Social Media Strategist

ICF Next is seeking a Social Media Strategist to support a high-visibility federal client within the national security space, focused on large-scale recruitment marketing and employer branding initiatives. This is a fully onsite role within a secure government environment requiring close, day-to-day collaboration with client stakeholders. The role supports the execution of data-driven social media strategies that attract high-quality candidates and strengthen the client’s employer brand across digital platforms.

The strategist will operate in a highly collaborative environment, working closely with government stakeholders and integrated marketing teams to plan, execute, and optimize social media initiatives. The work aligns to a broader recruitment marketing program that includes campaign development, analytics, content strategy, and KPI-driven optimization, requiring both strategic thinking and hands-on execution.

Job Location: All work is performed on site in a secure federal environment in Washington, D.C. Limited telework may be authorized only as permitted by the client and contract requirements.

What You Will Do

Develop and execute social media strategies that support national recruitment, hiring campaigns, and employer branding efforts

Plan and manage editorial calendars and content pipelines across platforms (LinkedIn, X, Facebook, Instagram, YouTube)

Create, schedule, and publish content in alignment with brand guidelines, accessibility standards (Section 508), and federal compliance requirements

Collaborate onsite with government stakeholders and cross-functional teams (creative, analytics, paid media, program leadership) to ensure message alignment and approval workflows

Monitor social media channels for engagement, sentiment, and emerging risks, and recommend proactive responses

Conduct social listening and trend analysis to inform messaging, campaigns, and audience targeting strategies

Analyze performance metrics (reach, engagement, conversions, sentiment) and contribute to KPI reporting and optimization efforts

Support real-time and event-based content execution, including rapid-turnaround deliverables

Develop social media toolkits, including captions, alt text, creative direction, and platform-specific guidance

Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders to ensure consistency across all public-facing communications and channels

Basic Qualifications

Active Top Secret (TS) clearance required

Ability to work onsite full-time in Washington, DC

U.S. citizenship required

Bachelor’s degree in communications, marketing, public relations, or related field

3+ years of professional experience managing organizational or brand social media accounts

Preferred Qualifications

Experience supporting federal government or public-sector communications programs

Familiarity with recruitment marketing, employer branding, or talent acquisition campaigns

Experience using social media management and analytics tools (e.g., Sprout Social, Hootsuite, Meltwater, Brandwatch)

Experience supporting data-driven optimization and KPI reporting environments

Familiarity with multi-channel campaign integration (paid, owned, earned media)

Professional Skills

Strong organizational and coordination skills across multiple stakeholders and workstreams

Excellent written and verbal communication skills

Ability to manage multiple priorities in a fast-paced, deadline-driven environment

Strong attention to detail and commitment to quality

Ability to synthesize information and contribute to strategic decision-making

Collaborative mindset with the ability to work across interdisciplinary teams