Public Affairs Officer

OVERVIEW: Axiom Space is the commercial leader in human spaceflight and on-orbit research & manufacturing services, steered by a team of experts and guided by the vision of a thriving home in space that benefits every human, everywhere. Axiom Space provides unprecedented access to the International Space Station today while building and operating its successor, Axiom Station – the world’s first commercial space station – to improve life on Earth and foster possibilities beyond it.

Our mission-driven team is seeking a bold and dynamic Public Affairs Officer who is captivated by big questions: Where do we go from here? What are the limits of innovation and exploration? How do we continue to evolve/grow?

SUMMARY: The Public Affairs Officer will report to the company’s VP of Strategic Communications. Axiom Space’s Strategic Communications Team designs and executes integrated communication strategies to protect and enhance the company’s local, national and international reputation, enhancing its position as the world’s leading designer, developer and operator of human spaceflight-rated space infrastructure through the distribution of compelling content across a variety of digital and traditional mediums.

This position works closely with members of the communications and marketing teams. In addition, the position will require understanding of tools and processes used by the strategic communications team to perform daily responsibilities and report results to company leadership. This role requires a positive attitude, deep understanding of and passion for media relations, strong instincts around what it takes to pitch and place a story with top-tier media, and the ability to work in close collaboration with several teams. This position does not have supervisory responsibility.

JOB LOCATION: This position is located at Axiom Space Headquarters in Houston Texas. 10-15% travel is anticipated.

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Provides support for strategic communications, assisting Axiom Space target internal and external audiences with key messaging.
• Supports telling our story in digital and video formats, including but not limited to produced content, live feed, and webcast.
• Pitches stories to news media, prioritizing national, high-priority and international media outlets. Coordinates and proactively pitches news media with innovative story ideas in support of the company’s lines of effort.
• Facilitates media relations at key events in alignment with our competency of teamwork.
• Monitors, measures, and reports out on media coverage; stays current on news developments with agility.
• Supports a media training program for Axiom Space subject matter experts.
• Writes and edits media pitches and advisories, rapid response statements, messaging, talking points, fact sheets, and other media relations materials alignment with our value of innovation.
• Maintains media lists.
• Develops and executes media relations plans and tactics that reflect and support the company’s overall communication goals.
• Expresses enthusiasm and an expertise for news, media relations and storytelling.
• Demonstrates excellence in news judgment, written communications skills, and a sense of what is appropriate for the brand.
• Operates in a highly organized fashion with attention to detail on all projects.
• Fosters and maintains relationships with local, regional, national, and international media outlets.
• Works outside regular business hours as needed in order to perform job responsibilities, including being officially on-call.
• Follows industry-related news and generates ideas around trending topics.
• Collaborates across communications and marketing to coordinate communications efforts and ensure consistent cross-channel messaging.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

QUALIFICATIONS: To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each duty and responsibility satisfactorily. The requirements listed below are representative of the knowledge, skill, and/or ability required. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Education & Experience

• A Bachelor’s degree (preferably in communications) from an accredited institution of higher education is necessary
• Minimum 5-7 years of experience in communications, journalism or related field, and a track record of success in media relations
• Demonstrated ability to understand an organization’s mission, values, goals and priorities and an ability to ensure that all are considered in developing communications strategies
• An ability to demonstrate excellent news judgment, excellent written communication skills and an excellent sense of what is appropriate for the reputation of the company
• Proven experience in media relations and a full understanding of how to navigate social media tools and audiences
• Proven experience in addressing media needs related to several high-priority audiences and ability to balance competing priorities
• An understanding of the role media relations plays in a broader communications plan
• Self-starter with ability to independently execute communications priorities
• An ability to collaborate with communication and marketing colleagues and communicate comfortably with various internal audiences
• Experience and comfort working in a deadline-driven environment of multiple projects and quick turn-around requirements is necessary
• Utmost adherence to confidentiality and business ethics; demonstrated outstanding judgment and discretion
• Willingness to work irregular hours, as needed
• Familiarity with human spaceflight is a plus
• Communications experience with congressional offices preferred

Essential Functions

Work Environment: Generally, an office environment, but can involve inside or outside work depending on the task.

Requirements

• Must be able to complete a U.S. government background investigation.
• Management has the prerogative to select at any level for which the position is advertised.
• Proof of U.S. Citizenship or US Permanent Residency is a requirement for this position.

Physical Requirements

• Work may involve sitting or standing for extended periods (90% of the time). May require lifting and carrying up to 25 lbs. (5% of the time).
• Equipment and Machines
• Standard office equipment (PC, telephone, printer, etc.).

Skills

• Highly organized and detail oriented; able to juggle, prioritize, and keep track of multiple tasks and projects
• Ability to multi-task, work independently with minimal supervision, and make and communicate the rationale behind key decisions in a constantly evolving fast-paced work environment
• Strong project and time management skills with a high level of intuition and judgment
• Must have a “can do” attitude – no job is too big or small, problem solver
• Ability to take on ownership of projects ad hoc and drive them from beginning to end
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Self-motivated and proactive; creative mind with an ability to suggest improvements
• Self-assured and energetic self-starter; proactive about learning and motivated to take on additional responsibilities over time
• Strong interpersonal skills, including the ability to integrate quickly into a small team and represent the company with integrity
• Professional, confident, driven, and dynamic
• Passionate about creating an inclusive workplace where people from different backgrounds can succeed

Competencies: To perform the job successfully, an individual should demonstrate the following competencies:

• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and principles; upholds organizational values
• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems in a timely manner; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics
• Organizational Support - Follows policies and procedures; completes administrative tasks correctly and on time; supports organization's goals and values; benefits organization through outside activities; supports affirmative action and respects diversity
• Communication - Expresses ideas and thoughts verbally; expresses ideas and thoughts in written form; exhibits good listening and comprehension; keeps others adequately informed; selects and uses appropriate communication methods
• Cost Consciousness - Works within approved budget; develops and implements cost saving measures; contributes to profits and revenue; conserves organizational resources
• Teamwork - Eager and able to work in a collaborative and cross-disciplinary fashion in a fast-paced, dynamic and deadline-oriented environment