2027 Summer Intern, Communications Specialist (Reston, VA)

About the role

@ ICF Next, we are fearless in finding new ways to solve problems, relentless in making sure it pays off for our clients and committed to making a positive change in the world.

Here's your chance to join our award-winning agency, ICF Next. We're changemakers, a community of mission driven creatives, communicators, strategists and technologists.

This role will work with the ICF Next government communications team and assist with mission-drive strategic communications and marketing. We are looking for candidates who have an interest in government communications with a desire to support the following areas: communications strategy, content creation, writing and editing, media relations, campaigns and client strategy.

Our 2027 summer internship is a 10-week, full-time program that generally begins in early June and concludes in mid-August. The internship will be hybrid from Reston, VA (2x per week). At this time, we are unable to provide housing assistance or relocation for this position. The hourly rate for undergraduate interns will be $23/hour.

Key Responsibilities

• Communications Strategy. Support the development and implementation of strategic communications plans and campaigns.
• Content Creation. Contribute to the creation of marketing and communications materials such as factsheets, infographics, social media content, reports and presentations.
• Writing and Editing. Write and edit compelling written content for internal and external audiences.
• Media Relations. Draft and edit press releases and talking points and monitor media coverage.
• Campaigns. Support the planning and execution of marketing campaigns across various channels.
• Client Strategy. Collaborate with team members on client strategy.
• Engage and Learn. Rotate between multidisciplinary teams to support projects, gain exposure and develop business acumen.

Basic Qualifications

• A minimum of 60 college credit hours complete in communications, marketing, public relations or a related field
• Due to contract requirements, U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Work Authorization is required

Preferred Qualifications

• Excellent verbal, interpersonal and written communication skills
• Strong analytical, problem-solving and decision-making capabilities
• Ability to effectively prioritize and manage multiple tasks to meet aggressive deadlines
• Strong motivation and adaptability to learn and understand new concepts and markets
• Ability to work both independently and in a team-oriented, collaborative environment
• Ability to produce quality work products with attention to detail

Bot and Third-Party Applications

• Please note that this application must be submitted directly by the applicant for consideration.
• Failure to do so may result in the application being excluded for consideration.
• Applicants needing an accommodation for disability or religious purposes in connection with the application process should contact for assistance.

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.
• Read more about workplace discrimination righ t s or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

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 or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

Pay and benefits

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

$37,855.00 - $64,354.00

Reston, VA (VA30)