Director, Earned Media and Multimedia Storytelling
Leonardo DRS, Arlington, VA, United States
Director, Earned Media and Multimedia Storytelling
Location: Arlington, VA, US, 22202
Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission‑critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi‑domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.leonardodrs.com.
Position Summary The Director, Earned Media and Multimedia Storytelling is responsible for leading the company’s earned media strategy, overseeing media and press relations, managing executive communications and developing messaging and content to advance the organization’s brand awareness and familiarity campaign. This role serves as a key counselor to senior leaders, ensuring consistent, disciplined messaging and preparing executives to represent the company effectively in interviews, public appearances, and on‑camera engagements.
Working Conditions (as applicable)
Hybrid work with 3 days/week required to be in the office in Arlington, VA
Will require travel for executive engagements, site visits, tradeshows and events or media events
Availability outside normal business hours during time-sensitive media situations
Key Responsibilities Earned Media Strategy and Media Relations
Develop, execute, and continuously refine the company’s earned media strategy in support of brand awareness and familiarity objectives
Build and maintain strong relationships with national, trade, local, and industry media contacts
Identify proactive story opportunities, shape pitches, and secure media placements aligned to business priorities
Track media trends and issues; advise on opportunities and potential reputational risks
Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and oversee follow‑up to ensure accuracy and message alignment
Maintain and improve press materials (media boilerplates, backgrounders, fact sheets, FAQs, press kits)
Press Relations and Content Development
Draft and/or oversee development of press releases, media statements, Q‑and‑A documents, bylined articles, executive quotes, media pitches and multi‑media content.
Partner with internal stakeholders to translate technical/program information into clear, compelling narratives
Ensure all external materials reflect approved messaging, brand standards, and communications strategy
Coordinate with legal, compliance, security, and leadership teams to manage approvals and sensitive information
Executive Communications and Spokesperson Support
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to executives and designated spokespeople
Message development and narrative framing
Briefing books, talking points, anticipated questions, and bridging techniques
On‑camera coaching support (in coordination with internal or external training resources)
Provide real‑time counsel before and during interviews as appropriate, ensuring message discipline and clarity
Develop executive‑ready communications such as internal notes, external statements, keynote remarks, and op‑ed drafts, as needed
Messaging Strategy and Governance
Enforce the company’s messaging strategy across earned media and executive communications
Develop and maintain core message platforms, proof points, positioning statements, and approved spokesperson language
Train and guide internal subject matter experts and leaders on message discipline and media best practices
Promote consistent communications practices across business units and functions
Crisis Communications and Issues Management
Lead and support crisis communications and issues management, including rapid response messaging, holding statements, executive guidance, coordination with legal/compliance/security, and media monitoring to protect the company’s reputation during emerging or high‑impact situations
Measurement and Reporting
Define earned media goals, KPIs, and reporting cadence aligned to the brand awareness campaign and dashboard
Monitor coverage quality and message pull‑through; provide insights and recommendations to improve performance
Provide daily news coverage for the Leonardo DRS brand and our industry peers and competitors
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
7‑10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, public affairs, or corporate communications (agency and/or in‑house).
Proven success developing and executing earned media strategies that build brand awareness and credibility
Demonstrated experience supporting executives and spokespeople in high‑visibility media engagements
Outstanding writing and editing skills across formats (press releases, statements, talking points, briefs)
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive information
Ability to lead cross‑functional coordination and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting communications in regulated, technical, or complex environments (e.g., aerospace and defense, government contracting, manufacturing, critical infrastructure)
Crisis communications or issues management experience
Media training experience (formal or informal), including on‑camera preparation
Familiarity with brand awareness campaigns and message pull‑through measurement
Existing relationships with key trade and national media (industry‑dependent)
Core Competencies
Strategic communications planning and execution
Message discipline and spokesperson coaching
Media pitching and relationship management
Exceptional verbal communication and executive presence
Stakeholder management and collaboration
Calm, decisive performance under pressure
High attention to detail and editorial rigor
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #Corp
Our Vision. To be the leading mid‑tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
Integrity
Agility
Excellence
Customer Focus
Community & Respect
Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr
Leonardo DRS, Inc. is an innovative and agile provider of advanced defense technology to U.S. national security customers and allies around the world. We specialize in the design, development and manufacture of advanced sensing, network computing, force protection, and electric power and propulsion, and other leading mission‑critical technologies. Our innovative people are leading the way in developing disruptive technologies for autonomous, dynamic, interconnected, and multi‑domain capabilities to defend against new and emerging threats. For more information and to learn more about our full range of capabilities, visit www.leonardodrs.com.
Position Summary The Director, Earned Media and Multimedia Storytelling is responsible for leading the company’s earned media strategy, overseeing media and press relations, managing executive communications and developing messaging and content to advance the organization’s brand awareness and familiarity campaign. This role serves as a key counselor to senior leaders, ensuring consistent, disciplined messaging and preparing executives to represent the company effectively in interviews, public appearances, and on‑camera engagements.
Working Conditions (as applicable)
Hybrid work with 3 days/week required to be in the office in Arlington, VA
Will require travel for executive engagements, site visits, tradeshows and events or media events
Availability outside normal business hours during time-sensitive media situations
Key Responsibilities Earned Media Strategy and Media Relations
Develop, execute, and continuously refine the company’s earned media strategy in support of brand awareness and familiarity objectives
Build and maintain strong relationships with national, trade, local, and industry media contacts
Identify proactive story opportunities, shape pitches, and secure media placements aligned to business priorities
Track media trends and issues; advise on opportunities and potential reputational risks
Manage media inquiries, coordinate interviews, and oversee follow‑up to ensure accuracy and message alignment
Maintain and improve press materials (media boilerplates, backgrounders, fact sheets, FAQs, press kits)
Press Relations and Content Development
Draft and/or oversee development of press releases, media statements, Q‑and‑A documents, bylined articles, executive quotes, media pitches and multi‑media content.
Partner with internal stakeholders to translate technical/program information into clear, compelling narratives
Ensure all external materials reflect approved messaging, brand standards, and communications strategy
Coordinate with legal, compliance, security, and leadership teams to manage approvals and sensitive information
Executive Communications and Spokesperson Support
Serve as a trusted communications advisor to executives and designated spokespeople
Message development and narrative framing
Briefing books, talking points, anticipated questions, and bridging techniques
On‑camera coaching support (in coordination with internal or external training resources)
Provide real‑time counsel before and during interviews as appropriate, ensuring message discipline and clarity
Develop executive‑ready communications such as internal notes, external statements, keynote remarks, and op‑ed drafts, as needed
Messaging Strategy and Governance
Enforce the company’s messaging strategy across earned media and executive communications
Develop and maintain core message platforms, proof points, positioning statements, and approved spokesperson language
Train and guide internal subject matter experts and leaders on message discipline and media best practices
Promote consistent communications practices across business units and functions
Crisis Communications and Issues Management
Lead and support crisis communications and issues management, including rapid response messaging, holding statements, executive guidance, coordination with legal/compliance/security, and media monitoring to protect the company’s reputation during emerging or high‑impact situations
Measurement and Reporting
Define earned media goals, KPIs, and reporting cadence aligned to the brand awareness campaign and dashboard
Monitor coverage quality and message pull‑through; provide insights and recommendations to improve performance
Provide daily news coverage for the Leonardo DRS brand and our industry peers and competitors
Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Affairs, Marketing, or related field (or equivalent experience)
7‑10+ years of progressive experience in public relations, media relations, public affairs, or corporate communications (agency and/or in‑house).
Proven success developing and executing earned media strategies that build brand awareness and credibility
Demonstrated experience supporting executives and spokespeople in high‑visibility media engagements
Outstanding writing and editing skills across formats (press releases, statements, talking points, briefs)
Strong judgment, discretion, and ability to manage sensitive information
Ability to lead cross‑functional coordination and manage competing priorities under tight deadlines
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting communications in regulated, technical, or complex environments (e.g., aerospace and defense, government contracting, manufacturing, critical infrastructure)
Crisis communications or issues management experience
Media training experience (formal or informal), including on‑camera preparation
Familiarity with brand awareness campaigns and message pull‑through measurement
Existing relationships with key trade and national media (industry‑dependent)
Core Competencies
Strategic communications planning and execution
Message discipline and spokesperson coaching
Media pitching and relationship management
Exceptional verbal communication and executive presence
Stakeholder management and collaboration
Calm, decisive performance under pressure
High attention to detail and editorial rigor
Taking care of our people is a top priority at Leonardo DRS. We are proud to offer competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits, including medical, dental, and vision coverage, a company contribution to a health savings account, telemedicine, life and disability insurance, legal insurance, and a 401(k) savings plan. We champion wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well‑being. We develop our talent by offering programs and activities to support career‑growth, professional development, and skill enhancement. And we understand there is more to life than work, and the importance of offering flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program, competitive vacation, health/emergency leave, paid parental leave, and community service hours.
*Some employees are eligible for limited benefits only.
Leonardo DRS, Inc. and its subsidiaries provide equal opportunities to all employees and applicants for employment and prohibit discrimination and harassment of any type without regard to race, color, religion, age, sex, national origin, disability status, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by federal, state, or local laws. #Corp
Our Vision. To be the leading mid‑tier defense technology company in the U.S.
Our Values. The Leonardo DRS culture is defined by our Core Values and Principles:
Integrity
Agility
Excellence
Customer Focus
Community & Respect
Innovation
We strive to uphold them in all aspects of our business practices to inspire our employees and provide outstanding support for our customers.
#J-18808-Ljbffr