Director, Earned Media and Multimedia Storytelling

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
• Prepare executives for media engagements, including:
  • 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