Communications and Outreach Manager

Are you interested in shaping the future of transportation? Leidos is looking for the unique individual that would like to take their communications and outreach experience to the next level. An expert that is quick to assess new environments, incorporate feedback, and pioneer strategies and new solutions that transform the transportation industry.

What You'll Do:

As the Communications and Outreach Manager for the Surface Transportation group, you will lead a team dedicated to communications strategy and planning for emerging transportation technologies through content creation, team management, and collaboration with technical and client teams. Your work will support and communicate the benefits of cutting-edge advancements in intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies in support of the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) at the Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL).

This role will be expected to work full-time at the customer site in McLean, VA.

Responsibilities Include but are not limited to:

• Lead strategies and solutions that take our team's work from research to national deployment.
• Develop branding for our team and emerging technologies to not only create industry recognition but also motivate further industry adoption and deployment.
• Develop metrics and data quantifying the benefits of technologies to then be utilized in materials to persuade industry towards adoption.
• Manage scope, schedule, budget, staffing level, subcontractors, client and team communications, and production of quality materials for multiple communications projects simultaneously.
• Manage, mentor, and coach a team of marketing and communications professionals, driving a culture of accountability, ownership, growth, and excellence.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to foster collaboration, enhance outreach efforts, and ensure consistent communication.
• Oversee communications deliverables such as presentations, emails, video scripts, social media posts, web content, posters, fact sheets, reports, and other materials.
• Lead the development and execution of a comprehensive conference strategy, including booth design and management, keynote and session planning, and end-to-end logistics coordination.
• Support business development activities through written proposals, client relationship development, compelling approaches and content, executing communications projects, and developing project budgets.

This role will require occasional travel to industry conferences and project sites within the U.S. to support outreach and testing activities.

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of professional experience in communications and outreach, or a Master's degree with 6+ years of professional experience in communications and outreach.
• Strong experience in staff development in support of professional growth and operational success.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, with a proven ability to oversee a high number of activities and deliverables across different areas, ensuring all work meets expectations and deadlines.
• Experience developing and implementing scaled solutions to meet available time and budgets.
• Demonstrated success in collaborating with technical teams, executives, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence internal and external audiences.
• A strong desire to learn and adapt, actively seeking and applying feedback to enhance performance.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust clearance which includes at least three years of consecutive residence in the United States.

Desired Skills and Experience:

• Experience working with federal, state, or local government clients.
• Advanced understanding or experience in the transportation industry, engineering, automated vehicle technologies, cooperative driving automation, intelligent transportation systems, or emerging technologies such as AI.
• Knowledge of project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and project management tools.
• Advanced knowledge of branding and audience engagement best practices.
• Expertise in creating accessible content and serving as a subject matter expert on Section 508 compliance.

Anticipated salary range for this role: $120,000-$155,000

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."

For U.S. Positions: While subject to change based on business needs, Leidos reasonably anticipates that this job requisition will remain open for at least 3 days with an anticipated close date of no earlier than 3 days after the original posting date as listed above.

The Leidos pay range for this job level is a general guideline only and not a guarantee of compensation or salary. Additional factors considered in extending an offer include (but are not limited to) responsibilities of the job, education, experience, knowledge, skills, and abilities, as well as internal equity, alignment with market data, applicable bargaining agreement (if any), or other law.