Communications Specialist, Media Relations (Future Opportunity)

Please note: 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 Specialist, Media Relations

@ 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’syour chance to join our award-winning agency, ICF Next.We’rechangemakers, a community of mission driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists.We’researching for our next Media Relations Specialist. This role requires a public affairs or media relations background inthenational security sectorand will focus on communications-related activities that support a homeland security client.

Strong candidates will have experience supporting clients with planning and executing successful media relations campaigns anddemonstratedcapabilitieswriting communications materials for both internal and external audiences. Experience supporting government communications operations is highly preferred. If you are passionate about building strategic communications, developing messaging for clients, working with the media, andhavethe requisite prior experience,we'dlove to talk to you. This is an exciting role offering excellent opportunities to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Support and advise federal press officers in a communicationsofficethat receives a substantial number of national, regional, local and trade inquiries every year.

• Produce media engagement strategies for campaigns,announcementsand events, to include identifying target media outlets and reporters, outlining mediapitchesand supporting products.

• Using a media monitoring platform to track news coverage daily and produce monitoring reports and analyses of print and online stories, as needed, todeterminereach and impact.

• Provide assistancein the preparation of releases, press kits, facts sheets, response to queries and other materials for use in responding to media inquiries or generating media coverage of initiatives,programsand 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 five (5) years ofdemonstratedexperience: Understanding trends, best practices in connecting with busy journalists and turning pitches into stories;working with client and project team members; knowledge of public relations and integrated media; and/orgenerating press attention amongnationalsecurityandrcybersecurity reporters.

• Applicants may be asked tosubmitsamples of their work, which could include communications plans, press releases, presscoverageor original writing examples.

Preferred Skills and experience:

• Excellent communication skills, especiallywritten.

• Strong research and organizational abilities, including interpreting large volumes of data,presenting toclientsand adhering to deadlines.

• PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience preferred.

• Self-starter, withabilityto independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.

Job Location(s): This position will provide onsite client support at the client office inArlington, VA.

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 orassistwith responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is notpermitted. This policy is in place tomaintainthe integrity and authenticity of the interview process. 

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.