Leidos
Media Relations & External Communications Manager - Digital Modernization
Leidos, Reston, Virginia, United States, 22090
Overview
Media Relations & External Communications Manager - Digital Modernization. Leidos is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead external communications and media relations for the Digital Modernization Sector. Reporting to the Sector Communications Director, this role develops and implements integrated communications and marketing strategies to elevate the brand, support business priorities, and position Leidos as a leader in federal technology and government contracting. 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 have 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 focused on external communications, the role also requires solid internal communications and employee engagement skills. Responsibilities
Media Relations: Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy, manage inquiries, pitch stories, build relationships with reporters, and draft public statements with Corporate Communications. External Communications: Create compelling content (press releases, feature stories, website copy, social media posts, op-eds) 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: Draft speeches, talking points, presentations, and commentary for sector leadership. 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 to ensure messaging consistency and amplify visibility. Measurement & Reporting: Assess communications performance using metrics and provide data-driven recommendations. Internal Communications (as needed): Develop content for internal audiences to inform and engage employees on sector priorities and organizational updates. Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience). 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; 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 priorities and meet deadlines. Experience advising and collaborating with senior leaders and leading through influence. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms; familiarity with digital content tools. Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Ability to work effectively in a flexible, fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of communications experience in government contracting, defense, or federal technology sectors. Experience collaborating with external partners, industry associations, or coalitions. Experience with digital storytelling, multimedia content development, and analytics tools. Experience developing integrated thought leadership campaigns and content. Familiarity with issues/crisis communications best practices. Eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance. Job Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing Industries: Government Administration and IT Services and IT Consulting
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Media Relations & External Communications Manager - Digital Modernization. Leidos is seeking an experienced communications professional to lead external communications and media relations for the Digital Modernization Sector. Reporting to the Sector Communications Director, this role develops and implements integrated communications and marketing strategies to elevate the brand, support business priorities, and position Leidos as a leader in federal technology and government contracting. 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 have 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 focused on external communications, the role also requires solid internal communications and employee engagement skills. Responsibilities
Media Relations: Develop and execute a proactive media relations strategy, manage inquiries, pitch stories, build relationships with reporters, and draft public statements with Corporate Communications. External Communications: Create compelling content (press releases, feature stories, website copy, social media posts, op-eds) 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: Draft speeches, talking points, presentations, and commentary for sector leadership. 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 to ensure messaging consistency and amplify visibility. Measurement & Reporting: Assess communications performance using metrics and provide data-driven recommendations. Internal Communications (as needed): Develop content for internal audiences to inform and engage employees on sector priorities and organizational updates. Basic Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience). 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; 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 priorities and meet deadlines. Experience advising and collaborating with senior leaders and leading through influence. Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms; familiarity with digital content tools. Demonstrated initiative, resourcefulness, and a hands-on approach to problem-solving. Ability to work effectively in a flexible, fast-paced, team-oriented environment. Preferred Qualifications
10+ years of communications experience in government contracting, defense, or federal technology sectors. Experience collaborating with external partners, industry associations, or coalitions. Experience with digital storytelling, multimedia content development, and analytics tools. Experience developing integrated thought leadership campaigns and content. Familiarity with issues/crisis communications best practices. Eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance. Job Details
Seniority level: Mid-Senior level Employment type: Full-time Job function: Marketing, Public Relations, and Writing/Editing Industries: Government Administration and IT Services and IT Consulting
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