Media Relations & External Communications Manager - Digital Modernization

Description

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

• Bachelor's 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.

We're the tech company everyone calls when things get weird. We don't wear capes (they're a safety hazard), but we do solve high-stakes problems with code, caffeine, and a healthy disregard for "how it's always been done."

For 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.

The 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.