Public Engagement & Events Director (Alexandria, VA)

This position is contingent upon contract award. While not an immediate opening, we are actively interviewing and extending offers in anticipation of award. The Company At ICF Next, we are driven by the opportunity to solve complex challenges that matter. Our teams combine expertise in communications, technology, analytics, and program management to help government clients tackle critical national priorities. We are fearless in exploring new ideas, relentless in delivering results for our clients, and committed to making a meaningful impact. We bring together strategists, creatives, technologists, analysts, and communicators to deliver integrated outreach and engagement solutions that strengthen mission-driven organizations. The Work ICF Next is seeking a Public Engagement & Events Director to support a high-profile federal government client focused on military and family support programs. This role will lead strategic outreach, stakeholder engagement, and event-based initiatives that support military service members, families, survivors, and caregivers across a broad portfolio of programs and services. This is a highly collaborative role operating within a fast-paced federal environment that requires close coordination with government stakeholders, communications teams, digital teams, and program leadership. The role supports integrated public engagement efforts through strategic planning, event execution, stakeholder coordination, and performance analysis to enhance awareness, participation, and audience engagement across multiple communication channels. The ideal candidate will bring experience managing high-visibility engagement initiatives, executing complex events, supporting community outreach activities, and advancing integrated communications efforts in a mission-driven environment. Job Location Onsite – Alexandria, VA. Work is performed onsite in support of a secure federal client environment in Alexandria, VA, as required by client and contract activities What You Will Do Lead planning and execution of strategic public engagement and outreach initiatives aligned with program priorities and objectives Manage in-person, virtual, and hybrid events, including stakeholder engagements, conferences, leadership forums, community outreach activities, and digital engagement initiatives Support live and virtual engagement initiatives including webinars, leadership forums, digital events, social media live events, and stakeholder outreach activities Coordinate closely with government stakeholders, external partners, and cross-functional teams to support integrated communications and engagement strategies Oversee event planning timelines, logistics, deliverables, and stakeholder communications across multiple concurrent initiatives Support leadership engagement activities through development of briefings, talking points, engagement materials, and event communications Support community and public engagement initiatives designed to increase awareness, participation, and audience engagement across military community programs and services Ensure outreach activities align with enterprise messaging, branding, accessibility standards, and communications objectives Track engagement activities, milestones, and deliverables within structured workflow and task management environments Analyze outreach, event, and audience engagement performance metrics and provide data-driven recommendations to improve reach, participation, and engagement effectiveness Basic Qualifications Active Secret clearance required Ability to work onsite in Alexandria, VA, as required by client and contract operations U.S. citizenship required Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, marketing, event management, or related field 8+ years of professional experience in public engagement, outreach, stakeholder relations, event management, or strategic communications Preferred Qualifications Experience managing large-scale or high-visibility events and stakeholder engagement initiatives Experience supporting a federal defense client or military community programs Familiarity with digital engagement strategies, social media engagement, and virtual event platforms Experience supporting executive-level stakeholder engagement and leadership communications Familiarity with performance metrics, reporting, audience engagement analytics, and outreach optimization strategies Professional Skills Strong organizational and project management skills Excellent written and verbal communication skills Strong stakeholder engagement and relationship management abilities Ability to manage competing priorities and tight deadlines Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across multidisciplinary teams Strong attention to detail and ability to coordinate multiple concurrent outreach and engagement activities 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. To request an accommodation, please email View email address on click.appcast.io 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 click.appcast.io. 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: $89,649.00 - $152,404.00 Virginia Client Office (VA88) Need help? We're here: View email address on click.appcast.io About ICF ICF is a global consulting and technology services company with approximately 9,000 employees, but we are not your typical consultants. At ICF, business analysts and policy specialists work together with digital strategists, data scientists and creatives. We combine unmatched industry expertise with cutting-edge engagement capabilities to help organizations solve their most complex challenges. Since 1969, public and private sector clients have worked with ICF to navigate change and shape the future. Learn more at icf.com.