Public Relations Specialist

Job 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 Jr. Public Relations Specialist. This role requires a public affairs or strategic communications background in the public sector and will focus on communications-related activities that support a homeland security, cybersecurity, and infrastructure security client. Strong candidates will have experience supporting clients with planning or executing successful public affairs or program office initiatives, inter- or intra-agency coordination, travel or event management related activities, and leadership support. Experience supporting high level government communications and operations is highly preferred. If you are passionate about building strategic communications, supporting high performing clients, 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: Provide strategic support and guidance to senior external affairs leadership on operational efficiencies and staffing at external engagement events. Communicate with stakeholders and partners and educate the public about the client's mission, vision, and goals at events or conferences. Collaborate with colleagues to create external communications plans that bolster the public's understanding of cyber and infrastructure security threats. Serve as a trusted coordinator and assistant for office leadership and potentially agency leadership. Provide clients with in-office or virtual support, as needed, for urgent matters. Gather and process data, as needed, to demonstrate the impact and effectiveness of public engagement activities. Basic Qualifications: Ability to secure a public trust security clearance. BS/BA in Marketing, PR, communications or related field. Minimum of five (5+) years of demonstrated experience: Assisting in the research, planning, and/or strategic development of public affairs, programmatic, or external affairs activities, working with client and project team members, providing operational advice and support to a senior executive, and 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. Job Location(s): This position will provide onsite client support at the client office in Arlington, VA. 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. 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. 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 righ t s 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 interview #J-18808-Ljbffr