Junior Media Relations / Public Affairs

About the role

Leidos has a contingent opening for a Junior Media Relations / Public Affairs position, working between its Reston, VA office and the customer site in Falls Church, VA. The role supports the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Military Health System (MHS) Communications and Public Affairs teams in a high-visibility media relations program, informing audiences about military health and medicine. It suits an early-career communications professional with strong writing, research, organizational and analytical skills.

Key responsibilities

• Assist Government public affairs officers with media inquiries, research, response development and daily reporting
• Research and verify information in line with Government procedures
• Help prepare interview packages for leaders and subject matter experts, including anticipated questions and reporter background
• Monitor national and industry news daily and overnight, and prepare the MHS Early Bird daily news clips product by 6:30 a.m. ET
• Prepare the daily Medical Media Highlights report and the daily media Situation Report
• Identify emerging stories and support special-topic media monitoring reports
• Support proactive media outreach, including pitches, talking points and background materials
• Track coverage, placements and message penetration, and review coverage for emerging issues and trends
• Maintain organized records of media inquiries, engagements and pitches, and coordinate with team members

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Political Science or a related field
• At least 1 year of relevant experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications, journalism or a related discipline (internships, fellowships or military public affairs assignments count)
• Demonstrated writing, editing, research and verbal communication skills
• Ability to manage multiple assignments and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment
• Willingness to support early-morning media monitoring and reporting

Required skills

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel)
• Familiarity with media monitoring, online research, social media or communications management tools is preferred
• Preferred: prior military or civilian service, experience with DHA, MHS, DoD or federal health/defense organizations, healthcare or military public affairs experience, familiarity with SOPs and communications governance