SME Strategic Communications Specialist

Posted 4 Hours Ago
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Arlington, VA, USA
In-Office
116K-210K Annually
Senior level
Information Technology • Software
The Role
The SME Strategic Communications Specialist will develop communication strategies, manage stakeholder engagement, and create executive-level materials to support data and analytics programs across the Department of Defense.
Summary Generated by Built In

This Department of War enterprise data and analytics program delivers mission-critical capabilities that enable leaders across the Department to make faster, better-informed decisions using trusted data at scale. Leidos Digital Modernization sector is seeking an experienced SME Strategic Communications Specialist to support the delivery, enhancement, and adoption of enterprise data and analytics products used across multiple DoD organizations.

In this role, you will work alongside government partners, engineers, and other industry teammates to translate operational and strategic requirements into scalable, production-ready solutions. You will contribute directly to product planning, execution, and continuous improvement—helping ensure capabilities are delivered efficiently, aligned to mission priorities, and positioned for sustained success.

This position offers the opportunity to work on a high-visibility, enterprise program at the intersection of data, analytics, and emerging AI technologies. Ideal candidates are motivated by mission impact, comfortable operating in complex stakeholder environments, and interested in building deep domain expertise while delivering capabilities with real-world national security outcomes.

Primary Responsibilities:

  • Develop and execute a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned to program objectives and stakeholder needs.
  • Design, develop, and deliver executive-level briefings, presentations, and communication materials.
  • Support program-wide communications related to WDP capabilities, roadmap, and mission impact .
  • Coordinate and execute stakeholder engagement activities, including briefings, workshops, and outreach events.
  • Translate complex technical concepts (e.g., data platforms, AI/ML, DevSecOps) into clear and compelling messaging.
  • Collaborate with Customer Success, Product, Engineering, and Program Management teams to align messaging and communications.
  • Develop and maintain communication artifacts including slick sheets, reports, videos, and digital content.
  • Analyze stakeholder feedback and communication effectiveness to inform continuous improvement.
  • Support development of program narratives and messaging frameworks that drive adoption and user engagement.
  • Ensure consistency of messaging across all communication channels and stakeholders.
  • Provide recommendations to program leadership on communication strategies and stakeholder engagement approaches.
  • Support coordination of internal and external communications across Government and partner organizations.
  • Participate in SAFe ceremonies as needed to align communications with program execution cycles.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI Eligibility.
  • Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related discipline and 12–15 years of relevant experience OR Master’s degree in a related field and 10–13 years of relevant experience.
  • Extensive experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, or program communications.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications or a related field.
  • Experience developing executive-level communication materials and messaging strategies.
  • Experience translating complex technical or program information into clear, actionable communications.
  • Experience working in large-scale, cross-functional environments.
  • Experience leading strategic communications efforts for large-scale Federal or DoD technology programs.
  • Experience preparing executive-level briefings and strategic messaging for senior leadership.
  • Experience in developing and implementing communication plans.
  • Demonstrated ability to translate complex technical concepts into clear, mission-focused messaging.
  • Experience supporting change management or enterprise adoption initiatives.
  • Strong understanding of software change management processes.
  • Proven ability to lead stakeholder engagement and customer relationship management.
  • Experience with service portfolio and catalog management.
  • Experience operating within SAFe or large-scale Agile frameworks supporting enterprise systems.
  • Strong written, verbal, and presentation skills.
  • Strong analytical skills to generate and maintain customer and user metrics.

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Active TS/SCI clearance.
  • Strong project management skills.
  • Experience supporting DoD or Federal programs.
  • Familiarity with FINOPS and service level agreements.
  • Familiarity with AI/ML and data analytics platforms.
  • Experience supporting communications for data, analytics, or AI/ML programs.
  • Experience supporting service portfolio communications and service level messaging.
  • Experience developing digital media content (e.g., videos, interactive content).
  • Experience supporting customer success, stakeholder engagement, or change management initiatives.
  • Familiarity with Agile or SAFe environments.
  • Experience implementing stakeholder engagement metrics and analytics.
  • Relevant certifications in communications, marketing, or change management.

#ADVANA

If you're looking for comfort, keep scrolling. At Leidos, we outthink, outbuild, and outpace the status quo — because the mission demands it. We're not hiring followers. We're recruiting the ones who disrupt, provoke, and refuse to fail. Step 10 is ancient history. We're already at step 30 — and moving faster than anyone else dares.

Original Posting:May 19, 2026

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.

Pay Range:Pay Range $116,350.00 - $210,325.00

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.

Skills Required

  • Bachelor's degree in Communications, Public Relations, Marketing, Business, or related discipline
  • 12 -15 years of relevant experience OR Master's degree and 10 -13 years
  • Active Top Secret (TS) clearance with SCI Eligibility
  • Extensive experience in strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, or program communications
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience in strategic communications or a related field
  • Experience developing executive-level communication materials and messaging strategies
  • Experience translating complex technical or program information into clear, actionable communications
  • Experience working in large-scale, cross-functional environments
  • Experience preparing executive-level briefings and strategic messaging for senior leadership
  • Experience in developing and implementing communication plans

Leidos Compensation & Benefits Highlights

The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about Leidos and has not been reviewed or approved by Leidos.

  • Healthcare Strength Healthcare coverage is described as comprehensive, with multiple plan options, low office-visit copays in some plans, and access to mental health and wellness support tools. The availability of HSA/FSA options and employer contributions is positioned as a meaningful part of the total package.
  • Retirement Support Retirement benefits are framed as a strong component of total rewards, highlighted by a 401(k) match and immediate vesting in the standard package. The Employee Stock Purchase Plan is also presented as an additional long-term wealth-building feature.
  • Wellbeing & Lifestyle Benefits Wellbeing and lifestyle supports extend beyond core insurance, including wellness programs, fitness-related stipends, and assistance resources. Work flexibility and related perks are also included as part of the broader rewards experience.

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The Company
Alexandria, VA
27,104 Employees
Year Founded: 1969

What We Do

We Are Leidos For 50 years we have been tackling some of the biggest problems that face our nation and our world. OUR MISSION Through our culture of innovation and history of performance, we develop deep customer trust built on integrity and create enduring solutions that improve our world. Leidos is a science and technology solutions leader working to address some of the world’s toughest challenges in the defense, intelligence, homeland security, civil, and healthcare markets. The company’s 43,000 employees support vital missions for government and commercial customers. Headquartered in Reston, Va., Leidos reported annual revenues of approximately $11.09 billion for the fiscal year ended January 3, 2020. Leidos was cited for the meaningful work employees perform that is challenging, impactful, and aligned with our customers’ missions as reasons professionals want to work and stay at our company. Leidos has also been named to lists including Forbes’ Best Employers for Diversity, Forbes’ America’s Best Employers for Women, Military Times Best for Vets Employers, and Ethisphere Institute’s World's Most Ethical Companies®. Employees enjoy career enrichment opportunities available through mobility and development and experience rewarding relationships with supportive supervisors and talented colleagues and customers. Employees appreciate our flexible work environment, allowing for and encouraging a true work-life balance. Our professionals are also excited about our Employee Resource Groups, like the newly launched Collaborative Outreach with Remote and Embedded Employees (CORE), which strives to create an environment where every employee, regardless of location, feels fully engaged as a valued employee of Leidos. Your most important work is ahead.

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