2027 Summer Intern, Communications Specialist (Reston, VA)

ICF International; Reston (VA); Hybrid; USD 19,000 - 32,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Hybrid work arrangement

10-week internship

Job summary

ICF Next is seeking a motivated undergraduate for a 10-week summer internship in Reston, VA. The role offers hybrid work 2 days per week and a $23/hour pay rate. You will join our government communications team, contributing to strategy, content creation, and media relations across campaigns and client work.

The internship emphasizes learning, collaboration, and exposure to multiple disciplines within communications and marketing.

Qualifications

• Minimum 60 college credit hours in communications, marketing, public relations or related field.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Work Authorization required.

Responsibilities

• Support development and implementation of strategic communications plans and campaigns.
• Create marketing and communications materials (factsheets, infographics, social content, reports, presentations).
• Write and edit compelling content for internal and external audiences.
• Draft and edit press releases and talking points; monitor media coverage.
• Plan and execute marketing campaigns across channels; collaborate on client strategy.
• Rotate between multidisciplinary teams to gain exposure and develop business acumen.

Skills

Communication skills

Analytical thinking

Time management

Teamwork

Education

60 college credits

Job description

@ 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.

This role will work with the ICF Next government communications team and assist with mission-drive strategic communications and marketing. We are looking for candidates who have an interest in government communications with a desire to support the following areas: communications strategy, content creation, writing and editing, media relations, campaigns and client strategy.

Our 2027 summer internship is a 10-week, full-time program that generally begins in early June and concludes in mid-August. The internship will be hybrid from Reston, VA (2x per week). At this time, we are unable to provide housing assistance or relocation for this position. The hourly rate for undergraduate interns will be $23/hour.

Key Responsibilities:

• Communications Strategy . Support the development and implementation of strategic communications plans and campaigns.
• Content Creation . Contribute to the creation of marketing and communications materials such as factsheets, infographics, social media content, reports and presentations.
• Writing and Editing . Write and edit compelling written content for internal and external audiences.
• Media Relations . Draft and edit press releases and talking points and monitor media coverage.
• Campaigns . Support the planning and execution of marketing campaigns across various channels.
• Client Strategy . Collaborate with team members on client strategy.
• Engage and Learn . Rotate between multidisciplinary teams to support projects, gain exposure and develop business acumen.

Basic Qualifications:

• A minimum of 60 college credit hours complete in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field
• Due to contract requirements, U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Work Authorization is required

Preferred Qualifications:

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet aggressive deadlines
• Strong motivation and adaptability to learn and understand new concepts and markets
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Ability to produce quality work products with attention to detail

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 [e-mail] 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 righ t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

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 [e-mail] . We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidat