Application Guide

How to Apply for 6.3. Head of Communications

at Phoenix Tailings

🏢 About Phoenix Tailings

Phoenix Tailings is pioneering a circular economy approach to metals production by extracting valuable materials from mining waste with zero emissions. Their mission to transform environmental liabilities into sustainable resources positions them uniquely at the intersection of cleantech, advanced manufacturing, and national security. Working here offers the chance to build communications for a company that's literally turning waste into valuable metals while addressing critical supply chain and environmental challenges.

About This Role

As Head of Communications, you'll own the strategy to elevate Phoenix Tailings' visibility specifically with aerospace, defense, and government stakeholders through earned media. This role is impactful because you'll shape narratives around their proprietary technology that converts mining waste into strategic metals, directly supporting national security and sustainable manufacturing goals. Success means securing coverage in publications like Defense News, Aviation Week, or The Wall Street Journal's industrial section.

💡 A Day in the Life

You might start by reviewing defense industry news for relevant hooks, then crafting pitches to journalists covering critical minerals. Midday could involve briefing executives on media opportunities around their latest pilot plant results, followed by relationship-building calls with editors at aerospace publications. You'd likely end the day tracking coverage metrics and planning narratives for upcoming milestones like government partnership announcements.

🚀 Application Tools

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Interview Prep

Practice questions for this role

🎯 Who Phoenix Tailings Is Looking For

  • Has 8+ years specifically focused on earned media campaigns for industrial, aerospace, defense, or government-facing companies (not just consumer PR)
  • Can demonstrate specific examples of securing coverage in publications like Defense One, Aerospace America, Manufacturing Today, or national business outlets
  • Understands how to communicate complex metallurgical or industrial processes to non-technical audiences while maintaining technical accuracy
  • Has existing relationships with journalists covering defense procurement, industrial policy, cleantech manufacturing, or critical minerals supply chains

📝 Tips for Applying to Phoenix Tailings

1

Quantify your earned media results specifically for aerospace/defense/industrial sectors (e.g., 'secured 12 features in defense trade publications resulting in 3 inbound RFPs from prime contractors')

2

Include a portfolio link showing actual articles you secured in relevant publications (not just press releases you wrote)

3

Research Phoenix Tailings' specific metallurgical processes and mention how you'd explain their 'post-mining' technology to defense stakeholders

4

Demonstrate understanding of their target audiences by mentioning specific publications, government agencies (DOD, DOE), or industry associations relevant to their work

5

Show you've researched their competitors (like Boston Metal or Electra) and can articulate how Phoenix Tailings' waste-to-metal approach differs

✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter

["Demonstrate specific understanding of their technology and mission (mention 'post-mining' or 'mining waste reclamation' to show you've done homework)", 'Provide concrete examples of securing earned media in their target sectors (aerospace/defense/government), not just general PR experience', "Explain how you'd build narratives around their milestones (like pilot plant results or defense partnerships) for different audience segments", 'Show how your media relationships align with their needs (mention specific journalists or outlets covering critical minerals or defense manufacturing)']

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🔍 Research Before Applying

To stand out, make sure you've researched:

  • → Their specific metallurgical process and how it differs from traditional mining or recycling
  • → Recent defense and aerospace industry news about critical minerals supply chain vulnerabilities
  • → Their leadership team's background (especially CEO Nick Myers' experience) and any existing media coverage
  • → Government initiatives around domestic critical minerals production (like Defense Production Act titles)

💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics

Based on this role, you may be asked about:

1 How would you pitch Phoenix Tailings' technology to a defense publication versus a cleantech publication?
2 Describe your process for building relationships with journalists covering the defense industrial base
3 What metrics would you track to demonstrate PR impact on their business goals with aerospace/defense stakeholders?
4 How would you explain their metallurgical process to a general business audience while maintaining technical credibility?
5 What's your strategy for securing coverage when they announce a new pilot plant or government partnership?
Practice Interview Questions →

⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid

  • Focusing on social media or owned content instead of earned media strategy (the role emphasizes media relations)
  • Using generic PR metrics (like impressions) instead of business outcomes (like inbound leads from target sectors)
  • Showing no understanding of their specific technology or confusing them with traditional mining companies

📅 Application Timeline

This position is open until filled. However, we recommend applying as soon as possible as roles at mission-driven organizations tend to fill quickly.

Typical hiring timeline:

1

Application Review

1-2 weeks

2

Initial Screening

Phone call or written assessment

3

Interviews

1-2 rounds, usually virtual

✓

Offer

Congratulations!

Ready to Apply?

Good luck with your application to Phoenix Tailings!

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