Sr. Communications Specialist (Public Health)

ICF • Washington, DC

4d • $81,147 - $166,919 • Onsite

About The Position

ICF Next is seeking a Senior Communications and Public Affairs Lead for a vital Department of War client. This role requires a public affairs and strategic communications background, preferably with military experience (civilian or enlisted). The position focuses on outreach activities and supporting clients with communications operations, press rollouts, campaigns, public affairs initiatives, and leadership support. Experience with high-level government communications is highly preferred. The role is ideal for someone passionate about public health, public outreach, promoting government services, military service, and advancing public affairs in the public sector. This is an exciting opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Requirements

• US Citizenship due to government requirements.
• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Marketing, or related field.
• Ability to secure a public trust security clearance.
• 7+ years of public relations, public affairs and integrated communications experience with demonstrated experience creating dynamic communications plans for a variety of topics and leading a diverse team.
• Prior civilian or military experience at the senior level preferred.

Nice To Haves

• Excellent and proven oral and written communications experience.
• Ability to lead people and manage and execute multiple strategic communications plans simultaneously, both in execution phase and planning phase.
• Applying innovative techniques in public relations to generate positive digital engagement and media attention.
• PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience preferred.
• Ability to predict and mitigate problems or conflicts.
• Strong organizational abilities and logistics skills
• Self-starter, with ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a trusted advisor to clients or senior leadership.
• Leading and managing special projects, taskings and government programs.
• Extensive and proven strategic communications planning experience with identified measured results accomplished.
• Integrated strategic communications plans, social media, media relations, internal communications and strategic outreach experience.
• Experience in overseeing analytics and measurement of communications impact.
• Possess the ability and experience in writing and coordinating Public Affairs Guidance.
• Possess the experience to write for senior military leaders, other DoD activities, or healthcare industry including speeches, OP-ED's, news articles, and messages for executive leadership.
• Lead and collaborate with colleagues across various accounts to ensure integration with other disciplines, including social media, creative services, owned media, and digital services.
• Manage and mentor junior staff.
• Stay apprised of industry trends, including the use of AI, to advise clients.

Benefits

• ICF is an equal opportunity employer.
• 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.

What This Job Offers

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