Remote Communications Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

ICF is searching for communications specialist to support a portfolio of projects and strategic initiatives with the National Institutes of Health (NIH) including websites, innovation programs, research initiatives, meetings, and events. This position will play a key role in developing and executing communications strategies that enhance awareness, engagement, and impact across a variety of federal programs.
The Communications Specialist will work in a highly collaborative, fast-paced, and matrixed environment, partnering with technical experts, program managers, researchers, and government stakeholders to create clear, compelling, and audience-focused communications. The successful candidate will be adaptable, proactive, and able to manage multiple priorities while delivering high-quality work under tight deadlines.
The ideal candidate brings experience supporting the full communications product lifecycle, from strategy and content development through review, publication, and dissemination, while ensuring quality, consistency, accessibility, and compliance with federal communications standards. They will possess exceptional writing and editing skills and the ability to translate complex technical, scientific, and programmatic information into messaging that resonates with diverse audiences.
This role offers the opportunity to support innovative initiatives at the intersection of technology, research, and public service while helping drive engagement, knowledge sharing, and adoption across NIH communities.
Job Location
This position primarily supports remote operations, but infrequent travel to the Washington, DC Metro Area may be required based on client and contract activities. This position is on-call and the number of hours will vary based on business need.
Key Responsibilities:

• Develop, implement, and maintain strategic communications plans that support NIH initiatives.
• Create and disseminate internal and external communications products, including press releases, briefing materials, peer-reviewed publications, poster presentations, and meeting presentations.
• Develop and maintain program communications resources, including Confluence spaces, SharePoint sites, and other collaboration platforms, ensuring content remains current, accurate, and engaging.
• Collaborate with technical, scientific, and program teams to identify accomplishments, lessons learned, and success stories, and communicate program impact to internal and external audiences.
• Create visually engaging presentations, infographics, and other communications assets that comply with federal communications standards, plain language principles, accessibility requirements (Section 508), and organizational branding guidelines.
• Coordinate and support a knowledge-sharing community or similar collaborative learning forum, including developing and managing content calendars, creating communications and promotional materials, facilitating knowledge-sharing activities, and co-facilitating meetings and events.

Basic Qualifications :

• 5+ years of experience in communications, strategic communications, public affairs, marketing communications, or related disciplines.
• Bachelor's degree.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a public trust clearance.
• U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Residence required due to federal contract requirements.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel, Outlook) and collaboration platforms such as Teams or SharePoint.
• Experience supporting federal government clients, preferably the National Institutes of Health (NIH), HHS, or other health-focused agencies.
• Strong written and oral communication skills.
• Self-driven and flexible, with the ability to independently manage tasks and handle multiple priorities.
• Comfortable with graphics and formatting in Microsoft Suite.
• Experience formatting in Confluence classic.
• Knowledge of federal communications standards, Section 508 accessibility requirements, and plain language principles.
• Comfortable facilitating online meetings with groups of at least 30 participants.
• Familiarity with basic artificial intelligence, generative AI, data science, digital transformation, or emerging technology initiatives.
• Familiarity with Mural design and facilitation.

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 Candidateaccommodation@icf.com 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 candidateaccommodation@icf.com. 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:
$74,090.00 - $125,954.00
Nationwide Remote Office (US99)