External Communications Manager (Project Management)

Do you crave a career that truly makes an impact in people's lives? Do you thrive on problem-solving and finding solutions? Join a dedicated, tight-knit team that creates an immediate and meaningful impact every day.

Leidos QTC Health Services (LQTC) is seeking a strategic, results-driven External Communications Manager to lead its external communications and marketing function. This pivotal leadership role focuses on advancing LQTC's brand visibility, strengthening external engagement, and supporting growth initiatives through integrated, multi-channel communication strategies.

The External Communications Manager reports to the Leidos Health & Civil Sector Communications Director and serves as the primary external communications advisor to LQTC senior leadership. Leading a small team, this individual will collaborate with executives, subject matter experts, Growth and Strategy leaders, and functional partners to drive initiatives that enhance brand awareness, reputation, and market positioning.

We're seeking a leader who combines strategic vision with hands-on execution, thrives in a regulated and fast-paced environment, and brings a metrics-driven mindset to connect communications efforts directly to business impact. The successful candidate will foster collaboration, accountability, and continuous improvement within their team and across stakeholder groups. This role also partners closely with the Health & Civil Sector External Communications Manager and the Leidos Media Relations team to ensure alignment between LQTC's communications efforts and broader enterprise initiatives, including coordination on media relations and public-facing messaging.

This position is intended to be performed from a Leidos office, with a preference for candidates based in or within commuting distance of:

• • Reston, Va. (Leidos Global Headquarters)
  • San Antonio, Texas.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Lead the development and execution of comprehensive external communications and marketing strategies aligned with LQTC's business goals and growth objectives.
• Oversee multi-channel campaigns, including digital advertising, SEO/SEM, content marketing, earned media content coordination, paid media, and social media, to enhance brand awareness and external engagement.
• Serve as the primary external communications point of contact for LQTC leadership, collaborating with executives, Leidos communications leaders, and subject matter experts to shape messaging and campaign tactics that resonate with key audiences.
• Collaborate with the Sector External Communications Manager and Leidos Media Relations team to coordinate media-related activities, including preparing media materials, backgrounders, Q&A documents, and talking points for spokespeople.
• Ensure brand consistency and effective positioning across all external communications—including website content, press releases, media statements, sales collateral, trade show assets, white papers, and thought leadership content.
• Support executive visibility efforts by drafting thought leadership content, speaker remarks, and award nominations, and coordinating external opportunities with the Sector Communications team.
• Track communications and campaign performance metrics to assess effectiveness, optimize strategies, and report outcomes to leadership.
• Monitor industry trends, policy updates, competitor positioning, and audience insights to inform communications strategies.
• Act as a brand steward for both LQTC and Leidos, ensuring adherence to brand standards and messaging guidelines across all external touchpoints.
• Lead and manage the external communications team—including recruitment, coaching, mentorship, and performance management—to foster a culture of accountability, innovation, and continuous improvement.
• Maintain project management discipline by leveraging Leidos' systems to track progress, meet deadlines, and ensure marketing deliverables are on time and within budget.
• Coordinate LQTC participation in key industry events, conferences, and sponsorships to advance brand presence.
• Perform additional duties as required. 

Required Qualifications:

• • Bachelor's degree in communications, marketing, public relations, journalism, or a related field required.
  • Minimum of 10 years of progressive experience in external communications, marketing or public relations, preferably in healthcare, government services, or a corporate environment.
  • Demonstrated experience developing and executing B2B communications and marketing strategies with a focus on external messaging, content development, media engagement and market positioning.
  • Experience managing earned, paid, and social media campaigns.
  • Familiarity with media relations practices, including drafting media materials and coordinating with enterprise media teams.
  • Excellent writing, editing, and verbal communication skills, with the ability to distill complex information into compelling messages.
  • Ability to provide strategic counsel to senior leaders, build trusted relationships, and work effectively across all levels of the organization.
  • Experience leading teams, with demonstrated skill in mentorship, coaching, and fostering growth.
  • Highly organized and detail-oriented, with a proven ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment.
  • Collaborative mindset with excellent interpersonal skills and a commitment to cross-functional partnership.
  • Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint) and familiarity with AP style (preferred).
  • Ability to travel up to 20%.

Preferred Qualifications:

• •  Master's degree with 10 years of relevant experience preferred.
  • Deep experience with external communications and marketing tools and platforms (e.g., CMS, social media management, email marketing, digital advertising, analytics platforms).
  • Experience with collaborative workflow tools preferred.

About Leidos QTC Health Services

Leidos QTC Health Services collaborates closely with government and non-government customers to address current and future program needs within the health services domain. We specialize in disability-focused medical examinations, independent medical exams and review services, occupational health services, diagnostic testing, and case management solutions. As innovators, we focus on advancing technologies that improve service delivery, with a particular emphasis on enhancing accessibility for examinees in rural communities. With a proven track record of continuous improvement and steady growth, we now handle over 2 million appointments annually. Visit www.qtcm.com for more information.

Compensation 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. As a result, we offer meaningful and engaging careers to support you and your career goals, all while nurturing a healthy work-life balance. Employment benefits include competitive compensation, Health and Wellness programs, Income Protection, Paid Leave and Retirement. More details are available here.

This role may fall under the Service Contract Act (SCA), a federal law which provides for a U.S. Department of Labor-prescribed minimum prevailing rate of pay and certain benefit levels. Where appropriate, Company-provided benefit plans such as comprehensive leave, holiday, medical, dental, life, accident, disability coverages, retirement plan contributions, and other health and welfare benefits and payments are utilized to meet these obligations. 

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 QTC Health Services will also consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories consistent with relevant laws.”

Equal Opportunity Employer/Protected Veterans/Individuals with Disabilities
This employer is required to notify all applicants of their rights pursuant to federal employment laws. For further information, please review the Know Your Rights notice from the Department of Labor. Marketing & Communication