Strategic Communications Specialist

ICF•Arlington, VA

19h•Onsite

About The Position

Strategic Communications Specialist @ 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. Here’s 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 Strategic Communications Specialist. This role requires a strategic communications or public affairs background in the public sector and will focus on communications-related activities that support a homeland security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure security client. Strong candidates will have experience supporting clients with planning and executing successful public and external affairs initiatives, inter- and intra-agency communications and coordination, travel related activities, and senior leadership support. Experience supporting high level government communications operations is highly preferred. If you are passionate about building strategic communications, supporting high performing clients, working with the media, advancing thought leadership, 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: Assisting in the research, planning, and strategic development of a comprehensive public and external affairs activities,
Working with client and project team members,
Having Chief of Staff-like skills, such as providing operational advice and support to a senior executive,
Knowledge of public relations, public affairs and integrated media.

Nice To Haves

Excellent oral communication skills.
Ability to predict and mitigate problems or conflicts.
Strong organizational abilities.
PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience preferred.
Self-starter, with ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.
Experience supporting high level government communications operations is highly preferred.

Responsibilities

Provide strategic guidance and support to senior external affairs officials and leadership on operational efficiencies, strategic messaging, event planning, and staffing at external engagement events.
Distilling complex national security information into clear communications and reports for internal and external audiences.
Collaborate with colleagues to create external communications plans that align with and complement vertical plans and bolster the public’s understanding of cyber and infrastructure security threats.
Produce impactful monitoring and metrics analysis reports and contribute recommendations that improve the effectiveness of rapid response and planning communication rollouts.
Serve as a trusted liaison between office leadership and agency leadership.