Application Guide
How to Apply for Senior Communications Manager - SF
at Joby Aviation
🏢 About Joby Aviation
Joby Aviation is pioneering the future of urban air mobility with its all-electric vertical takeoff and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, aiming to transform daily commutes by offering quiet, emissions-free flights. Unlike traditional aerospace companies, Joby combines cutting-edge technology with a mission-driven focus on sustainability and accessibility, making it an exciting place for professionals passionate about shaping the future of transportation.
About This Role
As Senior Communications Manager, you'll lead the execution of Joby's PR strategy to secure high-impact media coverage across global and trade outlets, while building relationships with key journalists and influencers. This role is pivotal in shaping the narrative around electric aviation and positioning Joby as a leader in the industry, directly supporting market launches and brand events.
💡 A Day in the Life
A typical day might start with reviewing overnight media coverage and industry news to identify opportunities or risks, followed by drafting a press release on Joby's latest certification milestone. You'd then join a cross-functional meeting with market teams to plan an upcoming virtual press event, followed by pitching story ideas to journalists covering clean tech or aviation beats.
🚀 Application Tools
🎯 Who Joby Aviation Is Looking For
- Has 10+ years of PR experience with a proven track record of securing coverage in top-tier media (e.g., TechCrunch, Bloomberg, Aviation Week) and strong journalist relationships in tech, transportation, or sustainability beats.
- Excels at translating complex technical topics (like eVTOL technology or FAA certification) into compelling, accessible stories for diverse audiences.
- Demonstrates meticulous project management skills, able to coordinate press events, media interviews, and cross-functional campaigns in a fast-paced, remote environment.
- Shows deep curiosity about emerging trends in urban air mobility, clean energy, or aerospace, with examples of proactive media pitching in these areas.
📝 Tips for Applying to Joby Aviation
Tailor your resume to highlight specific campaigns where you secured coverage in transportation, tech, or sustainability media—quantify results with metrics like reach or tier-1 placements.
Include a portfolio link or attach 2-3 writing samples that showcase your ability to simplify technical topics (e.g., press releases on aerospace innovations or clean energy).
Research Joby's recent milestones (e.g., FAA certification progress, partnerships with Toyota or Delta) and reference them in your application to show industry knowledge.
Emphasize experience managing PR for remote or distributed teams, as this role requires coordinating with market teams and external partners virtually.
Avoid generic PR jargon; instead, use keywords from the job description like 'trade media,' 'cross-functional collaboration,' or 'media monitoring insights' to align with Joby's needs.
✉️ What to Emphasize in Your Cover Letter
["Highlight your experience securing media coverage in aviation, tech, or sustainability outlets, with concrete examples of stories you've pitched or placed.", "Explain how you've built and maintained journalist relationships, especially with reporters covering transportation innovation or clean tech.", "Demonstrate your ability to make complex topics accessible, referencing Joby's eVTOL technology or certification process as an area you'd excel at communicating.", "Show enthusiasm for Joby's mission by linking your past work to their goals—e.g., if you've promoted eco-friendly products or advanced mobility solutions."]
Generate Cover Letter →🔍 Research Before Applying
To stand out, make sure you've researched:
- → Study Joby's recent news and press releases (e.g., on their website or via platforms like PR Newswire) to understand their key messages and media targets.
- → Explore the competitive landscape of eVTOL companies (e.g., Archer, Lilium) and how Joby differentiates itself in sustainability or technology.
- → Review coverage of Joby in trade publications like Aviation Week or general media like The Verge to identify gaps or opportunities for future stories.
- → Understand Joby's partnerships (e.g., with Toyota, Delta, or the FAA) and how they impact public perception and communications strategy.
💬 Prepare for These Interview Topics
Based on this role, you may be asked about:
⚠️ Common Mistakes to Avoid
- Submitting a generic cover letter that doesn't mention Joby's focus on electric aviation or sustainability—this shows lack of research.
- Failing to provide specific examples of media relationships or secured coverage, especially in relevant industries like tech or transportation.
- Overlooking the remote aspect by not highlighting experience with virtual collaboration tools or distributed team management in your application.
📅 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:
Application Review
1-2 weeks
Initial Screening
Phone call or written assessment
Interviews
1-2 rounds, usually virtual
Offer
Congratulations!