Public Relations Director

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.

The Public Relations Director leads integrated earned media, risk/crisis communications, stakeholder engagement, and digital/social outreach supporting FDA’s mission to protect and promote public health. This role develops and governs PR strategy in close coordination with FDA, ensuring scientific accuracy,timelymedia response, and compliant public communications across channels

Location:Remote

As aPublic Relations Director, you will: 

• Lead rapid‑response communications for emergent public health issues; manage misinformation correction protocols consistent with FDA guidance and best practices.

• Set and execute FDA‑aligned PR strategy; oversee press announcements, briefings, interviews, and media availabilities; act as primary liaison to national and trade media.

• Establish policy‑consistent responses to media inquiries; coordinate cross‑agency messaging with HHS; analyze coverage and report insights to leadership.

• Collaborate with FDA’s Public Engagement Staff to engage patient groups, health professionals, academia, and consumer organizations; coordinate content for public advisories and MedWatch communications where applicable. [fda.gov]

• Lead social media strategy and oversight in compliance with FDA’s Social Media Policy (including contractor applicability); ensure fair‑balanced presentation of benefits/risks where relevant.

• ensureall public‑facing digital content meetsSection 508standards and current OMB directives on digital accessibility; build processes for ongoing accessibility monitoring and remediation.

• Define KPIs; implement dashboards to track earned media outcomes, sentiment, reach, accessibility conformance, and plain‑language quality; deliver executive briefings and after‑action reviews.

Basic Qualifications: 

• Must be able to obtain andmaintaina public trust clearance 

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

• Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Public Relations, Journalism, Public Health, or related field; advanced degree preferred.

• 7+ years in PR/communications, including 4+ years leading media relations for regulated healthcare, life sciences, or public health organizations.

Preferred Qualifications: 

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

• Demonstrated success planning and executing national media strategies, crisis communications, and cross‑stakeholder outreach for science‑based topics.

• Experience withFDAprogram/project management 

• Background in public health risk communication, scientific publishing, or regulatory communications for medical products/tobacco/foods.

Professional Skills: 

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

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

• Proficiencywith 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 andestablishstrong working relationships with colleagues and clients   

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 accommodation that involves the use of AI. Ifsuch anaccommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at candidateaccommodation@icf.com. Weare dedicated to providingthe necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.