Communications Specialist (On-call,Remote)

ICF•Reston, VA

2d•Remote

About The Position

ICF is searching for a communications specialist to support a portfolio of projects and strategic initiatives with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including websites, innovation programs, research initiatives, meetings, and events. This position will play a key role in developing and executing communications strategies that enhance awareness, engagement, and impact across a variety of federal programs. The Communications Specialist will work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and matrixed environment, partnering with technical experts, program managers, researchers, and government stakeholders to create clear, compelling, and audience-focused communications. The successful candidate will be adaptable, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines. The ideal candidate brings experience supporting the full communications product lifecycle, from strategy and content development through review, publication, and dissemination, while ensuring quality, consistency, accessibility, and compliance with federal communications standards. They will possess exceptional writing and editing skills and the ability to translate complex technical, scientific, and programmatic information into messaging that resonates with diverse audiences. This role offers the opportunity to support innovative initiatives at the intersection of technology, research, and public service while helping drive engagement, knowledge sharing, and adoption across NIH communities.

Requirements

5+ years of experience in communications, strategic communications, public affairs, marketing communications, or related disciplines.
Bachelor’s degree.
Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence required due to federal contract requirements.

Nice To Haves

Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and collaboration platforms such as Teams or SharePoint.
Experience supporting federal government clients, preferably the National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS, or other health-focused agencies.
Strong written and oral communication skills.
Self-driven and flexible, with the ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.
Comfortable with graphics and formatting in Microsoft Suite.
Experience formatting in Confluence classic.
Knowledge of federal communications standards, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and plain language principles.
Comfortable facilitating online meetings with groups of at least 30 participants.
Familiarity with basic artificial intelligence, generative AI, data science, digital transformation, or emerging technology initiatives.
Familiarity with Mural design and facilitation.

Responsibilities

Develop, implement, and maintain strategic communications plans that support NIH initiatives.
Create and disseminate internal and external communications products, including press releases, briefing materials, peer-reviewed publications, poster presentations, and meeting presentations.
Develop and maintain program communications resources, including Confluence spaces, SharePoint sites, and other collaboration platforms, ensuring content remains current, accurate, and engaging.
Collaborate with technical, scientific, and program teams to identify accomplishments, lessons learned, and success stories, and communicate program impact to internal and external audiences.
Create visually engaging presentations, infographics, and other communications assets that comply with federal communications standards, plain language principles, accessibility requirements (Section 508), and organizational branding guidelines.
Coordinate and support a knowledge-sharing community or similar collaborative learning forum, including developing and managing content calendars, creating communications and promotional materials, facilitating knowledge-sharing activities, and co-facilitating meetings and events.