📌 Core Information
🔹 Job Title: Communications and Engagement Specialist
🔹 Company: Leidos
🔹 Location: Alexandria, VA
🔹 Job Type: Full-Time
🔹 Category: Communications & Engagement
🔹 Date Posted: April 9, 2025
🔹 Experience Level: 5-10 years
🔹 Remote Status: On-site
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Supporting DoD Senior Leadership and Executive working groups
- Leading the coordination of key working groups and events
- Creating strategic communications materials and reports
- Managing executive schedules and travel arrangements
- Collaborating with federal and contractor staff across diverse environments
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a high level of organization, communication, and project management skills to effectively support senior leadership and working groups. It also involves handling classified materials and maintaining a high level of security clearance.
📋 Key Responsibilities
✅ Lead the coordination of the Competition Assessment Steering Group (CASG) and office-wide events, ensuring seamless scheduling, stakeholder engagement, and detailed documentation.
✅ Compile and draft essential reports, such as the weekly SITREP, to keep leadership informed on major actions and milestones.
✅ Create polished external products, including slide decks, briefing materials, and strategic communications like PCAT 101.
✅ Oversee and maintain distribution lists across internal and external networks, keeping communication streamlined and up-to-date.
✅ Administer the Joint Worldwide Intelligence Communications System (JWICS) website to inform the Department of PCAT’s latest actions and assessments.
✅ Spearhead planning for director visits, fostering meaningful connections with organizations and commands.
✅ Facilitate smooth onboarding and out-processing for PCAT team members, ensuring a seamless experience.
✅ Provide proactive support for ad-hoc initiatives, collaborating effectively across the team as needed.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines.
🎯 Required Qualifications
Education: Bachelor’s degree
Experience: Minimum 5 years of experience in project management, especially within committee or working group environments. At least 7 years of experience supporting executive staff across classified and unclassified settings.
Required Skills:
- Advanced computer proficiency, with expertise in data management and electronic process optimization to enhance efficiency.
- Strong administrative skills, including handling travel arrangements, maintaining calendars, and facilitating correspondence.
- Exceptional communication skills to prepare effective reports and memos with minimal oversight.
- Ability to make sound, independent decisions aligned with established policies and procedures.
- Team-player mentality, thriving in collaborative environments with federal and contractor staff.
Preferred Skills:
- PMP certification to showcase advanced project management proficiency.
- Hands-on experience within the Department of Defense and familiarity with its operational nuances.
- Detail-oriented approach with exceptional organization and interpersonal skills.
- Proficiency across Microsoft Office suite applications, emphasizing document creation, presentations, and spreadsheets.
- Experience safeguarding classified materials in compliance with regulatory standards.
ASSUMPTION: The required and preferred skills listed are essential for success in this role. However, Leidos may consider candidates who possess a strong combination of these skills and are eager to learn and grow in the position.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
Salary Range: $67,600.00 - $122,200.00 per year
Benefits:
- Health and Wellness Programs
- Income Protection
- Paid Leave
- Retirement
Working Hours: Full-time, typically 40 hours per week, with flexibility based on project needs and business hours.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate based on industry standards for this role and experience level. Actual compensation may vary based on factors such as performance, skills, and business needs.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
Industry: Leidos operates in the IT Services and IT Consulting industry, focusing on defense, intelligence, and health systems. The company is a Fortune 500® innovation company addressing national security and health challenges.
Company Size: Leidos has 10,001+ employees, providing a large and diverse work environment with ample opportunities for growth and collaboration.
Founded: 1969, with a rich history of delivering innovative solutions to government and commercial customers.
Company Description:
- Leidos is a global science and technology solutions leader that drives innovative solutions to complex challenges facing the world today.
- The company's 48,000 employees collaborate to create smarter technology solutions for customers in heavily regulated industries.
- Leidos has been recognized for its meaningful work, diversity, and ethical practices, making it an attractive employer for professionals seeking impactful and challenging careers.
Company Specialties:
- Defense
- Intel
- Sensors
- Health Systems
- Enterprise IT
- Cyber
- Systems Integration
- Space
- Healthcare
- Digital Modernization
- Cybersecurity
- AI/ML
- and Aviation
Company Website: www.leidos.com
ASSUMPTION: Leidos' extensive experience and expertise in its specialized fields make it an ideal choice for professionals seeking to work on complex, high-impact projects.
📊 Role Analysis
Career Level: This role is at the mid-level, requiring a balance of experience and growth opportunities.
Reporting Structure: The Communications and Engagement Specialist will report directly to the PCAT Director and work closely with other team members and stakeholders.
Work Arrangement: This is an on-site position, with the possibility of occasional remote work or hybrid arrangements based on business needs and team preferences.
Growth Opportunities:
- Expanding project management skills and experience within a dynamic and challenging environment.
- Developing expertise in defense and intelligence operations, with potential opportunities to work on classified projects.
- Advancing career prospects within Leidos, a large and diverse organization with numerous growth opportunities.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers significant growth potential for the right candidate, with opportunities to develop skills, gain experience, and advance their career within Leidos.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
Office Type: Leidos' Alexandria, VA office is a modern, collaborative workspace designed to foster innovation and productivity.
Office Location(s): 6350 Walker Ln, Alexandria, VA 22310, and Pentagon, Washington, D.C.
Geographic Context:
- The Alexandria, VA area offers a mix of urban and suburban living, with a vibrant downtown, historic neighborhoods, and easy access to Washington, D.C.
- The region is home to numerous cultural attractions, museums, and recreational opportunities, providing a rich environment for work-life balance.
- The area is well-connected by public transportation, making it easy to commute to and from work.
Work Schedule: The standard workweek is Monday through Friday, with some flexibility based on project needs and business hours. Occasional evening or weekend work may be required to support events or deadlines.
ASSUMPTION: The Alexandria, VA office provides a modern, collaborative work environment, with easy access to numerous amenities and cultural attractions, making it an attractive location for professionals seeking a balance between work and leisure.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
Typical Process:
- Online application submission
- Phone or video screen with a member of the HR team
- In-depth interview with the hiring manager and/or team members
- Background check and security clearance process
- Job offer and onboarding
Key Assessment Areas:
- Project management skills and experience
- Communication and interpersonal skills
- Administrative and organizational skills
- Ability to work effectively in a collaborative environment
- Understanding of defense and intelligence operations
Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Demonstrate your understanding of defense and intelligence operations and your ability to support senior leadership.
- Showcase your project management skills and experience, with specific examples of successful projects or initiatives.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
ATS Keywords: Project management, executive support, event coordination, communication skills, data management, administrative skills, organizational skills, interpersonal skills, Microsoft Office proficiency, classified materials handling, independent decision making, team collaboration, report preparation, stakeholder engagement, travel arrangement, process optimization
ASSUMPTION: Leidos uses an Applicant Tracking System (ATS) to manage job applications. Including relevant keywords in your resume and cover letter can help ensure that your application is properly screened and considered for the role.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint)
- Project management tools (e.g., Microsoft Project, Asana, Trello)
- Classified network access (e.g., JWICS)
- Email and calendar management tools (e.g., Outlook, G Suite)
ASSUMPTION: Proficiency in these tools and technologies is essential for success in this role. Candidates should be comfortable using and learning new tools as needed.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
Company Values:
- Innovation
- Integrity
- Agility
- Collaboration
- Commitment to Customers
Work Style:
- Dynamic and fast-paced environment
- Strong focus on teamwork and collaboration
- Opportunities for professional growth and development
- Flexible work arrangements based on business needs
Self-Assessment Questions:
- Do you thrive in a dynamic, collaborative environment?
- Are you comfortable working with classified materials and maintaining a high level of security clearance?
- Do you have strong organizational skills and the ability to multitask and prioritize multiple projects and deadlines?
- Are you able to make sound, independent decisions aligned with established policies and procedures?
ASSUMPTION: Leidos values a diverse and inclusive work environment, and candidates who can demonstrate a strong fit with the company's values and work style are more likely to succeed in this role.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- Handling classified materials and maintaining a high level of security clearance
- Managing multiple projects and deadlines in a fast-paced environment
- Working with diverse stakeholders, including federal and contractor staff
- Occasional evening or weekend work to support events or deadlines
ASSUMPTION: These challenges are inherent to the role and require strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to multitask and prioritize effectively.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to an Executive Assistant or Senior Project Coordinator position, but with a focus on supporting DoD Senior Leadership and Executive working groups.
- Unlike other project management roles, this position requires a high level of security clearance and experience handling classified materials.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in defense and intelligence operations, project management, or executive support.
ASSUMPTION: This role offers unique opportunities and challenges compared to similar positions, requiring a specific skill set and experience level.
📝 Sample Projects
- Planning and executing a major conference or event for DoD Senior Leadership
- Developing and implementing a comprehensive communication strategy for a high-profile initiative
- Managing a complex project with multiple stakeholders, deadlines, and deliverables
ASSUMPTION: These sample projects illustrate the diverse and challenging nature of the role, requiring strong project management, communication, and organizational skills.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- Can you describe the typical workweek and any flexibility in working hours?
- How does this role support the overall mission and goals of Leidos and the PCAT team?
- What opportunities are there for professional growth and development within this role and Leidos?
- How does the team collaborate and communicate to ensure effective project management and stakeholder engagement?
- What are the most challenging aspects of this role, and how can I best prepare to succeed in them?
ASSUMPTION: Asking these questions demonstrates your interest in the role and provides valuable insights into the work environment and career growth opportunities.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through this link
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight relevant skills and experiences for this role.
- Prepare for behavioral interview questions that focus on your problem-solving skills, teamwork, and adaptability.
- If selected for an interview, be prepared to discuss your experience with defense and intelligence operations and your ability to support senior leadership.
- Follow up with the hiring manager or HR team within one week of submitting your application to confirm receipt and express your interest in the role.
⚠️ This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
