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 (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, 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.
Working at ICF
ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.
We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.
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. To request an accommodation, please email [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.
Read more about workplace discrimination rights or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.
At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.
However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.
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:
$74,090.00 - $125,954.00Virginia Client Office (VA88)Skills Required
- Ability to secure a public trust security clearance
- BS/BA in Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field
- Minimum of five (5+) years of experience in research, planning, and strategic development of public and external affairs activities
- Experience working with client and project team members
- Chief of Staff-like skills providing operational advice and support to senior executives
- Knowledge of public relations, public affairs, and integrated media
- Excellent oral communication skills
- Ability to predict and mitigate problems or conflicts
- Strong organizational abilities
- PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience
- Self-starter with ability to independently manage tasks and multiple priorities
ICF Compensation & Benefits Highlights
The following summarizes recurring compensation and benefits themes identified from responses generated by popular LLMs to common candidate questions about ICF and has not been reviewed or approved by ICF.
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Healthcare Strength — Medical, dental, and vision coverage start on day one with multiple plan options, employer HSA/HRA funding, and company‑paid mental‑health care that includes 10 therapy and 10 coaching sessions annually. These features indicate comprehensive coverage with meaningful mental‑health depth.
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Parental & Family Support — Family‑building and caregiving support include 24/7 specialists and reimbursements ($10,000 lifetime for fertility/surrogacy and $5,000 for adoption), alongside inclusive paid parental leave. These resources broaden support for diverse family needs.
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Retirement Support — The 401(k) offers immediate vesting with a company match up to 4% when contributing 5%, and an ESPP provides an additional ownership avenue. This structure supports long‑term financial security.
ICF Insights
What We Do
ICF is a leading global solutions and technology provider with approximately 9,000 employees in industries across the public and private sectors. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.
Why Work With Us
At ICF, we’ve built a culture rooted in expertise, innovation, and purpose—enabling us to build a more prosperous and resilient world for all. When our employees grow, our solutions thrive—regardless of your role, team, or location, you’ll have opportunities to make connections, build community, and take action to develop your career.
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