Communications Manager, Federal Transportation

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.

This is your opportunity to join ICF Next, an award-winning agency filled with mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists. We are seeking a communications manager who can lead Federal Highway Administration (FHWA) projects and make a meaningful difference in the transportation sector. In this role, you will collaborate closely with account team leaders and FHWA, planning, developing, and implementing innovative strategies and programs that support their mission and address key challenges in transportation.

You will have Federal communications experience and are passionate and knowledgeable about pressing issues like community improvement and transportation infrastructure , operations, and innovation . If you have prior experience managing government communication efforts , we would love to talk to you. If that experience includes federal transportation, then you just may be who we are looking for!

Candidates in the Washington, DC metro area are preferred, though East Coast–based candidates will be considered. Periodic travel to the DC client office may be required .

• Lead the development of communications research, objectives , goals, strategies, tactics and evaluation
• Direct the team of writers, editors, specialists, and designers in the development of a variety of communications materials and content for various communications channels
• Oversee version control, editorial quality, branding consistency, copyright permissions, and citation accuracy across all products
• Coordinate reviews and approvals with FHWA’s Office of Public Affairs and other required stakeholders
• Manage and conduct market research, audience analysis, stakeholder engagement planning, and performance measurement efforts
• Oversee client activities including:
  • Communication , marketing, and work plan development and strategies
  • P roduct development, such as infographics, report design, presentations, and content development
  • Web site content management and e-newsletter development
  • Social media outreach planning and content development
  • Tracking and reporting of communication plan metrics
  • Oversee t ask tracking systems to monitor due dates, milestones, staff assignments, and project status across hundreds of concurrent communications products
  • Oversee website and support SharePoint sites, including content updates, design, accessibility, and ongoing maintenance
  • Coordinate multimedia, graphic design, photography, video, transcription, and event support services to ensure cohesive, on-brand delivery

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, public affairs, journalism, marketing, or a related field (advanced degree preferred).
• 8+ years of professional marketing communications experience within the federal , state or local government
• 4+ years of experience overseeing stakeholder outreach, events, and integrated marketing campaigns in a federal context.

• Demonstrated experience managing complex federal communications or publications contracts, including task order-level program management
• Strong knowledge of federal communications standards, editorial processes, branding, and accessibility requirements
• Knowledge of federal, state, and/or local transportation issues and demands
• Knowledge of traditional and social media environments
• Experience supporting USDOT, FHWA, or transportation-related research programs
• Excellent technical writing skills
• Proficiency in MS Office Applications (Word, PowerPoint, Outlook, Excel) and Google Workspace
• Familiarity with large-scale publication production, web content management (including Drupal), and digital marketing platforms.

• Proven ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage high-volume, deadline- driven production environments
• High attention to detail with the ability to manage multiple ongoing activities
• Excellent client-facing, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Possess strong…