Communications Manager, Federal Transportation

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 Next is 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 be passionate about pressing issues such as community improvement, transportation infrastructure, operations, and innovation. Prior experience managing government communication efforts, particularly in federal transportation, is highly desired.

Preferred candidates are located in the Washington, DC metro area; candidates on the East Coast will also 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 developing a variety of communications materials and content across multiple 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.
• Develop product such as infographics, report design, presentations, and other content.
• Manage website content, e‑newsletter development, and social media outreach planning and content development.
• Track and report communication plan metrics.
• Monitor task tracking systems for due dates, milestones, staff assignments, and project status across hundreds of concurrent communication products.
• Maintain website and 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 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.
• Experience with traditional and social media environments.
• Experience supporting USDOT, FHWA, or transportation‑related research programs.
• Excellent technical writing skills.
• Proficiency in MS Office (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 and ability to manage multiple ongoing activities.
• Excellent client‑facing, written, and verbal communication skills.
• Strong organizational and coordination skills.
• Demonstrated client relationship skills in a dynamic client environment.
• Strong collaboration and teamwork orientation.
• Strong analytical, problem‑solving, and decision‑making…