Role Overview for Vice President of Marketing & Communications – Aerospace & Defense – Los Angeles, CA
JRG Partners is proud to conduct an exclusive executive search for a visionary and strategic Vice President of Marketing & Communications on behalf of our client, a pioneering leader in the Aerospace and Defense (A&D) industry. Based in the strategic hub of Los Angeles, California, this executive will serve as a pivotal member of the senior leadership team, responsible for architecting and executing a comprehensive, global marketing and communications strategy that enhances brand equity, drives business growth, and solidifies our client’s position as an industry innovator.
This is a transformative opportunity for a seasoned executive to shape the narrative of a company at the forefront of technological advancement in both commercial and government sectors. The ideal candidate will possess a profound understanding of the complex A&D landscape, including its unique market dynamics, customer base (from government agencies to prime contractors), and regulatory environment. You will be the chief storyteller, responsible for articulating the company’s value proposition across a multitude of channels and to a diverse range of stakeholders, including customers, partners, investors, employees, and the media.
The VP of Marketing & Communications will lead a multi-disciplinary team, fostering a culture of excellence, innovation, and collaboration. You will be entrusted with managing a significant budget and demonstrating measurable ROI on all marketing initiatives. Your leadership will directly influence brand perception, market penetration, and long-term enterprise value. We are seeking a leader who can balance strategic foresight with tactical execution, who is as comfortable in the boardroom presenting to executives as they are guiding their team through a complex product launch. A deep understanding of the market dynamics, as tracked by organizations like the Aerospace Industries Association, is crucial for success in this dynamic and highly competitive sector.
Key Responsibilities of Vice President of Marketing & Communications – Aerospace & Defense – Los Angeles, CA
The Vice President of Marketing & Communications will have a broad and impactful scope of responsibilities, including but not limited to:
Global Marketing & Brand Strategy
Develop, implement, and refine a cohesive global marketing and brand strategy that aligns with the company’s long-term business objectives. Oversee brand architecture, positioning, messaging, and identity to ensure consistency and impact across all global touchpoints.
Corporate Communications & Public Relations
Lead all external communications, including public relations, media relations, and crisis communications. Cultivate strong relationships with key industry press, analysts, and influencers to secure positive coverage and manage the company’s reputation. Serve as a key corporate spokesperson when required.
Digital Marketing & Demand Generation
Spearhead the digital marketing function, leveraging SEO, SEM, content marketing, social media, and marketing automation to build a robust sales pipeline and enhance online presence. Drive data-driven campaigns that generate qualified leads for the business development team.
Product Marketing & Go-to-Market Strategy
Collaborate closely with product management and engineering teams to develop compelling product positioning and messaging. Lead the creation of all marketing collateral, sales enablement tools, and go-to-market strategies for new product introductions and existing portfolio enhancements.
Internal Communications
Develop and execute a comprehensive internal communications strategy to ensure employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with the company’s vision, values, and strategic priorities. Foster a unified culture across a geographically dispersed organization.
Government & Stakeholder Relations
In partnership with the government affairs team, develop communication strategies that support lobbying efforts and build strong relationships with key government stakeholders, policymakers, and industry partners. Ensure all marketing materials comply with relevant regulations (e.g., ITAR, EAR).
Market Intelligence & Analytics
Direct market research and competitive analysis to identify key market trends, customer needs, and strategic opportunities. Implement robust analytics and reporting to measure the effectiveness of all marketing and communications programs, demonstrating clear ROI.
Team Leadership & Development
Recruit, mentor, and lead a high-performing team of marketing and communications professionals. Foster a collaborative, innovative, and results-oriented environment that promotes professional growth and development.
Budget Management
Own and manage the multi-million dollar marketing and communications budget, ensuring optimal allocation of resources to achieve strategic goals and deliver maximum impact.
Event & Trade Show Strategy
Oversee the company’s presence at major industry trade shows, conferences, and events, ensuring a professional, high-impact presence that generates leads and strengthens brand recognition.
Requirements for the Vice President of Marketing & Communications – Aerospace & Defense – Los Angeles, CA
The successful candidate will be a proven leader with a distinguished track record of success in the Aerospace & Defense sector. Specific qualifications include:
Educational Background
Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Business Administration, or a related field is required. An MBA or other advanced degree is highly preferred.
Executive Experience
A minimum of 15 years of progressive experience in marketing and communications, with at least 7-10 years in a senior leadership role (Director, Sr. Director, or VP level).
Industry Expertise
Demonstrable and deep experience within the Aerospace & Defense industry is mandatory. A strong understanding of the defense procurement process, B2G (Business-to-Government) and B2B marketing models, and key industry players is essential.
Leadership Acumen
Proven ability to lead, manage, and inspire a diverse team of marketing professionals. Experience building and scaling a marketing function is highly desirable.
Strategic & Analytical Mindset
A strategic thinker with the ability to translate business goals into actionable marketing strategies. Strong analytical skills with a data-driven approach to decision-making and performance measurement.
Communication Skills
Exceptional written, verbal, and presentation skills. The ability to articulate complex technical concepts to a variety of audiences, from engineers to C-suite executives and government officials.
Technical Proficiency
Fluency in modern marketing technology stacks, including CRM (e.g., Salesforce), marketing automation (e.g., Marketo, HubSpot), and analytics platforms.
Regulatory Knowledge
Familiarity with A&D industry regulations, including ITAR and EAR, as they pertain to marketing and public communications.
Security Clearance
Must be a U.S. citizen. The ability to obtain and maintain a government security clearance is a significant advantage.
Location
The candidate must be based in or willing to relocate to the greater Los Angeles, CA area.
Benefits & Perks Offered
Our client is committed to attracting and retaining top-tier talent and offers a highly competitive executive compensation and benefits package, including:
Competitive Base Salary
An attractive base salary commensurate with executive-level experience and market standards.
Executive Bonus Program
A significant annual performance-based bonus tied to individual and company performance.
Long-Term Incentives
Meaningful equity participation (e.g., stock options, RSUs) to align your success with the long-term growth of the company.
Comprehensive Health Coverage
Premium medical, dental, and vision insurance for you and your eligible dependents.
Retirement Savings
A robust 401(k) plan with a generous company match.
Generous Paid Time Off
A competitive paid time off (PTO) policy, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays.
Professional Development
A dedicated budget for continuous learning, executive coaching, and industry conference attendance.
Relocation Assistance
A comprehensive relocation package is available for the right candidate.
How to Apply
JRG Partners has been exclusively retained for this critical search. To be considered for this exceptional opportunity, please submit your resume and a cover letter detailing your qualifications and interest in the role. We encourage you to explore our expertise in this sector by visiting our Aerospace & Defense executive search practice area. All inquiries and applications will be held in the strictest confidence. We are an equal opportunity employer and value diversity at our company. We do not discriminate on the basis of race, religion, color, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, age, marital status, veteran status, or disability status.
