Director of Communications

Accountabilities:

As a senior individual contributor reporting to the VP of Communications, you will own policy-focused communications strategy while remaining directly involved in daily execution. You will coordinate internal stakeholders and external resources to build credibility, anticipate scrutiny, and communicate complex issues clearly. Your responsibilities will include:

• Develop and lead the Washington, D.C. and policy communications strategy, shaping narratives around congressional activity, regulatory developments, and emerging public policy issues.

• Build and maintain strong relationships with influential Beltway reporters and editors at outlets such as POLITICO, Semafor, Axios, Puck, and Punchbowl.

• Conduct proactive media outreach, understand reporters’ priorities, answer substantive questions, and communicate the organization’s technology, products, and safeguards accurately.

• Partner with government affairs and legal teams to anticipate congressional scrutiny, identify potential lines of questioning, and prepare clear, fact-based responses before inquiries arise.

• Monitor policy proposals, congressional hearings, legislative developments, and other government actions that could affect the business or attract media attention.

• Translate complex policy developments into actionable communications guidance for executive leadership, including reporter outreach strategies, key messages, and executive preparation.

• Draft press responses, brief journalists, coordinate follow-ups, and manage developing stories with speed, accuracy, and sound judgment.

• Prepare and media-train C-suite executives for interviews, congressional scrutiny, and other high-stakes public communications.

• Maintain alignment among communications, government affairs, and legal stakeholders to support informed public discussion and clear legislative outcomes related to license plate recognition (LPR) and drone technology.

• Manage external agencies and communications resources while maintaining direct ownership of strategy, writing, and execution.

• Help develop the judgment and capabilities of communications colleagues so they can operate effectively in high-pressure situations involving leading media outlets.

• Contribute to crisis, corporate, and product communications as organizational priorities evolve.

• Deliver transparent, substantive messaging that prioritizes credibility and clarity over generic corporate language.

Requirements:

You are a seasoned communications professional with deep knowledge of Washington policy dynamics, established media relationships, and the ability to operate confidently in high-stakes environments. You combine executive-level advisory skills with a hands-on approach to communications strategy and execution. The required qualifications include:

• Eight to ten years of experience in communications, media relations, or public relations leadership, with a substantial focus on Washington, D.C., congressional issues, hearings, and policy communications.

• Strong existing relationships with Washington, D.C., and Beltway journalists, editors, and relevant media outlets, or a demonstrated ability to build these relationships quickly and effectively.

• Proven experience advising C-suite executives and preparing senior leaders for media interviews and other high-profile communications.

• Strong executive presence, strategic judgment, and the ability to navigate sensitive or politically complex issues.

• Excellent writing and messaging skills, including the ability to draft clear, accurate, and compelling responses under tight deadlines.

• Experience anticipating media narratives and proactively shaping public discussion rather than responding only to incoming inquiries.

• Ability to interpret legislative and policy developments and assess their potential communications and business implications.

• Strong collaboration skills, particularly when coordinating communications strategy with government affairs, legal, and executive stakeholders.

• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities, respond to rapidly developing situations, and make sound decisions under pressure.

• A hands-on working style, with the willingness to develop strategy, conduct outreach, write materials, and manage execution directly.

• Ability to exercise sound judgment across policy, corporate, product, and crisis communications.

• Experience managing external communications agencies and resources is beneficial.

Benefits:

• Annual base salary range of $182,300–$243,000, depending on relevant experience, education, training, and market factors.

• Company stock options as part of the compensation package.

• Remote work arrangement, with eligible locations including Washington, D.C.; Boston, Massachusetts; Fredericksburg and Norfolk, Virginia; Philadelphia and Pittsburgh, Pennsylvania; and Richmond, Virginia.

• High visibility and direct collaboration with communications leadership, government affairs, legal teams, and senior executives.

• The opportunity to shape public policy narratives around emerging technologies and public safety.

• A dynamic, mission-driven environment focused on meaningful community safety outcomes.

• An inclusive workplace that values diverse perspectives, experiences, and skills.

• Reasonable accommodations available for candidates with disabilities during the interview process.

• No performance bonus is offered for this role. The stated salary range represents base compensation and does not include equity or benefits.