Health Communications Specialist 4 (Proposal)

Abt Global•Rockville, MD

3d•$85,000 - $125,000

About The Position

As a Health Communications Associate, you will lead and contribute to the design, development, and execution of strategic communications initiatives across a portfolio of public health and healthcare projects. You will translate complex technical content into high-quality communications products and play a key role in shaping messaging strategies that support client objectives. This role is ideal for a mid-level professional with demonstrated experience in health communications who can operate with increasing autonomy, manage multiple priorities, and engage effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams. This position is contingent upon award of additional health communication contracts to Abt Global.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree and Nine years of relevant experience, or Master’s and seven years of relevant experience, or PhD and four years of relevant experience
8+ years of relevant experience in health communications, public health, or related field
Demonstrated experience developing and leading communications products and deliverables
Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, especially translating technical content for diverse audiences
Experience applying plain language standards, storytelling, and narrative development
Experience managing multiple workstreams and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment
Experience supporting federal health clients (e.g., HRSA, CDC, NIH, SSA)
Familiarity with health systems strengthening initiatives
Experience with digital communications tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems
Strategic thinker with strong judgment and problem-solving skills
Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams
Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables

Nice To Haves

Degree in Public Health, Communications, or Public Relations strongly preferred.

Responsibilities

Contribute to and help implement communications strategies aligned with project and client goals
Apply evidence-based communication planning frameworks (e.g., health belief model, SBCC) including audience research, message testing, and channel selection
Lead the development of communications products, including reports, briefs, web content, blogs, social media, infographics, and presentations
Develop toolkits, briefs, and dissemination products tailored to health providers, researchers, and consumer audiences
Synthesize complex research findings and technical content into clear, audience-appropriate messaging
Apply federal plain language standards and readability principles to all deliverables
Ensure all deliverables meet quality, accessibility, and branding standards
Manage communications workstreams or discrete tasks across one or more projects
Manage digital communications products from concept through launch, including road mapping, sprint planning, and stakeholder alignment
Oversee timelines, deliverables, and workflows to ensure on-time, high-quality execution
Provide guidance and direction to junior staff on communications tasks and products
Support coordination of outreach campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination activities
Participate in client meetings and contribute to presentations, briefings, and deliverables
Support the development of client-facing materials, including reports and communication plans
Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders
Oversee content calendars and support dissemination across digital platforms
Track and analyze communications performance metrics and recommend improvements
Evaluate and improve content and campaigns by identifying KPIs, using analytics platforms, and delivery data-driven optimization recommendations
Maintain documentation for communications activities, approvals, and reporting
Manage content across specific digital channels (web, email, social, mobile), including platform governance, audience targeting, and scheduling
Oversee design and visualization of communications products using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or Tableau
Apply digital marketing and social marketing principles — including SEO, paid media, and campaign management — to public health communications efforts
Conduct environmental scans, audience analyses, and literature reviews to inform communications approaches
Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach strategies
Inform the development of toolkits and dissemination products through audience analysis and evidence review, ensuring materials meet the literacy, cultural, and contextual needs of audiences
Contribute to concept notes, proposals, and business development efforts as needed
Stay current on public health trends, communications best practices, and federal client priorities