Public Relations and Media Specialist

Position Summary: 

ICF is seeking a Public Relations and Media Specialist for Child Welfare Information Gateway, a service of the Children’s Bureau (CB), Administration for Children and Families (ACF), US Department of Health and Human Services (DHHS) that centralizes resources for the nation’s child welfare, adoption, and foster care professionals, along with the public. 

The Public Relations and Media Specialist will support public-facing communications as part of the project’s Customer Support Services team. This role is responsible for managing high profile, sensitive communications, crafting strategic responses to complex inquiries, and supporting live chat and phone hotline operations. The ideal candidate will be experienced in public affairs and government relations, and excellent writer and editor, adept at navigating customer relationship management platforms and other technological platforms, leveraging AI tools and demonstrated experience in media writing. This role requires excellent written and verbal communication skills, and the ability to interface with clients and internal teams in a matrixed, fast-paced environment.  

Key Responsibilities: 

• Support innovation by leveraging emerging communication technologies and AI tools to enhance responsiveness, streamline public engagement, stay abreast of rapidly shifting digital media laws and policies, and deliver strategic, high-impact messaging across platforms. 

• Manage and respond to complex constituent communications and sensitive media and public information requests, ensuring confidentiality and alignment with client messaging. 

• Draft and deliver high-volume, high-profile correspondence often requiring complexity, including ability to navigate legal and sensitive issues pertaining to children and families.  

• Develop and deliver strategic, nuanced responses to complex or high-profile inquiries, often requiring coordination across multiple program teams. 

• Serve as a primary point of contact for sensitive and/or complex questions submitted through the program’s website and digital communication channels. 

• Draft, review, and distribute official responses, press releases, and public statements in coordination with the client’s communications team. 

• Monitor media coverage and public sentiment, providing regular reports and strategic insights to program leadership. 

• Collaborate with internal and client teams to ensure consistent messaging and timely responses to emerging issues. 

• Maintain accurate records of correspondence and media interactions using secure tracking systems. 

Required Qualifications: 

• Master's degree in communications, public relations, legal writing, media writing, journalism, or a related field. 

• 7+ years of experience in public affairs, media relations, with a focus on high profile government communications. 

• Experience supporting federal clients or large scale/national nonprofit organizations with public-facing programs. 

• Demonstrated expertise in legal elements of public communications, including and not limited to FOIA processes and public records management. 

• Excellent writing and editing skills 

• Proven ability to rapidly craft strategic, well-reasoned responses to complex or sensitive topics. 

• Demonstrated discretion in handling confidential and high-stakes information. 

• Strong written and verbal communication skills, with experience drafting public-facing content. 

• 5+ years experience within federal programs, particularly those related to public health, human services, or child and family welfare. 

• Proficiency in inquiry system data tracking, media monitoring tools, live chat, and customer relationship management systems. 

Preferred Qualifications: 

• Dual J.D./M.A. degree in law and mass communications or paralegal experience 

Preferred Skills: 

• Team player with the ability to work in a fast-paced environment  

• Ability to manage multiple projects simultaneously and maintain high-quality results 

• Ability to work and communicate with a diverse audience  

• Great organization and time management skills.  

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal, and written communication skills.  

• Demonstrated, outstanding level of professionalism, including ability to exercise good judgment, discretion, tact, and diplomacy 

• Ability to apply detailed knowledge of organizational procedures to make independent decisions  

• Strong attention to detail and ability to produce error-free work products  

• Excellent problem-solving skills with ability to analyze situations, identify existing or potential problems and recommend solutions  

• Willingness to innovate or create new approaches to reach desired goals 

• Proficient with M365 applications (e.g. Word, Excel, and PowerPoint) 

• Proficient with virtual communication platforms (Teams, Zoom, Mural, etc.)  

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.