission, values, and market position.
• Ensure communications and marketing materials reflect desired brand identity and messaging.
• Lead efforts to enhance brand reputation and visibility through relevant communication channels, including company websites and social media.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of brand guidelines and ensure adherence.

Strategic Communication:

• Create and execute a strategic communication plan that aligns with organizational goals and drives key messages to target audiences.
• Develop and manage internal and external communication strategies, including media relations, public relations, and corporate communications.
• Lead crisis communication efforts and manage sensitive issues with a proactive approach.
• Coordinate with senior leadership to prepare speeches, presentations, and other key communication materials, and ensure consistency, quality, and alignment.

Team Leadership:

• Lead and mentor marketing, communications, and government relations professionals.
• Foster a collaborative and high-performance work environment with focus on results.
• Provide guidance and support in developing communication strategies, content creation, and campaign management.
• Manage external agencies and consultants as needed to support communications objectives.
• Manage the budgets and allocate resources efficiently to achieve strategic goals.

Requirements

Required Qualifications

• 15+ years of experience in communications, with a proven track record in government affairs, lobbying efforts, marketing, and branding.
• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited university.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to craft compelling messages for diverse audiences.
• Strong understanding of government processes, public policy, and regulatory engagement.
• Experience in developing and implementing strategic communication and marketing plans.
• Experience working in the remote sensing, aerospace, and defense industries, or another industry with similar strategic importance to our nation.
• Proven leadership abilities with experience managing teams and driving results.
• Proficiency in communication tools and platforms, including media relations and digital marketing technologies.

Desired Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, or a related field.
• Established network of relationships with government officials and industry stakeholders.
• Knowledge of current trends and best practices in government relations, lobbying, communication and marketing.

Benefits

• Flexible Time Off, Sick, Family & Medical Leave

• Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, LTD, STD (employer funded)
• Vol Life, Critical Illness, Accidental, Hospital Indemnity, Pet Insurance (employee funded)
• 401k with 3% non-elective company contribution
• Stock Options

Umbra is an Equal Opportunity Employer that is committed to inclusion and diversity. We take affirmative action to ensure equal opportunity for all applicants without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, Veteran status, or other legally protected characteristics.

Employment Eligibility Verification

In compliance with federal laws, all hired persons will be required to verify their identity and eligibility to work in the United States by completing the required Employment Eligibility Verification Form (I-9 Form) upon hire.

ITAR/EAR Requirements

This position may include access to technology and/or data that is subject to U.S. export controls pursuant to ITAR and EAR. To comply with federal export controls, all persons hired must be a U.S. citizen, U.S. national, U.S. lawful permanent resident, refugee or asylee as defined by 8 U.S.C. § 1324b(a)(3), or must otherwise be eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State and/or U.S. Department of Commerce as applicable. 

Pay Transparency
This job posting may cover multiple career levels. To ensure greater transparency, we provide base salary ranges for all roles, regardless of location. Our standard pay ranges are based on the role’s function and level, benchmarked against similar growth-stage companies. Compensation may vary based on geographical location, as certain regions may have different cost-of-living factors. The final offer will also be influenced by the candidate's skills, responsibilities, and relevant experience.

Compensation Range

The Compensation Range for this role is $185,000 - $235,000.