Communications Specialist, Media Relations (Future Opportunity)

ICF • Arlington, VA

3d • Onsite

About The Position

This role is contingent upon contract award. While not an immediate opening, we are actively interviewing and may extend offers in anticipation of the award, with start dates dependent upon contract finalization. At ICF Next, we are fearless in finding new ways to solve problems, relentless in making sure it pays off for our clients and committed to making a positive change in the world. This is your chance to join our award-winning agency, ICF Next. We’re changemakers, a community of mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists. We’re searching for our next Media Relations Specialist. This role requires a public affairs or media relations background in the national security sector and will focus on communications-related activities that support a homeland security client. Strong candidates will have experience supporting clients with planning and executing successful media relations campaigns and demonstrated capabilities writing communications materials for both internal and external audiences. Experience supporting government communications operations is highly preferred. If you are passionate about building strategic communications, developing messaging for clients, working with the media, and have the requisite prior experience, we'd love to talk to you. This is an exciting role offering excellent opportunities to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Requirements

• Ability to secure a public trust security clearance.
• BS/BA in Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience: Understanding trends, best practices in connecting with busy journalists and turning pitches into stories ; working with client and project team members ; knowledge of public relations and integrated media; and /or generating press attention among national security and cybersecurity reporters.
• Applicants may be asked to submit samples of their work, which could include communications plans, press releases, press coverage or original writing examples.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent communication skills, especially written.
• Strong research and organizational abilities, including interpreting large volumes of data, presenting to clients and adhering to deadlines.
• PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience preferred.
• Self-starter, with ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Support and advise federal press officers in a communications office that receives a substantial number of national, regional, local and trade inquiries every year.
• Produce media engagement strategies for campaigns, announcements and events, to include identifying target media outlets and reporters, outlining media pitches and supporting products.
• Using a media monitoring platform to track news coverage daily and produce monitoring reports and analyses of print and online stories, as needed, to determine reach and impact.
• Provide assistance in the preparation of releases, press kits, facts sheets, response to queries and other materials for use in responding to media inquiries or generating media coverage of initiatives, programs and services.
• Support the development of local or targeted media lists.
• Provide senior level counsel to client leadership and the account team’s project director.

Benefits

• We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
• Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process.
• All information you will provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level