On-Call Senior Lead Specialist, Issues Management and Media Relations

Senior Lead Specialist, Issues Management and Media Relations

Location: US Remote

At ICF, 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 an on-call Senior Lead Specialist, Issues Management and Media Relations. This leadership role requires a public affairs or strategic communications background in the public and/or private sector and will focus on outreach-related activities that support a range of ICF energy clients.

Strong candidates will have experience supporting clients and/or companies with planning, executing, and overseeing successful press roll outs, campaigns, public affairs initiatives, and leadership support. Experience supporting high level government communications and operations is highly preferred. If you are passionate about generating positive national, regional and local media coverage; building trusted relationships with influential reporters; and elevating public affairs and press operations in the public sector, we'd love to talk to you. This is an exciting role offering excellent opportunities to work in a dynamic, collaborative environment.

Key Responsibilities:

• Leading reputation management, media relations and strategic communications strategy and activities the utility sector.
• Serve as an advisor to utility executives and corporate communication leaders navigating reputation threats and operational friction.
• Lead and collaborate with colleagues across various accounts to ensure that media relations is integrated with other disciplines, including social media, paid media, creative services, and owned media.
• Write talking points for executives, persuasive op-ed, paid content that advances of sharp strategy segmented by audiences.
• Stay apprised of industry trends, including the use of AI, to advise clients.
• Serve as a key team member on ICF’s utilty reputation management and brand strategy practice.

Minimum Qualifications:

• BS/BA in Marketing, PR, communications or related field.
• 12+ years of demonstrated experience:
  • Managing public relations, media relations, or communications staff
  • Leading the strategic development of media-focused campaigns and initiatives and/or programmatic and external affairs activities.
  • Serving as a trusted advisor to clients or senior leadership.
  • Applying innovative techniques in media relations to generate news coverage.
• Knowledge of public relations, public affairs and integrated communications.

Preferred Skills and experience:

• Excellent oral communication skills.
• Ability to predict and mitigate problems or conflicts.
• Strong organizational abilities and logistics skills.
• PR agency, journalism, corporate or government agency experience preferred.
• Self-starter, with ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.

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 View email address on aiapply.co 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 View email address on aiapply.co 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 View email address on aiapply.co . 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:

$108,476.00 - $184,409.00Illinois Remote Office (IL99)