External Communications Specialist

About the role

Venus Aerospace builds rocket engine propulsion technology, including its first high-thrust rotating detonation rocket engine and detonation ramjets, for space, defense and commercial high-speed flight. It is looking for an External Communications Specialist to tell the story of its work, in a hands-on role across earned and owned communications with writing at the center. The role is based on-site in Houston.

Key responsibilities

• Write and edit media pitches, announcements, web copy, talking points, social content and other external communications.
• Support day-to-day media relations: reporter research, media lists, pitching, inbound requests, follow-up and monitoring.
• Work with the Communications team and others to find the stories behind the technology, programs, people, tests and milestones.
• Help develop and run owned storytelling, from posts and web content to editorial themes and recurring content.
• Interview engineers, technical leaders and executives and turn complex work into clear, accurate storytelling.
• Shape the editorial cadence across Venus-owned channels and support communications around testing, flight, partnerships, launches and events.
• Research reporters and outlets, build familiarity with them and take increasing ownership of media relationships.
• Track media coverage and industry conversations, maintain media materials and messaging resources, and capture basic photo and video.

Required profile

• Approximately 3-5 years of experience in communications, public relations, journalism, content or a related field.
• Interest in media relations and willingness to pitch reporters.
• Curiosity and eagerness to learn technical subject matter, and comfort working with engineers and executives.
• Ability to work on-site in Houston.
• Helpful: pitching reporters, journalism experience, communicating technical subject matter, basic photography or video skills, and experience in a growth-stage environment.

Required skills

• Strong writing and editing across formats and audiences.
• Good editorial judgment and accuracy.
• Organization and follow-through across multiple projects and deadlines.