Communications Intern
Leidos is hiring a Communications Intern in McLean, Virginia, to support a team of researchers in communicating the latest in automated vehicle technology. The Communications Intern will play a significant role on the Leidos team supporting the communications and outreach needs associated with the Federal Highway Administration’s (FHWA’s) cutting-edge research at the Turner Fairbank Highway Research Center (TFHRC). The role will be part of a larger research team that develops new connected and automated vehicle technologies for FHWA.
Primary Responsibilities:
This role will support the Saxton Transportation Operations Laboratory (STOL), where staff develop emerging technologies to improve transportation safety, mobility, and environmental impacts. The STOL provides a variety of services to support the advancement and deployment of vehicle-to-infrastructure technologies. The position will assist in the execution of the overall communications strategy and implementation plan to inform, educate, engage, and develop stakeholders in the transportation industry. This includes efficiently creating and measuring the effectiveness of a variety of communications, like fact sheets, webpage content, PowerPoint presentations, videos, infographics, and topical articles.
The successful candidate has:
- A passion to write and develop content for a variety of communications platforms and publications.
- An appetite to create visuals for an assortment of digital and print collateral.
- An interest in planning for virtual and in-person events and executing a unified vision.
- Support the creation of content for print, digital, and multimedia platforms. This includes creating and editing compelling content for websites, videos, presentations, fact sheets, social media, general and technical media publications, newsletters, and other associated media and materials.
- Review, edit, and develop concise summaries and briefings of technical and/or research reports for technical and lay audiences.
- Track, monitor, and measure the effectiveness of communications, outreach, marketing, and stakeholder engagement activities to inform future campaign strategies and investments.
- Support testing event filming and photo activities. This includes local and out-of-state travel as needed.
- Support the development of events to publicize Office of Operations Research & Development (R&D) activities.
- Support logistics for working with FHWA editors and FHWA Public Affairs as needed on the development and publication of communication materials and media.
- Build and maintain trust with key FHWA stakeholders to facilitate communication on R&D priorities.
Basic Qualifications:
- Currently enrolled in a degree program in marketing, journalism, communications, or a related discipline, or equivalent and 3+ years of related experience.
- Experience with Microsoft Office tools/programs, especially Word, PowerPoint, and Excel.
- Excellent verbal, written, and public speaking communication skills in English.
- Capable of transforming complicated subject matter and diverse source material into coherent, engaging, and accurate content for a variety of audiences.
- Ability to work independently and with small teams.
- Strong work ethic and entrepreneurial spirit.
- Ability to thrive in highly flexible, rapidly changing, ambiguous work environment.
Preferred Qualifications
- Knowledge of Adobe Creative Cloud Software.
- Experience with technical writing and following different communication style guides.
- Familiar with web design and development.
- Experience with web conferencing tools and platforms, preferably Microsoft Teams.
- Ability to learn substance of research quickly.
- Intellectual curiosity and dedication to master vast and complex subjects.
- Skilled at cultivating and managing relationships.
- Demonstrated initiative and resourcefulness.
- Aptitude for technology and interest in automated vehicles and intelligent transportation systems.
- Knowledge of the USDOT, transportation industry and emerging technologies.