Job Description

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.

The Work: ICF is seeking an experienced Speechwriter to support a federal research and innovation agency. In this role, you will develop senior-level communications products that clearly and compellingly convey agency priorities, programs, and research impacts to diverse audiences. The ideal candidate is a strategic communicator with strong research, writing, and editorial skills, and experience translating complex scientific and policy information into accessible messaging tailored to leadership voice and audience needs.

Job Location: This position requires you work in person at our client office in Alexandria, Virginia.

• You will be in the office five days a week with travel required to support national events.

What You Will Do:

• Draft speeches, talking points, remarks, presentations, internal communications, congressional testimony, and messaging for agency leadership.

• Synthesize information from internal and external sources into compelling, accurate, and accessible narratives.

• Tailor messaging for varied audiences, including Congress, scientific associations, academic stakeholders, federal partners, and the general public.

• Develop communications plans, engagement strategies, and messaging frameworks that advance the agency’s mission and strategic priorities.

• Produce senior-level communications products that clearly articulate programs, initiatives, and research outcomes.

• Conduct research and fact-checking through interviews with subject-matter experts, program officials, and written sources to ensure accuracy and credibility.

• Edit and refine materials to align with the voice, tone, and style of agency leadership.

• Manage multiple assignments simultaneously and meet tight deadlines in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment.

• Collaborate closely with leadership, program staff, and communications teams to ensure messaging consistency and alignment.

What You Will Bring With You:

• Minimum of 5 years of professional speechwriting experience for varied audiences and purposes.

• At least 3 years of speechwriting experience supporting science-focused organizations or technical subject matter.

What We Would Like You To Bring With You:

• Degree in journalism, communications, public policy, or a science-related field.

• Demonstrated experience drafting senior-level communications products, including speeches, testimony, and executive messaging.

• Experience researching and fact-checking through interviews with subject-matter experts and program officials.

• Strong ability to synthesize complex information into clear, audience-appropriate messaging.

• Experience supporting federal agencies or working in a government communications environment.

• Familiarity with congressional communications and testimony preparation.

• Experience developing communications strategies or engagement plans.

Professional Skills:

• Excellent written and verbal communication skills with strong editorial judgment.

• Highly effective analytical, problem-solving, and decision-making capabilities.

• Ability to work effectively with senior leadership and maintain discretion with sensitive information.

• Strong collaboration and interpersonal skills to coordinate with program staff, scientists, and communications teams.

• Ability to manage competing priorities and deliver high-quality products under tight deadlines.

Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we’re not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employerTogether, our employees are empowered to share theirexpertiseand collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEOpolicy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals withsincerely heldreligious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To requestan accommodation,please email Candidateaccommodation@icf.com and we will be happy toassist All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extentrequiredto provide needed reasonable accommodations. 

Read more about workplace discrimination rightsor our benefit offerings which are included in the  Transparency in (Benefits) CoverageAct.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

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.  

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is

$74,090.00 - $125,954.00Virginia Client Office (VA88)