Communications Specialist, Media Relations (Hybrid)

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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. We're searching for our next Media Relations Specialist. This role requires a public affairs or media relations background in the public or national security sectors and will focus on communications-related activities that support a cybersecurity 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. If you are passionate about building strategic communications, developing messaging for clients, working with the media, and have the requisite prior experience, we'd love 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 communications shop that receives a substantial number of national, regional, local and trade inquiries every year.
• Produce media engagement strategies for campaigns, announcements and events, to include identifying target media outlets and reporters, outlining media pitches and 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, to determine reach and impact.
• Provide assistance in 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, 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:

• Currently holds, or is able to obtain, DHS Fitness Determination.
• BS/BA in Marketing, PR, Journalism, or related field.
• Minimum of five (5) years of demonstrated experience: Understanding trends, best practices in connecting with busy journalists and turning pitches into stories, working with client and project team members, generating press attention among cybersecurity reporters or about cybersecurity and infrastructure security issues, and knowledge of public relations, and integrated media.
• 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(s): This position is located in either ICF's Fairfax, VA or Rockville, MD office in a hybrid telework arrangement.

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.

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 [email protected] 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 [email protected]. 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:

$80,743.00 - $137,263.00 Reston, VA (VA30)