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. 

ICF is a mission-driven company filled with people who care deeply about improving the lives of others and making the world a better place. Our core values include Embracing Difference; we seek candidates who are passionate about building a culture that encourages, embraces, and hires dimensions of difference.   

@ 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.    
 

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, timely media response, and compliant public communications across channels 
 

Location: Remote 
 

As a Public 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. 

• ensure all public‑facing digital content meets Section 508 standards 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 and maintain a public trust clearance  

• U.S. Citizenship required (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 with FDA program/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  

• 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    

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.