Media Relations / Public Affairs - Mid-Level

About the role

Leidos has a contingent opening for a mid-level 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 running a high-visibility media relations program that informs audiences about military health and medicine. It works closely with Government public affairs officers to handle media inquiries, prepare leaders and experts for media engagements, monitor news coverage and support proactive outreach.

Key responsibilities

• Receive, research, coordinate and develop responses to daily media inquiries in line with Government procedures.
• Help prepare media interview packages for leaders and experts, including anticipated questions, reporter background and recent coverage.
• Monitor national and industry news daily and overnight, and compile the MHS Early Bird daily news clips by 6:30 a.m. ET.
• Prepare the Medical Media Highlights daily report and a daily media Situation Report (SITREP).
• Alert communications leaders to breaking news and emerging issues, and develop special-topic monitoring reports.
• Support proactive outreach: research, pitch development, preparation materials and outreach records.
• Assist with media training, track media placements and review coverage for accuracy and opportunities.
• Maintain organized records of inquiries, engagements and outreach.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Political Science or a related field.
• At least 3 years of relevant experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications or journalism.
• Experience researching, drafting and coordinating responses to media inquiries, and preparing media summaries, talking points and briefing materials.
• Ability to manage multiple priorities, meet deadlines and work in an early-morning reporting schedule.
• Preferred: prior military or civilian service, experience with DHA, MHS, DoD or federal health/defense organizations, and healthcare or military public affairs experience.

Required skills

• Working knowledge of media relations, news cycles, media monitoring and public affairs.
• Strong written and verbal communication, research and news judgment.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with media monitoring or communications tools preferred.