Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist (Hybrid role, Reston, VA)

Job Description

Are you interested in assisting Federal agencies by analyzing public feedback on current and emerging federal policy issues and regulatory programs? Do you want to apply your education and experience to help government agencies improve the way they develop and implement regulations, policies, and programs? Our Regulatory, Policy and Economics (RPE) portfolio has over 30 years of experience supporting the design, implementation, and improvement of federal programs and is seeking an experienced public policy analyst and comment analysis project contributor/manager to join them.

Join our multidisciplinary team of regulatory specialists, policy analysts, economists, and attorneys. We combine legal, policy, economic, and scientific research and analysis to solve unique public policy challenges through innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. Our dynamic work environment involves working on multiple projects simultaneously and providing a wide range of support services for a variety of federal clients.

This full-time position is available immediately and primarily located in Reston, VA (i.e., in the DC Metro area) with flexibility for telework considered.

Job Responsibilities

The Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist will be focused primarily on the review, processing, and analysis of public comments on highly scrutinized and often controversial public policy topics. The Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist will contribute to and assist in directing teams of ICF staff on individual tasks and whole projects associated with comment analysis support for Federal regulatory initiatives. This position will also interact directly with federal agency clients to understand their goals and objectives for each project, confirm and clarify client direction, and to ensure that ICF's analysis and deliverables meet a high level of quality. Duties also include contributing to federal rulemaking documents, policy papers, and technical background documents, as well as technical writing and editing, report production, and assist in managing discrete tasks and small teams of staff to work toward a milestone or deliverable. The Public Policy and Comment Analysis Specialist will work within and help manage interdisciplinary teams supporting federal government client agencies that develop and implement regulatory programs affecting public health, the environment, energy, homeland security and immigration, labor and workforce issues, transportation, and other national priorities.

What You Will Do

• Support federal agency efforts to transparently analyze public comments received on proposed agency rules and initiatives
• Provide advice to clients relating to the analysis, processing, and management of public feedback received on agency initiatives
• Participate in short- and long-term engagements to support federal clients whose responsibilities are to develop policies and craft regulations that implement a desired policy, explain the rationale of the rulemaking to interested parties, and implement the regulatory requirements
• Perform detailed quality control reviews of draft deliverables prior to submittal to clients
• Assist agencies in drafting, editing, and formatting federal rulemaking documents
• Provide day-to-day technical direction to project staff
• Immerse oneself rapidly in varied projects for multiple clients
• Assist in managing project/task teams and develop and monitor project budgets and schedules
• Assist in managing day-to-day client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and working to develop long-term client relationships
• Drafting reports and presentations

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree (in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field).
• Minimum 3 years of related work experience in a government agency, professional services firm, or related environment; OR
• Master's degree (in Public Policy or a related field) or equivalent (e.g., JD, MPA) plus a minimum of 2 years of related work experience in a government agency, professional services firm, or related environment.
• Demonstrated understanding of and experience providing comment analysis support for federal agency rulemakings and initiatives.
• U.S. Citizenship is required per federal contracts.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a moderate-level government security clearance.

Professional Skills We Are Looking For

• 1+ years of experience working on comment analysis projects related to federal regulatory programs and issues.
• Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time management, and decision-making skills.
• Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent written and oral communications skills.
• Strong attention to detail and collaborative approach.
• Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint).
• Experience providing day to day oversight of individuals or teams.

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 [email protected] 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.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. Together, 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, but not limited to, 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 [email protected] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights 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.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at [email protected]. We are dedicated to providing the 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:

$60,967.00 - $103,643.00

Reston, VA (VA30)