Description

Join our team and help shape the future of transportation!

Leidos is hiring an experienced Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager based at the Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center's Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory in McLean, Virginia. This advanced research lab and smart garage enable groundbreaking research and testing that allow the U.S. Department of Transportation (USDOT) to validate and refine new transportation services and technologies developed by Leidos and our partners.

About the Role:

As an Assistant Marketing and Communications Manager, you will join a team dedicated to leading marketing and communications strategy for emerging transportation technologies, supporting research at Turner-Fairbank Highway Research Center through content creation, team management, and collaboration with technical and client teams. Your work will support and promote cutting-edge advancements in intelligent transportation systems and automated vehicle technologies. These initiatives support the USDOT and their Intelligent Transportation Systems Joint Program Office (ITS JPO), Highly Automated Systems Safety Center of Excellence (HASS COE) and Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

• Develop and lead strategic marketing and communication initiatives to enhance the reputation and visibility of a suite of brands, ensuring alignment with organizational goals and values.
• Collaborate with internal team members and external stakeholders to ensure clear, consistent, and effective communication that supports organizational objectives.
• Oversee the planning, execution, and evaluation of multi-channel campaigns from ideation to completion, driving measurable outcomes and engagement.
• Manage multiple projects simultaneously, ensuring timelines, budgets, and deliverables are met while maintaining high-quality standards.
• Serve as a trusted advisor to leadership on communication strategies, ensuring cohesive messaging and alignment across internal and external audiences.
• Coordinate and oversee the production of innovative, audience-specific materials for digital and traditional platforms, tailored to organizational objectives.
• Build and maintain strategic partnerships to foster collaboration, enhance outreach efforts, and ensure consistent communication.
• Lead and mentor teams of marketing and communication professionals, driving a culture of accountability and excellence.
• Develop and promote thought leadership content to position the organization as an industry leader, including white papers, case studies, and executive presentations.
• Leverage data-driven insights and advanced analytics to measure campaign success, optimize strategies, and demonstrate ROI.
• Direct the strategy and execution of high-profile in-person and virtual events, ensuring alignment with brand objectives.
• Implement and manage crisis communication strategies to safeguard and enhance the organization's reputation.
• Ensure compliance with accessibility standards, including Section 508, and regulatory requirements in all communication materials.
• Identify and implement emerging technologies and digital tools to enhance marketing and communication efforts.

• Bachelor's degree with 8+ years of experience or Master's degree with 6+ years in marketing, communications, public relations, or a related field.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance (which includes three years of immediate residency in the US).
• Proven ability to lead complex marketing and communication strategies across a matrixed organization.
• Strong experience in managing and mentoring high-performing teams, ensuring professional growth and operational success.
• Demonstrated expertise in project management, with a proven ability to manage multiple, concurrent initiatives while meeting deadlines.
• Advanced knowledge of branding, integrated marketing, and audience engagement best practices.
• Demonstrated success in collaborating with technical teams, executives, and cross-functional stakeholders.
• Expertise in developing and optimizing content strategies tailored to diverse audiences.
• Proficiency in analytics and reporting tools to measure and enhance the impact of campaigns.
• Exceptional communication skills, with a demonstrated ability to influence internal and external audiences.

• Advanced understanding or experience in the transportation industry, engineering, automated vehicle technologies, cooperative driving automation, intelligent transportation systems, or emerging technologies such as AI.
• Proficiency in project management methodologies (Agile, Scrum, Waterfall) and tools like Adobe Workfront.
• Expertise in creating accessible content and serving as a subject matter expert on Section 508 compliance.
• Proven ability to lead crisis communication efforts in high-stakes situations.
• Demonstrated experience in developing and executing thought leadership initiatives.