Senior Communications Manager - Defense Systems Sector

Leidos is seeking a seasoned communications professional to lead external communications and media relations for our Defense Sector. Reporting to the Vice President, Defense Systems Sector Communications, this individual will develop and execute integrated strategies that elevate our visibility, strengthen our reputation, and position Leidos as a trusted leader in the defense industry.

This is a senior-level, hands-on individual contributor role requiring exceptional writing skills, proven media relations expertise, and deep knowledge of the defense landscape. The successful candidate will manage complex communications projects and priorities across teams, serving as a strategic advisor to senior leadership while maintaining alignment with corporate brand standards.

Primary Responsibilities

• Media Relations:Lead proactive media engagement, including cultivating relationships with defense and trade reporters, pitching stories, managing inquiries, and coordinating public statements in partnership with Corporate Communications.
• External Communications:Develop high-impact content (press releases, op-eds, feature articles, website copy, and social media posts) that demonstrates thought leadership and supports business and campaign objectives.
• Strategic Communications Planning:Design and implement comprehensive, integrated communications and marketing campaigns that reinforce Leidos’ leadership in defense products and services.
• Executive & Leadership Communications:Partner with sector leadership to draft and refine speeches, talking points, presentations, and commentary for defense-focused audiences, conferences, and publications. Create clear, compelling internal communications that keep employees informed about business priorities, sector achievements, and leadership perspectives. Collaborate with Corporate Communications to drive employee engagement and ensure message alignment.
• Issues & Crisis Communications:Provide counsel and content support for sensitive issues, including drafting holding statements and coordinating responses with corporate teams.
• Program Communications: Develop and execute comprehensive communications plans to support key defense programs, managing all aspects of the communications lifecycle. This includes crafting strategic messaging, creating targeted content for internal and external audiences, and coordinating media engagement and outreach to advance sales objectives.
• Events & Thought Leadership:Develop messaging and provide on-site support for major defense trade shows, customer forums, employee town halls, and industry events.
• Collaboration & Alignment:Coordinate with the broader Corporate Communications team, other sector communicators, and external partners (e.g., defense associations, coalitions) to ensure consistency and maximize visibility.
• Measurement & Reporting:Track communications performance and provide metrics-driven insights to refine strategies and demonstrate impact.

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.
• 12+ years of progressive experience in communications, with a strong focus on the defense industry (government contracting, military, or defense technology organizations).
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with mastery of AP style and the ability to translate complex technical and policy topics into compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Established media relations experience, particularly with defense and trade reporters.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead multiple high-profile initiatives simultaneously.
• Experience collaborating with senior executives as a strategic communications advisor.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint).
• Ability to operate with initiative, discretion, and sound judgment in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

Preferred Qualifications

• Existing relationships with defense and national security media.
• Familiarity with U.S. government customers, defense acquisition cycles, and the competitive landscape.
• Experience with issues and crisis communications in a defense or government context.
• 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.”

Original Posting:

October 10, 2025

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.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $112,450.00 - $203,275.00

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and 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.