Manager Communications and PR

Position Title: Manager Communications and PR

Department: Marketing & Communications

Reports To: Program Manager

Role Overview

The Manager Comms and PR will lead NICAT’s efforts to enhance its visibility and elevate the success of its startups across local and international platforms. This pivotal role includes cultivating relationships with aerospace and deep tech media outlets, hosting internal and external events, and driving strategic outreach initiatives. The incumbent will be instrumental in securing media coverage, facilitating startup representation at high-profile events, and positioning NICAT as a premier hub for aerospace and deep tech innovation, fostering connections within the startup ecosystem.

Key Responsibilities

• Forge and maintain strong relationships with aerospace and technology-centric media outlets, as well as general business publications.
• Develop and execute a comprehensive PR strategy, including press releases, thought leadership articles, media kits, and outreach plans tailored to NICAT’s objectives.
• Craft compelling narratives that highlight NICAT’s unique value propositions and startup success stories.
• Actively engage with journalists, bloggers, and influencers to establish long-term partnerships.
• Proactively pitch NICAT and its startups to secure coverage in local and international publications, podcasts, blogs, webinars, and news outlets.
• Ensure media coverage spans both traditional platforms (TV, radio) and digital channels.
• Host NICAT’s internal community events, including workshops, fireside chats, open houses, and networking sessions.
• Serve as the primary face for NICAT’s video content segments, including interviews and promotional videos. 
• Organize networking events, themed sessions, and meetups to foster collaboration among startups, mentors, and stakeholders.
• Establish and maintain partnerships with universities, entrepreneurship support organizations, incubators, and global entities to expand NICAT’s network and outreach.
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of PR campaigns, media outreach, and partnerships, using analytics to assess ROI and impact.
• Serve as the point of contact for managing any PR crises or negative media coverage, ensuring NICAT’s reputation remains intact.

Required Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Public Relations, Communications, Marketing, or a related field.
• 4–6 years of experience in PR, media relations, or outreach roles, preferably within the tech or startup ecosystem.
• Proven ability to build relationships with media outlets, event organizers, and ecosystem stakeholders.

Key Skills

• Exceptional public speaking and hosting abilities.
• Strong written, verbal and interpersonal communication skills.
• Expertise in managing media outreach, securing coverage, and developing PR strategies.
• Proficiency in digital media tools and platforms (e.g., PR monitoring tools, CRM systems).
• Ability to network effectively and manage multiple partnerships.

Personal Attributes

• Outgoing and charismatic personality.
• Proactive and detail-oriented with strong organizational skills.
• Passion for building startup communities and driving impactful outreach efforts