Senior Communications Manager, Defense (Huntsville Site Lead)

Description

Leidos is seeking a seasoned communications professional to serve as the Program Integration, Manufacturing, and site communications leader for our Defense business in Huntsville, Alabama. Reporting to the VP for Defense Communications, this role is responsible for integrating and executing communications across corporate, sector, program, manufacturing, and site priorities while serving as a trusted communications adviser to senior leaders.

This role will also serve as the senior Leidos communicator in Huntsville, AL, acting as the primary communications presence and point of contact for the site. The position has a strong external communications and media relations focus, with additional responsibility for ensuring employees are informed, engaged, and aligned with business priorities across programs, manufacturing operations, and site leadership.

The role will require close coordination with Communications, Defense, Program Integration, Manufacturing, HR, Technology, and Government Affairs teammates.

Primary Responsibilities

• Serve as the senior Leidos communications leader in Huntsville, acting as the primary communications authority and representative for the site.
• Lead and integrate corporate, sector, program, manufacturing, and local communications into a cohesive site strategy.
• Partner directly with the Huntsville Site Lead and senior site leadership to develop and deliver communications that support workforce engagement, business growth, manufacturing operations, and talent acquisition.
• Manage and mentor one Communications Specialist, providing direction, prioritization, and professional development support.

• Serve as the primary communications partner for the Defense Program Integration organization, acting as a key communicator and adviser supporting cross-program alignment and integration efforts.
• Translate complex program integration initiatives, priorities, and milestones into clear, actionable communications for internal and external audiences.
• Support senior Program Integration leader with messaging, leadership communications, and executive visibility initiatives.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment across integrated programs, stakeholders, and enterprise communications channels.

• Lead and support communications for Defense Manufacturing, including advanced manufacturing, production operations, workforce initiatives, and facility investments.
• Develop and execute internal and external communications that highlight manufacturing capabilities, operational excellence, workforce growth, and innovation.
• Partner closely with manufacturing leadership to support change communications, workforce engagement, safety messaging, and operational milestones.
• Support media, community, and customer communications related to Defense Manufacturing activities in Huntsville and across the Defense portfolio.

• Lead proactive media relations in coordination with Corporate Communications, including pitching stories, managing inquiries, and supporting public statements related to Huntsville-based programs, manufacturing operations, and site initiatives.
• Develop external content (press releases, feature articles, web copy, social media posts, executive talking points) that elevates Defense Systems, Program Integration, and Manufacturing capabilities.
• Support defense industry events, community engagements, trade shows, and site visits, including messaging development and on-site communications support.

• Develop and deliver internal communications that keep employees informed about site, sector, program integration, and manufacturing priorities.
• Support employee engagement initiatives, town halls, leadership forums, and site events in partnership with HR and site leadership.
• Ensure consistent messaging and alignment between site communications and broader Defense and Leidos enterprise communications.

• Design and execute integrated communications plans supporting Defense Systems, Program Integration, Manufacturing, and site objectives.
• Provide communications counsel and content support for sensitive issues, including drafting holding statements and coordinating responses with corporate teams.
• Track and measure communications effectiveness and provide data-driven recommendations for improvement.

• Coordinate closely with Corporate Communications, Defense leadership, Program Integration, Manufacturing, HR, Government Affairs, and other functional partners.
• Ensure all communications align with Leidos brand standards, messaging frameworks, and enterprise priorities.

• Bachelor's degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field and 12+ years of progressive communications experience, with a strong emphasis on defense, government contracting, or federal technology environments. Additional years of experience will be considered in lieu of degree requirements.
• Exceptional writing and editing skills, with mastery of AP style and the ability to translate complex technical and programmatic information into compelling narratives.
• Demonstrated success in media relations and external communications.
• Experience advising senior leaders and serving as a strategic communications partner.
• Prior experience managing or mentoring communications staff.
• Strong project management skills with the ability to manage multiple high-visibility priorities.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office and collaboration platforms (Teams, SharePoint).
• Ability to operate with discretion, sound judgment, and confidence in a fast-paced, high-stakes environment.

• Existing relationships with defense and national security media.
• Strong understanding of the Huntsville business, community, and political landscape.
• Experience supporting site-based or geographically distributed operations.
• Familiarity with U.S. defense customers, acquisition environments, and industry dynamics.
• Experience with issues and crisis communications in a defense or government context.
• Eligibility for a U.S. government security clearance.