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.

Key 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.

Basic Qualifications:

• Ability to secure a public trust security clearance.

• BS/BA in Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field.

• Minimum of five (3+) 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, and Knowledge of public relations, public affairs and integrated media.

Preferred Skills and experience:

• 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.

Job Location(s): This position will provide onsite client support at the client office in Arlington, VA.

Bot and Third-Party Applications

Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration. Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.  Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact [email protected] for assistance.

Working at ICF

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: