Strategic Communications Lead - Public Affairs & Security

ICF Next; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 81,000 - 152,000; Full time

Job summary

ICF Next seeks a Strategic Communications Specialist to join our award-winning agency in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on strategic communications and public affairs for homeland security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure security clients, collaborating with senior leadership and media relations to support thoughtful, impactful outreach.

Ideal candidates have a background in public affairs, strong editorial and coordination skills, and a track record of supporting high-level government

Qualifications

• Ability to secure a public trust security clearance.
• Minimum of three or more years of demonstrated experience in research, planning, and strategic development of public and external affairs activities.
• Experience supporting high-level government communications operations is highly preferred.

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.

Skills

Public trust clearance

Education

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

Job description

ICF Next seeks a Strategic Communications Specialist to join our award-winning agency in Arlington, VA. The role focuses on strategic communications and public affairs for homeland security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure security clients, collaborating with senior leadership and media relations to support thoughtful, impactful outreach.

Ideal candidates have a background in public affairs, strong editorial and coordination skills, and a track record of supporting high-level government