Director, Earned Media and Multimedia Storytelling

Leonardo DRS, Inc.

9d•Hybrid

About The Position

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.

Requirements

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

Nice To Haves

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)
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

Responsibilities

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)
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
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
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
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
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

Benefits

medical
dental
vision coverage
a company contribution to a health savings account
telemedicine
life and disability insurance
legal insurance
a 401(k) savings plan
wellness programs that focus on physical, emotional, and financial well-being
programs and activities to support career-growth, professional development, and skill enhancement
flexible work schedules with our 9/80 program
competitive vacation
health/emergency leave
paid parental leave
community service hours