Job Description:

Principal Director, Communications and External Engagements

Job Location

US-MA-Cambridge

Overview

Draper is an independent, nonprofit research and development company headquartered in Cambridge, MA. The 1,800 employees of Draper tackle important national challenges with a promise of delivering successful and usable solutions. From military defense and space exploration to biomedical engineering, lives often depend on the solutions we provide. Our multidisciplinary teams of engineers and scientists work in a collaborative environment that inspires the cross-fertilization of ideas necessary for true innovation. For more information about Draper, visit www.draper.com.

Our work is very important to us, but so is our life outside of work. Draper supports many programs to improve work-life balance including workplace flexibility, employee clubs ranging from photography to yoga, health and finance workshops, off site social events and discounts to local museums and cultural activities. If this specific job opportunity and the chance to work at a nationally renowned R&D innovation company appeals to you, apply now www.draper.com/careers.

Equal Employment Opportunity

Draper is committed to creating a diverse environment and is proud to be an affirmative action and equal opportunity employer. We understand the value of diversity and its impact on a high-performance culture. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information.

Draper is committed to providing access, equal opportunity and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation, please contact hr@draper.com.

Responsibilities

The Principal Director of Communication and External Engagement will develop and implement a strategic communications plan that combines strategic thinking with innovative ideas and approaches. The position will communicate Draper's world-class applied research, as well as its programs and collaborations, to internal and external audiences . Reporting to the Chief of Staff this position will create and maintain a strong focus on communications, branding, external relations, and marketing. Integral to this position is the ability to work and think collaboratively and innovatively with stakeholders and will provide strategic and relevant counsel to the Executive Leadership Team (ELT). The position will be responsible for a comprehensive communications and outreach portfolio, including digital strategies and public relations, at the strategic and cross-functional levels for the enterprise.

Responsibilities Include:

Will work closely with the CEO, executive team and the broader Draper Community to expand Draper's public image as well as differentiate its message and all outward facing communications
• Liaisons with key internal and external stakeholders to raise Draper's brand profile consistent with the 2021-2025 strategy and Annual Operating Plans


• Supports ELT on cross-cutting initiatives and activities related to the Draper strategy


• Establishes and maintains communication channels between CEO, ELT, and the Draper workforce to facilitate dialogue and build trust between the leadership team and the employees executing Draper's mission


• Build collaborative relationships with the leadership team to gain an understanding of the vision and goals for the Draper


• Assist in utilizing external partners to include, Draper Board of Trustees, Draper alumni, and Draper supporters to raise showcase to Draper's capabilities and position the company to be a solution provider in the company's field of expertise


• Build and lead positive working relationships with key press contacts


• Identify a highly engaged and effective team


• Lead and coordinate communications, public relations, media relations and community relations and other duties as assigned


• Collaborate with all departments within Draper to ensure strategic, effective and consistent internal and external communications


• Assess, design and lead all aspects of a comprehensive communications publications portfolio


• Assists and Develops white papers, talking points, and analysis


• Establish processes that will ensure greater staff accountability, best practices, clearly defined goals and objectives and methods with which to measure success


• Perform other duties as assigned

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required, Masters preferred


• Minimum of 10 years of communications, government affairs, public relations experience; consistent track record of providing strategic direction, leadership, and operational management of a comprehensive communications programs, ideally within an applied research or government organization


• Must have a proven track record of success in leading change, supporting organizational excellence, collaboration, leveraging resources and budget management


• Excellent oral and written communications skills


• Ability to collaborate effectively with line management and press


• Ability to group complex scientific information and appropriately communicate this information to diverse constituencies


• Must have agility and responsiveness to thrive within a fast-paced, deadline-sensitive environment


• Strong ability to lead and provide clear and open channels of communication


• Focused leadership that encompasses both a strategic vision and detailed organizational attention


• Strong personal work ethic, self-motivated, results-orientated


• Must have excellent staff selection, development, motivation, coaching, mentoring and retention abilities


• Passion for and understanding Draper's mission

Security Requirement:

• Applicants selected for this position will be required to obtain and maintain a government security clearance

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