Summary of the Communications Manager job at Vast

Vast is seeking a Communications Manager to join our team. Reporting to the VP of Communications, you are a thoughtful, and highly organized communications professional who will lead communications efforts and execution for crew members of future Vast missions. This role will focus on managing mission storytelling, and coordinating closely with government agencies and other relevant stakeholders to execute on mission communications.

This will be a full-time, exempt position located in our Long Beach location.

Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of communications for assigned crew members and missions, aligning with company narrative and mission objectives
• Coordinate with crew and their agencies on communications efforts including media engagements, including interviews, press conferences, and public appearances
• Provide real-time communications support during mission milestones (training, launch, docking, on-orbit activities, return)
• Oversee approvals and review processes of mission assets including visuals and copy
• Partner with internal creative teams to produce content across press, digital, and social channels
• Interface with NASA Public Affairs and communications teams to coordinate joint messaging and storytelling for partnered missions
• Manage submission, review, and approval processes for photo, video, and communications assets in accordance with NASA guidelines
• Ensure compliance with NASA branding, usage rights, and distribution requirements
• Coordinate access to and integration of NASA-provided assets, including imagery and live feeds
• Serve as primary communications liaison with international partner agencies representing crew members’ home countries (e.g., ESA, JAXA, CSA, etc.)
• Align messaging, branding, and communications plans across partner agencies and Vast
• Coordinate joint press opportunities, announcements, and public engagement campaigns with international partners
• Support localization and translation of content for international audiences
• Manage inbound media inquiries related to crew members and missions and route them to the right stakeholder
• Collaborate with legal, policy, and mission teams to ensure all communications meet regulatory and contractual requirements
• Maintain detailed tracking of approvals, assets, and usage rights across multiple stakeholders
• Support on other internal approvals process for the Communications team including research paper publishing

Minimum Qualifications:

• 5–7 years of experience in communications, public affairs, or related fields
• Experience managing complex stakeholder environments, including external partners or government agencies
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple timelines, approvals, and deliverables
• Ability to translate technical or operational concepts into clear, compelling narratives
• Experience supporting live events or real-time communications in high-pressure environments

Preferred Skills & Experience:

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, journalism, public affairs, or equivalent experience
• 2+ years of experience working with a government agency
• Experience working with or alongside government agencies (e.g., NASA or international space agencies)
• Familiarity with human spaceflight, aerospace, or highly technical industries
• Experience managing photo/video production workflows and asset approvals
• Experience working across international teams and navigating cross-cultural communications
• Strong understanding of media landscape, including broadcast, digital, and social platforms
• Ability to collaborate effectively across engineering, operations, legal, and executive teams
• Experience in a startup or fast-paced, evolving environment
• High attention to detail, particularly in regulated or approval-heavy environments
• A strong interest in space, exploration, and emerging spaceflight capabilities

Additional Requirements:

• Willingness to work extended hours, including nights and weekends, to support mission-critical milestones and real-time operations as needed