Senior Media Relations / Public Affairs

About the role

Leidos has a contingent opening for a Senior 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 for interviews, monitor news coverage and support proactive outreach.

Key responsibilities

• Receive, research, coordinate and develop responses to daily media inquiries in line with Government procedures.
• Prepare media interview packages for senior leaders and subject matter experts, including anticipated questions, reporter background and prior 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 executive daily report and a daily media Situation Report.
• Alert communications leaders to breaking news and emerging issues, and produce special-topic media monitoring reports.
• Support proactive media outreach through research, pitch development and record keeping.
• Provide media training and preparation to leaders and experts, and conduct media analysis and coverage reviews.
• Coordinate with public affairs officers, communications leaders and subject matter experts so that media products are accurate and timely.

Required profile

• Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Political Science or a related field.
• At least 5 years of relevant experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications, journalism or a related discipline.
• Demonstrated experience handling media inquiries, preparing leaders for interviews and producing executive-level summaries and situation reports.
• U.S. citizenship and ability to obtain and maintain any required security clearance.
• Willingness to support early-morning media monitoring and reporting.

Required skills

• Exceptional written and verbal communication, able to simplify complex or technical information.
• Strong news judgment and ability to manage competing priorities under tight deadlines.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office; familiarity with media monitoring, research or communications management tools preferred.
• Preferred: prior military or civilian service, experience with DHA, MHS, DoD or federal health/defense organizations, and familiarity with SOP development and communications governance.