Public Relations Director

Overview

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.

• 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 Med Watch 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.

Remote

• 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.

• 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.

• 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, ) 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

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 are an equal opportunity employer. Our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records. Reasonable Accommodations are available, including for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation, please email c All information you provide will be kept confidential and used only to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is: $ - $. The pay range is determined by factors including relevant work experience, skills, certifications, geographic location, education, certifications, and contract provisions. This position is based in the DC Remote Office (DC99).