ASC Communications Manager

Are you ready for a rewarding career challenge?

Unleash your potential at Leidos, where we deliver innovative solutions through the efforts of our diverse and talented people who are dedicated to our customer’s success. We empower our teams, contribute to our communities, and operate sustainably. Everything we do is built on a commitment to do the right thing for our customers, our people, and our community. Our Mission, Vision, and Values guide the way we do business.

If this sounds like an environment where you can thrive, keep reading!

Leidos is looking for a talented Communications Manager to join our team and make a difference in the Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) program.

As a key player, you will coordinate efforts across the ASC enterprise and our U.S. National Science Foundation (NSF) customer, supporting messaging for ASC and the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). You will develop and implement internal and external communication strategies that align with the program and joint business objectives.

Don't miss this opportunity to join a dynamic team and make a difference. Apply now!

Due to contract requirements, US Citizenship is required.

Must obtain a Public Trust security clearance prior to start date. This process could take up to 4 months.

About the Antarctic Support Contract:

Leidos Antarctic Support Contract (ASC) is the prime contractor to the National Science Foundation (NSF) in support of the United States Antarctic Program (USAP). Leidos supports the NSF’s Office of Polar Program’s Antarctic Infrastructure and Logistics by aligning with their Mission and Vision Statements:

• Vision:  Expanding our scientific reach in Antarctica through increased operational and logistical effectiveness.

• Mission:  To provide the operational and logistical platform necessary for the U.S. to conduct world-class science in Antarctica and maintain its active and influential presence on the continent.

Leidos ASC provides science and logistics support for approximately 150 science and technical events across three geographically remote research stations; McMurdo Station, Palmer Station, and South Pole Station and several deep field sites across Antarctica. Each station or field site supports world class research across multiple science disciplines.  The planning and implementation of science support requirements in Antarctica is a critical part of our mission.

To learn more about the Leidos Antarctic Support contract, click here.

Are you ready to join a team dedicated to a mission? Begin your journey of a flourishing and meaningful career, share your resume with us today! 

The Challenge:

• Work closely with ASC Senior Leadership, NSF’s Office of Legislative and Public Affairs (OLPA) and Office of Polar Programs (OPP) Communications Manager, and necessary stakeholders to develop and drive communications strategy, oversee internal and external communications, ensure program messaging is consistent and engaging.

• Coordinate, collaborate, and integrate across ASC to support communications needs for the USAP participants as detailed in an annual objectives-based communications plan, prepared and finalized prior to the onset of each fiscal year.

• Develop, implement, assess, and monitor internal communications strategic plans in alignment with organizational goals and objectives; identify emerging internal communications and information-sharing needs and develop appropriate methods to address them; coordinate and implement delivery in various internal communications and information-sharing vehicles.

• Coordinate with ASC Leadership, ASC Communications team, and OPP Communications Manager to ensure plans align with NSF goals and objectives and meet contractual requirements.

• Direct, adjudicate, and coordinate internal and external communications activities: maintaining and developing communications plans; social media, print and electronic materials; media, outreach, and education activities. 

• Using your understanding how to engage various USAP communities, proactively, thoroughly and consistently approach the various communities that meet and exceed the recipient’s needs.

• Receive and respond appropriately to NSF and ASC stakeholder feedback regarding ASC communications means, methods, and content.

• Consistently and continuously, improve all facets of communications engagement to encourage appropriate levels of transparency for personnel receiving the communications teams outputs (i.e. various levels of expertise, deployment experience, full-time engagement). 

• Coordinate and collaborate across ASC regarding the implementation of ASC training program and continuous improvements.

• Manage all Communication team contract deliverables including the USAP Photo Library, online publications for the USAP.gov web site; actively promote scientific achievements and programmatic successes in Antarctica and the Southern Ocean. 

• Drive ASC strategy for Communications team in support of ASC and NSF communications objectives, including identifying and setting expectations for communications regarding program training requirements. 

• Understand and manage through sensitive and/or high profile situations appropriately. 

• Work within the Mission Assurance team to receive and respond to community feedback. 

• Respond to internal and external feedback and requests for information; provide employee guidance and training for appropriate release of programmatic information, and coordinate with NSF for responses to media inquiries.

• Spearhead engagement activities within ASC to identify and address community priorities in line with NSF objectives, through effectively defining and implementing program USAP initiatives, as driven by ASC and NSF leadership objectives. 

• Assign and plan work to be accomplished by the Communications team, set and adjust short- and long-term priorities, and prepare schedules for work completion. This position currently manages two staff positions: one Communications Specialist and one Graphic Designer.

• Identify and initiate ways to accelerate production, improve work processes, and/or improve the quality of work directed; employ user- or customer-experience testing and related tools to solicit feedback; and tirelessly champion continuous improvement.

• Identify and develop core capability positioning and messaging that uniquely differentiates Leidos within the market and communicate offerings’ benefits clearly to customers, highlighting our competitive advantage.

• Strategically engage with ASC leadership to understand and anticipate customer needs, programmatic priorities, and organizational strengths, weaknesses, and opportunities appropriately.

What Sets You Apart:

• Bachelor's Degree (preferably in Communications, English, Public Relations, or Management) and 5+ years of prior work experience.

• Prior collaboration with a federal agency and/or global remote operations 

• Demonstrated expertise in working with and advising senior leaders.

• Excellent presentation, public speaking, and written communication skills.

• Demonstrated knowledge and proficiency with communications technologies and platforms.

• Exceptional skill with MS Office products and Adobe CC, especially Photoshop/ Lightroom, InDesign, and Illustrator.

• Skill in using software applications to develop communications products such as web design and content, brochures, briefing materials, and marketing tools.

• Exceptional organization skills and ability to respond quickly and accurately to requests while working effectively in a team environment.

• Training program preparation and delivery. 

• Applicable prior USAP experience 

• Superior interpersonal skills and ability to work with executives, employees, media, and the community—online and in person.

You May Also Have:

• Master's Degree and prior work experience as a Communications Manager

• Previous experience collaborating with a federal agency and remote operations (preferably global).

• Demonstrable experience across a full spectrum of communications disciplines.

• Experience creating Strategic Communications Plans.

• Experience as a people leader.

Original Posting Date:

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:

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.