Senior Communications Manager, Homeland Security

Leidos • Reston, VA

1d • Onsite

About The Position

Leidos is seeking a seasoned communications powerhouse to lead all communications and marketing activities for a key national security and critical infrastructure-focused business area in our Homeland sector. Reporting to the Vice President, Homeland Communications Director, this individual will develop and execute integrated strategies that elevate our visibility, strengthen our reputation, and position Leidos as a trusted leader with the U.S. Department of Homeland Security, key agencies such as the Transportation Security Administration and U.S. Customs and Border Protection, and allied partners. This is an experienced, hands-on individual contributor role for developing and executing integrated strategies across earned, owned, and paid channels. The role will manage complex communications projects and priorities across teams, serving as a strategic advisor to senior leadership while maintaining alignment with corporate brand standards. The successful candidate will bring exceptional writing skills and excellent judgment along with their proven marketing expertise. The ideal candidate will reside in the Washington, D.C. metro area and work in the Leidos Global Headquarters in Reston, VA. Strong preference will be given to local candidates.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing or related field and 12+ years of progressive experience in communications, with a strong focus on critical infrastructure, technology and/or government agencies. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with mastery of AP style and the ability to translate complex technical and policy topics into compelling narratives.
• Experience collaborating with senior executives as a strategic communications advisor.
• Demonstrated success in developing and executing integrated communications strategies.
• Strong project management skills and the ability to lead multiple initiatives simultaneously.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• Experience supporting national security, aviation security, border protection, law enforcement or critical infrastructure missions.
• Established media relations experience and relationships, particularly with national or homeland security trade reporters.
• Familiarity with U.S. government customers, acquisition cycles and the competitive landscape.
• Experience working with and supporting global colleagues in allied countries.
• Eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance, if needed.

Responsibilities

• 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 national security and technology.
• Media Relations: Working closely with corporate and media colleagues, develop proactive media engagement, including cultivating relationships with trade reporters, pitching stories, managing inquiries and coordinating public statements.
• Executive & Leadership Communications: Partner with business area leadership to draft and refine speeches, talking points, presentations and commentary for homeland security 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.
• Internal Communications & Employee Engagement Develop internal communications that inform and engage employees around business priorities and customer impact, ensuring internal audiences are considered and aligned as a core stakeholder group. Act as primary administrator for select intranet pages, ensuring information is accurate, current and engaging.
• Events & Thought Leadership: Develop messaging and provide on-site support for major trade shows, customer forums, employee town halls and industry events.
• Issues & Crisis Communications: Provide counsel and content support for sensitive issues, including drafting holding statements and coordinating responses with leadership and corporate teams.
• Collaboration & Alignment: Coordinate with the broader Corporate Communications team, other sector and business area communicators and external partners (e.g., national security associations, coalitions) to ensure consistency and maximize visibility.
• Measurement & Reporting: Track communications performance and provide metrics-driven insights to refine strategies and demonstrate impact.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level