Senior Communications Specialist, External Affairs

ICF is a mission-driven company filled with people who care deeply about improving the lives of others and making the world a better place. Our core values include Embracing Difference; we seek candidates who are passionate about building a culture that encourages, embraces, and hires dimensions of difference. 

@ 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. Join our community of mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists to challenge the status quo. 

Are you media savvy and enjoy helping organizations tell a story?  We’re currently hiring a Senior Communications Specialist, External Affairs with strategic and deep tactical expertise in public affairs/public relations. In this role, we are looking for a creative, natural storyteller with a demeanor that is equal parts persistence and patience, and an appetite for all traditional aspects of Cyber Communications. The Senior Communications Specialist will oversee media relations and act as the primary communications partner across the entire Directorate. Flexible and collaborative by nature, requires an understanding of social media, media relations, content strategy and corporate reputation.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Partner with communications team and business leaders to develop content and campaign strategies tailored to reach all of IV’s stakeholders including investors, current and potential customers, as well as the general public. 
• Proactive story development and execution, developing strategies and plans for print, broadcast and digital storytelling. 
• Manage development of owned content (e.g. blogs, video pieces) and earned media opportunities. 
• Manage company social media properties including creating and administering content on all social platforms (Facebook, Twitter, LinkedIn) and monitoring site metrics and activity. 
• Serve as primary partner, providing public and media relations counsel, for business leads in invention, start-up and licensing. 
• Identify emerging news trends which may impact IV and drive communications planning and response. 
• Inform and sync with internal communications efforts. 
• Manage message development and work with the communications team to ensure all internal and external stories, social and digital properties reflect the most current key messaging. 
• Manage and oversee professional development of junior staff to ensure team is operating efficiently and effectively. 

Required Qualifications:

• U.S. Citizenship required by federal government for position
• Government Clearance required by contract
• 10 years of experience in public affairs or communication 

 Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Affairs, Marketing, or related field. Demonstrated ability to keep pace and thrive in a rapidly changing environment 
• Experience supporting senior-level executives, preferably in high technology or science-based industries 
• Experience creating and implementing campaigns with social media strategies and tactics for reaching target audiences 
• Experience with wide ranging media: digital, print, TV, radio, technology and scientific trade press and journals 
• Must have experience in technology related communications with the demonstrated ability to understand and articulate technology-driven solutions 
• Outstanding writing and editing skills; writing samples will be requested. Other portfolio samples encouraged 
• Strong project management skills and appetite for working on multiple projects for different clients at the same time 

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 an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. 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 & AA policy.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, in