Speechwriter

ICF • Alexandria, VA

6d • Onsite

About The Position

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.

Requirements

• 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.
• 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.

Nice To Haves

• 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.

Responsibilities

• 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 This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time
• Career Level: Mid Level