Strategic Communications Specialist

ICF • Arlington, VA

13d • Onsite

About The Position

ICF Next is seeking a Strategic Communications Specialist to join their award-winning agency. This role focuses on communications activities supporting a homeland security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure security client. The ideal candidate will have a background in strategic communications or public affairs within the public sector, with experience in planning and executing public and external affairs initiatives, inter- and intra-agency communications, travel-related activities, and senior leadership support. Experience with high-level government communications operations is highly preferred. This is an opportunity to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment, supporting high-performing clients, engaging with the media, and advancing thought leadership.

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 in assisting in the research, planning, and strategic development of comprehensive public and external affairs activities.
• Minimum of five (5+) years of demonstrated experience working with client and project team members.
• Minimum of five (5+) years of demonstrated experience having Chief of Staff-like skills, such as providing operational advice and support to a senior executive.
• Minimum of five (5+) years of demonstrated experience and 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.
• Distill 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.

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: Mid Level