Behavior Change Communications Subject Matter Expert

ICF; Silver Spring (MD); Hybrid; USD 67,000 - 114,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF is seeking a Behavior Change Communications SME with 4–7 years of full-time experience to support the DHA PHCoE. The role blends psychology, health communication, and strategic messaging to promote behavior change across audiences.

Remote work is preferred, with on-site needs in the Washington DC metro area (Silver Spring, MD or Falls Church, VA) as required. Collaboration with psychologists, researchers, and communications specialists is essential.

Qualifications

• BS/BA in Psychology, Public Health, Communications Studies, or similar fields.
• At least 4 years of full-time work in a behavior change communications role.
• At least 2 years of experience supporting behavior modification programs or public health campaigns.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams and SharePoint).

Responsibilities

• Develop psychological health promotion and behavior change messaging products and strategies addressing modifiable behaviors impacting psychological health.
• Coordinate across the client organization to incorporate psychological health promotion and behavior change messaging into products and services.
• Apply subject matter knowledge in mental health, behavior change/modification, and health communications to support development of tools and strategies such as behavior change products, educational materials, and presentations.
• Translate clinical materials into written products and public presentations.
• Advise on public psychological health campaigns and dissemination messaging to diverse audiences.

Skills

Behavior Change Communications

Public Health

Written Communication

Interdisciplinary Collaboration

Education

BS/BA in Psychology, Public Health, Communications Studies (or similar)

MA/MS in Psychology, Public Health, Communications Studies (or similar)

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

SharePoint

MS Teams

PowerPoint

Excel

Job description

ICF is seeking a Behavior Change Communications SME with 4 – 7 years of full-time behavior change/behavior modification experience to support the Defense Health Agency’s (DHA) Psychological Health Center of Excellence (PHCoE). The selected candidate will be part of a multi-dimensional team comprised of clinical psychologists, implementation scientists, and strategic communications specialists to apply behavior change communication subject matter expertise in developing various messages and products that are based on scientific evidence and developed to promote behavior change. The ideal candidate will bring knowledge of psychological health principles, experience in behavior change/behavior modification activity, and communications experience.

Although this is primarily a telework position, candidates must reside in the Washington, DC Metro Area as on-site work in either Silver Spring, MD or Falls Church, VA could be required on occasion.

Duties and responsibilities:

• Develop psychological health promotion and behavior change messaging products and strategies addressing modifiable behaviors impacting psychological health.

• Coordinate across the client organization to incorporate psychological health promotion and behavior change messaging into products and services.

• Apply subject matter knowledge in the areas of mental health, behavior change/modification, and health communications to support development of tools and strategies such as (representative examples only):

• Behavior change products (e.g., educational materials, professional presentations, briefing materials, content for brochures, content for social media posts, etc.).

• Public education tools and resources to disseminate mental health research findings.

• Metrics to evaluate outcomes related to the effectiveness of stigma mitigation education and intervention.

• Translation of clinical and research materials into written products and presentations for the public.

• Consult on, and provide input to, the development of products to ensure products communicate information in such a way as to motivate behavior change.

• Collaborate with strategic communications personnel to help craft dissemination messaging to better reach and (critically) engage different audiences in a manner that gets them thinking about making the desired change.

• Provide input to implementation intervention (behavior modification) and evaluation designs to ensure that communication objectives are included, associated with adequate methods to deliver desired results, and to develop metrics targeting communication outcomes.

• Advise on public psychological health campaigns.

• Support the development of promotional and educational products pertaining to mental health, stigma, and help-seeking.

• Support partnerships within the DoW and with other federal agencies, community programs, and academia.

Mandatory Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Psychology, Public Health, Communications Studies, or similar fields of study.

• At least 4 years of full-time work in a behavior change communications role (as reflected above).

• At least 2 years of experience supporting behavior modification programs or public health campaigns designed to change behavior and shape public perception.

• Proficiency in Microsoft Office products (Outlook, Word, PowerPoint, Excel, MS Teams and SharePoint).

Desired Qualifications (Education, Certifications, Experience, Skills):

• MA/MS in Psychology, Public Health, Communications Studies, or similar fields of study.

• Prior experience executing research studies and publishing or presenting findings.

• Ability to demonstrate that you have applied sound organization skills in managing multiple timelines and completing tasks quickly within the constraints of client’s timelines and budgets.

• Capacity to collaborate easily with peers, managers, and clients while leading program development to a completed and successful solution.

• Prior experience as a federal contractor.

• Prior DoW / Military Mental Health experience.

• Ability and experience communicating effectively (speaking and writing) to diverse audiences in order to convey clinical processes, problems, and solutions.

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 [e-mail] for assistance.

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.

Work Authorization and Sponsorship

All candidates must be authorized to work in the United States. This position is not eligible for new H-1B visa sponsorship by ICF. Candidates who currently hold valid work authorization may be considered for a change of employer petition, subject to company policy and applicable immigration requirements.

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 rights 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 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:

$67,063.00 - $114,008.00

Reston, VA (VA30)