Communications Coordinator, Media Relations (Future Opportunity)

ICF Next; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 61,232 - 104,094; Full time

Job summary

ICF Next is actively searching for a Communications Coordinator for media relations in Arlington, VA. This role involves supporting national security clients with media engagement strategies, responding to media inquiries, and preparing communication materials.

Qualified candidates will possess a BS/BA in Marketing or a related field, have at least three years of public relations experience, and the ability to secure a public trust security clearance. The salary range for this position is $61,232 – $104,094 based on experience and qualifications.

Qualifications

• Minimum of three years of experience in public relations.
• Demonstrated ability to work with national security and cybersecurity reporters.
• Experience with drafting communications plans, press releases, and managing client relationships.

Responsibilities

• Support federal communications officers in managing press inquiries.
• Produce media engagement strategies for campaigns and events.
• Track news coverage and produce monitoring reports.

Skills

Public relations experience

Media relations planning

Communication materials writing

Media engagement strategy

Ability to secure a public trust security clearance

Education

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

Job description

Description

This role is contingent upon contract award. While not an immediate opening, we are actively interviewing and may extend offers in anticipation of the award, with start dates dependent upon contract finalization.

Communications Coordinator, Media Relations

We’re searching for our next Media Relations Coordinator. This role requires a public affairs or media relations background in the national security sector and will focus on communications activities that support a homeland security client. Strong candidates will have experience supporting clients with planning and executing successful media relations campaigns and demonstrated capabilities writing communications materials for both internal and external audiences. Experience supporting government communications operations is highly preferred.

Key Responsibilities

• Support and advise federal press officers in a communications office that receives a substantial number of national, regional, local and trade inquiries every year.
• Produce media engagement strategies for campaigns, announcements and events, including identifying target media outlets and reporters, outlining media pitches and supporting products.
• Use a media monitoring platform to track news coverage daily and produce monitoring reports and analyses of print and online stories, as needed, to determine reach and impact.
• Prepare releases, press kits, facts sheets, and responses to queries and other materials for use in responding to media inquiries or generating media coverage of initiatives, programs and services.
• Support the development of local or targeted media lists.
• Provide senior‑level counsel to client leadership and the account team’s project director.

Basic Qualifications

• Ability to secure a public trust security clearance.
• BS/BA in Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of three years of demonstrated experience in public relations, understanding trends, best practices in connecting with journalists and turning pitches into stories; working with client and project team members; knowledge of public relations and integrated media; and/or generating press attention among national security and cybersecurity reporters.
• Applicants may be asked to submit samples of their work, which could include communications plans, press releases, press coverage or original writing examples.

Preferred Skills And Experience

• Excellent communication skills, especially written.
• Strong research and organizational abilities, including interpreting large volumes of data, presenting to clients and adhering to deadlines.
• PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience preferred.
• Self‑starter with ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.

Job Location

This position will provide onsite client support at the client office in Arlington, VA.

Equal Opportunity Employer

ICF is an equal opportunity employer. We will consider qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable accommodations are available. For more information, read our EEO policy.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

Use of AI tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews is not permitted. If an accommodation is needed, contact [e-mail].

Pay Range

$61,232.00 – $104,094.00 (Virginia Client Office – VA88).