Description
Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. We also are the United States’ eight largest defense contractor. We’re looking for an experienced professional to lead the communications and marketing function for our Defense Systems business sector, which protects the nation by providing leading-edge technology to defense, space and homeland security customers. This role reports to the Chief Communications & Marketing Officer and directly supports the Defense Systems 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 VP is a member of the sector and Communications and Marketing leadership teams and leads a team of communications specialists. The Communications VP is responsible for developing and implementing integrated communications and marketing plans encompassing executive communications, customer communications, media relations, traditional and digital marketing, trade shows, social media and employee communications. The right candidate must be an all-in resourceful leader with the ability to balance multiple priorities and requirements and deliver results in a dynamic environment, while maintaining tight coordination with other internal groups, including Congressional and Pentagon affairs, our Growth Office, and other Business Sectors The successful candidate will have a broad communication skillset, a deep understanding of and experience with U.S. military branches, demonstrate initiative, be a strong writer, and go-to trusted advisor with c-suite level leadership.
The ideal candidate will reside in the Washington, D.C. metro area and work out of the Leidos Global Headquarters in Reston, Va.

BASIC QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in Communications, English, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or Management) and 15+ years of prior relevant work experience or Masters with 13+ years of prior relevant experience. Generally has 12+ years of experience supervising or leading teams or projects.
• 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.
• Ability to distill complex topics and technical details into accessible narratives and talking points.
• Proficiency in AP style grammar.

PREFERRED QUALIFICATIONS

• Exceptional senior management experience leading a group of cross-functional communicators in U.S. defense and/or intelligence markets.
• A keen understanding of, and experience with the U.S. defense acquisition and congressional budgeting processes.
• 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.”

• Develop and implement sector-specific integrated communications and marketing plans that strengthen Leidos’ position in key markets and support broader 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, drive thought leadership and ensure strong positioning through 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 and opportunities.
• Engage with our Office of Technology Team to understand and market emerging technologies and ensure proper positioning.
• Inform and engage employees at all levels of the organization through consistent and targeted internal communications initiatives.
• Develop and manage the annual budget that includes advertising, marketing, trade shows, charitable contributions, sponsorships, memberships, town halls and forums, external events and other sector activities.
• Lead crisis communications, as needed.
• Ensure marketing and communications efforts are data driven-and optimized for maximum effectiveness.
• Act as a brand champion for Leidos, ensuring our brand standards are maintained across all internal and external touchpoints.
• Lead, inspire and develop a high-performing team of communications professionals