Media Relations / Public Affairs - Mid-level

Leidos; Falls Church (VA); On-site; USD 59,000 - 107,000; Full time

Job summary

Leidos is seeking a Mid-level Media Relations/Public Affairs professional to operate between Reston, VA and Falls Church, VA, supporting DHA and MHS communications. The role emphasizes writing, research and timely media products for public affairs leadership.

The candidate will craft responses to inquiries, prepare interview packages, monitor news, and develop proactive outreach materials. Experience in federal health or defense comms is preferred, with a flexible, fast-paced environment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Political Science, or related field.
• 3+ years of relevant professional experience in media relations or public affairs.
• Experience drafting responses to media inquiries and preparing briefing materials.
• Knowledge of media monitoring, news cycles, and public affairs principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication for diverse audiences.

Responsibilities

• Support DHA/MHS media relations mission by handling daily media inquiries.
• Develop interview prep materials, questions, and suggested responses.
• Monitor daily news coverage and alert leaders to emerging issues.
• Prepare daily clips and executive-level media highlights for leadership.
• Conduct topical research for proactive media outreach and pitches.
• Assist with media training and preparation for leaders and experts.
• Coordinate with government public affairs and partners to ensure accuracy.

Skills

Strong writing

News judgment

Ability to multitask

Research skills

Verbal & written communication

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Communications/PR/Journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

Media monitoring tools

Job description

Leidos currently has a contingent opening for a Mid-level Media Relations/Public Affairs position to work between our Reston, VA office and the customer site in Falls Church, VA. This is an exciting opportunity to use your experience helping the Defense Health Agency mission. In this mission we... support the Defense Health Agency (DHA) and Military Health System (MHS) Communications and Public Affairs teams in executing a high-visibility media relations program that informs key audiences about military health and medicine. The Media Relations/Public Affairs professional will work closely with Government public affairs officers to respond to media inquiries, prepare leaders and subject matter experts for media engagements, monitor and analyze news coverage, and support proactive media outreach. This position requires strong writing, research, organization, and news judgment, along with the ability to manage multiple priorities and produce accurate, timely communications products in a fast-paced public affairs environment.

Primary Responsibilities.

• Support Government public affairs officers in executing the DHA/MHS media relations mission, including receiving, researching, coordinating, and developing responses to daily media inquiries in accordance with established Government procedures.
• Assist with the development of comprehensive media interview preparation packages for leaders and subject matter experts, including anticipated questions and recommended responses, reporter background, previous related engagements, relevant historical context, and media coverage from the preceding 12 months.
• Conduct daily and overnight media monitoring of national, industry, and other relevant news sources to identify coverage affecting DHA, the Military Health System, and the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Health Affairs.
• Compile and prepare the MHS Early Bird, a daily news clips product containing relevant media coverage for distribution to Military Health System leaders and public affairs teams worldwide by 6:30 a.m. Eastern Time each workday.
• Prepare Medical Media Highlights, an executive-level daily report identifying the three to six most significant media stories for MHS and DHA communications leadership.
• Monitor breaking news throughout the workday and promptly alert Government communications leaders to emerging issues that may affect DHA, MHS components, or senior leadership.
• Develop special-topic media monitoring reports in response to emerging issues or subjects identified by Government leadership.
• Prepare and distribute a daily media Situation Report (SITREP) summarizing open media inquiries, press releases, media advisories, and priority media coverage.
• Support proactive media outreach efforts by conducting topical research, identifying potential story angles, developing media pitches and preparation materials, and maintaining records of outreach activities.
• Assist with media training and preparation for leaders and subject matter experts before interviews and other media engagements.
• Support media analysis efforts, including tracking media placements, assessing coverage and message penetration, and reviewing reporting for accuracy.
• Review media coverage to identify communications opportunities, emerging issues, and areas that may require Government follow-up.
• Coordinate with Government public affairs officers, communications professionals, subject matter experts, and other stakeholders to ensure media products and responses are accurate, timely, and appropriately coordinated.
• Maintain organized records of media inquiries, media engagements, outreach activities, and related communications products.

Basic Qualifications.

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, English, Political Science, or a related field and a minimum of 3 years of relevant professional experience in media relations, public affairs, strategic communications, journalism, or a related discipline.
• Experience researching, drafting, and coordinating responses to media inquiries or other time-sensitive communications.
• Experience developing or supporting media preparation materials, such as talking points, anticipated questions and answers, background materials, media summaries, or reporter profiles.
• Working knowledge of media relations practices, news cycles, media monitoring, and public affairs principles.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to communicate complex information clearly and concisely for a variety of audiences.
• Strong research and news judgment skills, with the ability to identify relevant media coverage and emerging issues.
• Demonstrated ability to manage multiple priorities and produce accurate, high-quality work within established deadlines.
• Experience preparing media summaries, news clips, situation reports, or similar communications products.
• Strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Ability to work effectively as part of an integrated team and collaborate with Government customers, communications professionals, leaders, and subject matter experts.
• Ability and willingness to support early-morning media monitoring and reporting requirements associated with daily communications products.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office applications and familiarity with media monitoring, research, or communications tools.

Preferred Qualifications.

• Prior military or civilian service is preferable.
• Experience supporting the Defense Health Agency, Military Health System, DoD, or other federal health or defense organizations.
• Experience working in healthcare communications, military public affairs, or headquarters-level strategic communications environments.
• Familiarity with SOP development, communications governance, and enterprise communications toolkits.

Pay Range:

Pay Range $59,150.00 - $106,925.00

About Leidos

Leidos is an industry and technology leader serving government and commercial customers with smarter, more efficient digital and mission innovations. Headquartered in Reston, Virginia, with 47,000 global employees, Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $16.7 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2025. For more information, visit www.Leidos.com.

Pay and Benefits

Pay and benefits are fundamental to any career decision. That's why we craft compensation packages that reflect the importance of the work we do for our customers. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available at www.leidos.com/careers/pay-benefits.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, ethnicity, age, national origin, citizenship, religion, physical or mental disability, medical condition, genetic information, pregnancy, family structure, marital status, ancestry, domestic partner status, sexual orientation, gender identity or expression, veteran or military status, or any other basis prohibited by law. Leidos will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.