Sector Communications Director - National Security - Military veterans preferred

Description

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. We’re looking for an experienced professional to lead the communications and marketing function for our National Security business sector, which protects the nation by providing technology to defense, intelligence, and homeland security customers. This role reports to the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer and directly supports the National Security sector president, collaborating with other senior executives and functional teams to develop and implement strategies that drive growth, advance the Leidos brand in priority markets and foster employee engagement.

The Sector Communications Director leads all sector communications and marketing activities and manages a small team of communications specialists. The Communications Director is responsible for developing and implementing integrated communications and marketing plans that include executive communications, media relations, traditional and digital marketing, trade shows, social media and employee communications. The right candidate must balance multiple priorities and requirements with agility and resourcefulness, and maintain close coordination with other internal groups, including government affairs. The successful candidate will have a broad communication skillset, demonstrate initiative, be a strong writer and go-to trusted advisor.

The ideal candidate will have communications and/or policy experience supporting the defense and intelligence communities, reside in the Washington, D.C. metro area and work out of the Leidos Global Headquarters in Reston, Va.

Primary Responsibilities

• Develop and implement sector-specific integrated communications and marketing plans that strengthen Leidos’ position in key markets and support enterprise objectives.
• Plan, execute and manage internal- and external-facing campaigns in support of sector initiatives, technology investments and new business pursuits.
• Develop and manage compelling content and ensure correct positioning in key market-facing materials including websites, press releases, white papers, sales collateral, and social media.
• Oversee the sector media strategy, including all press releases, response to media inquiries, and cultivating relationships with journalists and media outlets.  
• Support priority trade shows with overall messaging, collateral and event marketing, as well as supporting capability and technology demonstrations.
• Directly collaborate with the Sector President and leadership team in developing presentations, speeches, and other important internal and external-facing deliverables.
• Engage with our Growth team to understand current and future customer needs, competitive offerings, market trends and competitive strengths, weaknesses and opportunities.
• Engage with our Office of Technology Team to understand and market emerging technologies and ensure proper positioning.
• Collaborate with Sector Human Resources and Talent Acquisition teams to develop people communications strategy, in alignment with Sector personnel development and hiring goals.
• Inform and engage employees at all levels of the organization through consistent and targeted internal communications initiatives.
• Develop and manage annual budget that includes advertising, marketing, trade shows, charitable contributions, sponsorships, memberships, town halls and forums, external events and other sector activities.

• Identify and develop opportunities to amplify enterprise initiatives within the sector for increased engagement and alignment.
• Support crisis communications, as needed, through timely and aligned messaging with key stakeholders.
• Act as a brand champion for Leidos, ensuring our brand standards are maintained across all internal and external touchpoints.

Basic Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Communications, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or Management) and 12+ years of prior relevant work experience tied to communications or related field. Additional years of experience in lieu of degree will be considered.
• Ability to lead and mentor others through strong interpersonal and leadership skills.  
• Superior English writing, editing, public speaking, and presentation skills.
• Demonstrated proficiency with communications technologies and delivery channels.
• Demonstrated expertise in planning and executing communication campaigns for large, complex organizations that engage a broad spectrum of stakeholders.
• Expert ability to curate and synthesize information into engaging and actionable deliverables.
• Exceptional organization skills and ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests.
• Ability to distill complex topics and technical details into accessible narratives and talking points.

Preferred Qualifications

• Prior management experience, leading a group of cross-functional communicators.
• Experience working in or supporting the Defense and Intelligence Communities with clear communications.
• Familiarity with federal acquisition and congressional budget processes.
• Experience working with or in highly regulated organizations, government contracting, information technology providers or aerospace companies.
• Security clearance desired but not required
• Proficiency in AP style grammar.
• Prior internal communications and employee engagement experience.
• Experience using collaborative software and workflow management tools

At Leidos, we don’t want someone who "fits the mold"—we want someone who melts it down and builds something better. This is a role for the restless, the over-caffeinated, the ones who ask, “what’s next?” before the dust settles on “what’s now.”

If you’re already scheming step 20 while everyone else is still debating step 2… good. You’ll fit right in.

Original Posting:

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.