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Health Communication Jobs in Washington, DC (NOW HIRING)

We are hiring a seasoned Director, Health Communications to work with our federal health clients on ... Demonstrated leadership role in the delivery of communication programs. * Experience with media ...

Develop partner outreach communication documents, toolkits, talking points, and other materials ... Bachelor's degree in public health, health communication, health education, marketing, public ...

Deputy Director, Partnerships

Washington, DC · On-site

$131K/yr

ICF Next is seeking a Deputy Director, Partnerships to support a major federal public health communications program. This role supports the development and implementation of partnership strategies ...

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Health Communication information

See Washington, DC salary details

$34.5K

$100.7K

$148.9K

How much do health communication jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 29, 2026, the average yearly pay for health communication in Washington, DC is $100,673.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $80,400.00 and $126,300.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is health communication?

Health communication is the study and practice of using communication strategies to inform and influence individual and community decisions that enhance health. It involves crafting and delivering messages to promote healthy behaviors, prevent diseases, and improve health care outcomes. Professionals in this field work in public health organizations, government agencies, hospitals, and media to design campaigns, create educational materials, and manage crisis communication. They also evaluate the effectiveness of health messages to ensure they reach diverse audiences. Effective health communication helps bridge gaps in understanding and supports better health choices.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a health communication specialist?

To thrive as a Health Communication Specialist, you need expertise in public health principles, message development, and audience analysis, usually supported by a degree in public health, communications, or a related field. Familiarity with digital communication platforms, social media management tools, and data analytics software is often required. Strong written and verbal communication, cultural competence, and project management skills help professionals excel in engaging diverse populations. These abilities are crucial for crafting effective health messages that promote positive behaviors and support public health goals.

What are some common challenges faced by health communication professionals when conveying complex medical information to diverse audiences?

Health communication professionals often encounter the challenge of translating complex medical terminology into clear, accessible language that resonates with diverse audiences. They must balance accuracy with simplicity, ensuring the message is both correct and easy to understand. Additionally, professionals need to be culturally sensitive and tailor their communications to different literacy levels, backgrounds, and beliefs to maximize effectiveness. Collaborating closely with healthcare providers and public health teams is also essential to ensure consistency and accuracy in messaging.

What is the difference between Health Communication vs Health Education?

AspectHealth CommunicationHealth Education
Primary FocusDesigning and delivering messages to inform and influence health behaviorsProviding knowledge and skills to promote healthy behaviors
Work EnvironmentMedia campaigns, public health organizations, hospitalsSchools, community programs, clinics
Required CredentialsBachelor’s or master’s in communication, public health, or related fieldsBachelor’s or master’s in health education, public health, or related fields

Health Communication focuses on crafting messages to influence health behaviors through media and strategic communication, while Health Education emphasizes teaching individuals and communities about health topics to promote healthier choices. Both roles often overlap but serve distinct functions within public health initiatives.

Is health communication a good career?

Health communication is a growing field that involves designing and delivering health information to improve public health outcomes. It often requires strong writing, research, and interpersonal skills, and professionals may work in healthcare organizations, government agencies, or non-profits. The career offers opportunities for specialization and advancement, with a focus on education, policy, and media strategies.

What are health communication jobs?

Health communication jobs involve creating and delivering messages to inform and influence public health behaviors, often working in healthcare organizations, government agencies, or non-profits. These roles may include health educators, communication specialists, or public health advisors, requiring skills in writing, media, and understanding health topics.

What do health communication professionals do?

Health communication professionals develop and implement strategies to convey health information effectively to diverse audiences. They create educational materials, manage public health campaigns, and use tools like social media and data analysis to promote health awareness and behavior change.

What are the most commonly searched types of Health Communication jobs in Washington, DC?

The most popular types of Health Communication jobs in Washington, DC are:

What are popular job titles related to Health Communication jobs in Washington, DC?

For Health Communication jobs in Washington, DC, the most frequently searched job titles are:

Infographic showing various Health Communication job openings in Washington, DC as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 64% Full Time, 33% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 94% In-person, and 6% Hybrid job distribution, with an average salary of $100,673 per year, or $48.4 per hour.

Director, Health Communications

Washington, DC • Hybrid

ICF
Business Management Consulting • 5 - 10K employees

Full-time

Re-posted 5 days ago


Job description

Please note: This role is contingent upon a contract award. While it is not an immediate opening, we are actively conducting interviews and extending offers in anticipation of the award.

At 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. Join our community of mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists to challenge the status quo.

We are hiring a seasoned Director, Health Communications to work with our federal health clients on critical public health projects. The role involves working closely with senior management and a multidisciplinary team. The Project Manager must have at least twelve years of experience managing large communications and campaign contracts, focusing on schedule, budget, quality, outcomes, and deadlines.

This hybrid position requires coordination in Atlanta, GA and Washington, DC with team members in various locations nationally. Responsibilities include overseeing project phases, budget management, developing workflows, leading teams, mitigating risks, and providing technical assistance. Experience with Federal government processes, industry stakeholders and guiding teams to high standards is essential.

Location: Hybrid in the Washington, DC area with commute as needed to client and ICF offices. Required travel to Atlanta, GA area for meetings and presentations when needed.

As a Director, Health Communications, you will:

  • Lead and manage the day-to-day execution of the campaign, ensuring all tasks and milestones are completed on time.

  • Coordinate cross-functional teams (e.g., creative, marketing, sales, and external agencies) to ensure alignment with campaign goals.

  • Oversee campaign planning in a system like Smartsheet, and ensure all activities and timelines are updated in real time.

  • Work with clients, stakeholders, and senior leadership to develop campaign objectives and strategies.

  • Develop comprehensive project plans, including timelines, budgets, and resource allocation.

  • Work in close coordination as part of the team leadership (strategy, senior project director, campaign director) to develop, align, and activate a large, integrated team of specialists and partners.

  • Conduct meetings with staff and contractors, deliver meeting notes within 24 hours, develop document templates, initiate workflows, and assist with production.

  • Launch and monitor campaigns across multiple channels, including digital marketing, social media, paid media, and public relations.

  • Provide regular updates to stakeholders, including team members, clients, or management, on campaign progress and key performance indicators.

  • Prepare post-campaign reports, including detailed analysis of results, lessons learned, and recommendations for future campaigns.

Basic Qualifications:

  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance

  • U.S. Citizenship required (required by federal government for the position)

  • Bachelor's degree in communications, public health, health communication, health education, marketing, public relations, social sciences, or equivalent.

  • 12+ years of experience in consulting project management

  • 3+ years of experience managing large (> $10-50MM Annually) programs

Preferred Qualifications:

  • Project Management Professional (PMP) or related certifications

  • Master's degree in communications, public health, social sciences, business, or associated disciplines a plus

  • Experience with HHS and/or CDC programs

  • Experience with private and public marketing programs highly preferred.

  • Experience managing large-scale health promotion campaigns

  • Demonstrated leadership role in the delivery of communication programs.

  • Experience with media buying and paid social strategies.

  • Experience working in a federal government environment and working directly with marketing agencies.

  • Knowledge and experience with public health behavior change campaigns preferred.

  • Experience with chronic disease marketing and communications preferred.

  • Prior award-winning campaign experience a plus

  • Ability to grow and foster new business

Professional Skills:

  • Strong project management skills, including planning, organization, and multitasking.

  • Excellent interpersonal (verbal, written), active listening, and organizational skills

  • Proficiency with project management tools (e.g., Smartsheets, Asana, Trello, Monday.com) and MS Office Suite.

  • Strong leadership, organizational skills, and attention to detail

  • Excellent time management skills, with the ability to prioritize and multi-task in a fast-paced environment

  • Ability to work collaboratively and establish strong working relationships with colleagues and clients


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 contactCandidateaccommodation@icf.comfor 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 theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read ourEEOpolicy.

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 withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please emailCandidateaccommodation@icf.comand we will be happy toassist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more aboutworkplacediscriminationrightsor our benefit offerings which are included in theTransparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

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 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 accommodationthat involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance atcandidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe 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:

$143,756.00 - $244,385.00DC Remote Office (DC99)