Media Relations & External Communications Manager Digital Modernization
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Job Location:
Reston, VA - USA
Monthly Salary:
$ 89700 - 162150
Posted on:
30+ days ago
Vacancies:
1 Vacancy
Job Summary
Leidos is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead external communications and media relations for our Digital Modernization Sector. Reporting to the Sector Communications Director this individual will develop and implement integrated communications and marketing strategies that elevate our brand support business priorities and position Leidos as a leader in the federal technology and government contracting marketplace.
This is a hands-on individual contributor role that manages complex projects and priorities across teams but does not have direct reports. The ideal candidate will bring deep knowledge of the federal technology landscape excellent writing skills and a proven ability to balance strategic planning with tactical execution in a fast-paced environment. While the focus of the role is on external communications the ideal candidate will be a well-rounded practitioner with good skills and instincts in employee engagement and internal communications.
Primary Responsibilities
- Media Relations: Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy including managing inquiries pitching stories building relationships with reporters and drafting public statements in partnership with Corporate Communications.
- External Communications: Create compelling content (press releases feature stories website copy social media posts op-eds etc.) that advances thought leadership and aligns with business goals.
- Strategic Communications Planning: Design and implement integrated campaigns that support sector priorities and deliver measurable impact.
- Executive Communications: Partner with sector leadership to draft speeches talking points presentations and commentary for key audiences.
- Issues & Crisis Communications: Support issues management by drafting holding statements coordinating with corporate teams and advising leaders on sensitive matters.
- Events & Thought Leadership: Provide messaging collateral and on-site communications support for major trade shows industry forums and speaking engagements.
- Collaboration & Alignment: Coordinate with Corporate Communications other sector communicators and external partners (e.g. partner companies industry associations coalitions) to ensure consistency of messaging and amplify visibility.
- Measurement & Reporting: Assess communications performance using metrics and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.
- Internal Communications (as needed): Develop content for internal audiences to inform and engage employees on sector priorities and organizational updates.
Basic Qualifications
- Bachelors degree in Communications Public Relations Journalism Marketing or related field. Additional years of experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
- 8 years of progressive experience in communications preferably within the federal technology government contracting or defense industry.
- Exceptional writing and editing skills with mastery of AP style and the ability to translate complex technical topics into clear compelling narratives.
- Proven ability to develop strategic communications plans and execute integrated campaigns.
- Experience engaging with trade and national media including proactive pitching and reactive response.
- Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple competing priorities and deliver under tight deadlines.
- Experience advising and collaborating with senior leaders and leading through influence.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms (e.g. Teams SharePoint); familiarity with digital content tools.
- Demonstrated initiative resourcefulness and a hands-on approach to problem-solving.
- Ability to work effectively as part of a team in a highly flexible fast-paced and collaborative environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- 10 years of communications experience in the government contracting defense or federal technology sector.
- Experience collaborating with external partners industry associations or coalitions.
- Experience with digital storytelling multimedia content development and analytics tools.
- Experience in developing integrated thought leadership campaigns and content is a plus for this role.
- Familiarity with issues/crisis communications best practices.
- Eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance.
Come break things (in a good way). Then build them smarter.
Were the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We dont wear capes (theyre a safety hazard) but we do solve high-stakes problems with code caffeine and a healthy disregard for how its always been done.
Original Posting:
October 10 2025For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.
Pay Range:
Pay Range $89700.00 - $162150.00The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline onlyand not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job education experience knowledge skills and abilities as well as internal equity alignment with market data applicable bargaining agreement (if any) or other law.
Required Experience:
Manager
Key Skills
- Revenue Cycle Management
- Marketing
- Public Relations
- Algebra
- MailChimp
- Media Relations
- Social Listening
- Relationship Management
- Customer relationship management
- Medicare
- Public Speaking
- Writing Skills
About Company
Leidos is an innovation company rapidly addressing the world's most vexing challenges in national security and health. Our 47,000 employees collaborate to create smarter technology solutions for customers in these critical markets.
