Director of Marketing & Communications

Who We Are

At Firestorm, we’re on a mission to revolutionize how defense solutions are designed and delivered. Our goal is to empower U.S. ally nations to effectively deter aggressors, regardless of their defense budget. through innovative, cost-efficient technologies. We call this vision “democratized deterrence.” As a VC-backed company at the intersection of defense and Silicon Valley, we’re pioneering the development of mission-adaptable aerial vehicles that put power back into the hands of operators. By prioritizing operator effectiveness, we’re pioneering a new era of aerial vehicle design. We aim to upend the traditional defense procurement model by delivering world-class capabilities at a fraction of the usual cost. Join us at Firestorm as we redefine defense procurement, making cutting-edge technology accessible to all at a fraction of the cost.

About the Role

Firestorm Labs is seeking an experienced Director of Marketing to lead strategic marketing efforts that advance our mission to restore America’s industrial and technological edge in national defense. This is a rare opportunity to build one of the most iconic brands in defense. The foundation is in place; the product, traction, and execution are already working. We’re looking for a marketing leader who can elevate our image, tell our story with clarity and power, and help define the next era of American defense innovation.
This leadership role will develop and execute integrated marketing strategies that grow awareness, generate demand, and position Firestorm as a category-defining company in autonomy, defense and dual-use tech. Working closely with the Founders and Executive Team, you’ll craft annual marketing plans that align brand, digital, and product initiatives with company growth goals. You’ll own campaigns that shape industry perception, engage key stakeholders including the DoD and innovation partners, and drive demand for Firestorm’s autonomous systems.
Your scope includes brand positioning, content strategy, go-to-market planning, sales enablement, and support for investor relations, as well as managing PR and proactively addressing crisis communications. Collaboration with product, business development and external partners is essential to ensure mission-aligned, measurable outcomes. Success in this roles requires a strategic, hands-on marketer who thrives in a fast-paced, technical environment and is passionate about revitalizing the U.S. defense industrial base. You’ll have direct influence over marketing investments and the opportunity to build and lead a high-performing team dedicated to sustainable growth and defense innovation leadership.

What You'll Do

Lead Marketing Strategy and Performance

• Develop and execute an integrated, multimodal marketing strategy that drives brand awareness, pipeline growth, and market leadership across defense.
• Set annual marketing goals in partnership with the Founders and Executive Team and translate strategic priorities into measurable action plans.
• Own Firestorm’s digital ecosystem, including SEO, SEM, paid and organic social media, website, and marketing operations with a focus on traffic growth, lead quality, and conversion.
• Build and scale marketing programs targeting key stakeholders across the DoD, intelligence community, and commercial dual-use customers.
• Track and synthesize campaign, channel, and media performance, delivering executive-ready reports and actionable insights grounded in KPIs and ROI.

Drive Campaigns, Content, and Brand Cohesion

• Create and lead focused campaign sprints aligned with product launches, fundraising milestones, hiring pushes, and PR cycles
• Drive the creation and management of content across formats including videos, press releases, newsletters, customer stories, product one-pagers, LinkedIn posts, and investor updates.
• Create (or manage creation of) clean, compelling visual assets — product videos, event footage, carousels, one-pagers, web assets, and slide decks
• Oversee Firestorm’s website design, content pages, slick sheets to ensure quality and storytelling impact
• Unify Firestorm’s marketing ecosystem including podcasts, video content, press coverage, and media appearances under a single, consistent voice and visual identity
• Lead product marketing efforts by developing compelling messaging, customer narratives, and technical collateral that clearly articulate product differentiation and mission value
• Collaborate closely with product, engineering, and go-to-market teams to translate complex technical innovations into accessible, engaging content
• Serve as a trusted communications partner to the CEO and executive team, supporting speechwriting, investor relations, board materials, and internal messaging
• Drive creation of sales enablement materials, product launch toolkits, thought leadership pieces, and marketing assets to support growth and conversion

Build and Lead a High-Performing Marketing Organization

• Hire, manage, and grow a high-performing marketing team; provide mentorship, set performance goals, and hold team members accountable to results
• Elevate Firestorm’s brand identity, voice, and visual storytelling across all internal and external touchpoints
• Oversee the creation or direct external partners to develop high-quality visual content such as product videos, event footage, design assets, web visuals, and presentation materials
• Manage Firestorm’s presence at key events, tradeshows, and industry gatherings; lead pre- and post-event campaign strategy and execution
• Act as the primary point of contact for PR agencies, content partners, creative vendors, and media relationships to ensure timely execution, budget discipline, and high-quality output
• Lead crisis and reactive communications in partnership with company leadership; develop playbooks, messaging frameworks, and response strategies

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Marketing, Communications, Journalism, or a related field
• 8+ years of progressive experience in marketing, with 3+ years leading high-performing teams in fast-paced, technical, or dual-use sectors
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated, multi-channel marketing campaigns across brand, content, digital, events, and earned media
• Proven ability to drive measurable revenue impact through marketing, including lead generation, pipeline acceleration, and account-based marketing
• Strong visual and design sensibility, with a clear understanding of what great creative looks like and the ability to either create it or guide others to deliver it
• Deep familiarity with B2G and federal markets, including the Department of Defense, intelligence community, and public procurement cycles
• Strong executive communication skills, including CEO-level messaging, speechwriting, and stakeholder briefings
• Demonstrated leadership experience; able to coordinate cross-functional teams, manage projects, and inspire creatives and strategists alike
• Exceptional writing, editing, and storytelling skills, with the ability to translate technical or complex concepts into clear, engaging content for diverse audiences
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead concurrent initiatives with speed, focus, and precision
• Experience managing budgets, vendor relationships, and internal resources to deliver on time and on brand

Preferred Qualifications

• MBA or advanced degree in a related field
• Direct experience in national security, defense tech, aerospace, or adjacent dual-use technology sectors
• Familiarity with CMS platforms (e.g., WordPress, HubSpot, Highspot), design tools (e.g., Figma, Adobe Creative Suite, Lucid), and project management systems (e.g., Notion, Jira)
• Experience leading paid media, SEO, SEM, and optimizing website performance end-to-end
• Prior experience supporting proposal development, federal acquisition cycles, or public-sector communications
• U.S. citizen or permanent resident (eligibility for a security clearance may be required)

Work Environment

This role is onsite at our headquarters in San Diego, CA.

Compensation

 US Salary Range: $160,000 - $200,000 USD
The posted salary range reflects an estimate based on a variety of compensation factors, including but not limited to relevant experience, education, certifications, specialized skills, geographic location, and business needs. Actual compensation may vary, and this range is subject to change as our compensation structure or market conditions evolve. 

Benefits & Perks

Our culture fosters collaboration, respect, and trust, empowering passionate people to do their best work. We offer a competitive salary, comprehensive benefits, and opportunities for career growth. In addition to an opportunity to take part in an innovative, collaborative and fast-growing business with a highly motivated and skilled team, we also take pride in taking care of our employees. Here are just a few ways that we show our appreciation: 

• We offer comprehensive medical, dental, and visions plans
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan to invest in your long-term retirement goals
• Unlimited PTO
• Generous Parental Leave 
• FSA 
• HSA
• Hospital Indemnity insurance 
• Critical Illness insurance 
• Accident insurance 
• Basic Life/AD&D, short-term and long-term disability insurance, 100% covered by Firestorm. Plus, the option to purchase additional life insurance for you and your family.
• Mental Health Resources: We provide free mental health resources 24/7 including therapy and more. Additional work-life services, such as free legal and financial support, are available to you as well.

 

ITAR Compliance

 To conform to U.S. Government space technology export regulations, including the International Traffic in Arms Regulations (ITAR) you must be a U.S. citizen, lawful permanent resident of the U.S., protected individual as defined by 8 U.S.C. 1324b(a)(3), or otherwise eligible to obtain the required authorizations from the U.S. Department of State.  

Equal Opportunity Statement

 Firestorm is an equal opportunity employer, committed to creating a diverse and inclusive workplace, and upholding equitable hiring practices. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic under federal, state, or local law, including those with a criminal history, in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable state and local laws, including the CA Fair Chance Initiative for Hiring Ordinance. We actively encourage members of recognized minorities, women, Veterans, and those with disabilities to apply, and we work to create a welcoming and supportive environment for all applicants throughout the interview process.  Firestorm is committed to fostering an inclusive and accessible work environment. If you require accommodations or assistance during the application process, please don’t hesitate to reach out to us at careers@launchfirestorm.com so we can provide the support you need.