Job Family:Operational Effectiveness
Travel Required:Up to 10%
Clearance Required:Ability to Obtain Public Trust
What You Will Do:Guidehouse is seeking a
Health Communications Lead to lead strategic communications, digital engagement, and public health outreach initiatives supporting CDC and other federal health agencies. This role serves as a trusted advisor to federal clients, providing communications leadership, managing high-visibility projects, and guiding multidisciplinary teams in the development, implementation, and evaluation of communication strategies that advance public health priorities.
Responsibilities Include:
- Lead the development and execution of integrated communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement plans for CDC and other federal health programs.
- Serve as a primary advisor to federal clients and program leaders on communications strategy, digital engagement, public health messaging, and risk communication approaches.
- Direct the creation and oversight of communication products, including websites, newsletters, social media content, executive briefing materials, presentations, reports, and multimedia assets.
- Translate complex scientific, technical, and public health information into clear, actionable communications tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences.
- Lead and oversee cross-functional teams responsible for content development, editorial review, stakeholder coordination, and digital communications activities.
- Provide strategic oversight of communication clearance, content governance, quality assurance, and compliance processes.
- Analyze digital performance metrics, audience insights, and communication outcomes to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.
- Lead website modernization efforts, content strategy initiatives, content migrations, and digital transformation activities.
- Ensure communication products comply with federal requirements, including HHS standards, Section 508 accessibility, health literacy principles, plain language guidance, and agency communication policies.
- Mentor and develop junior communications staff while supporting project delivery, business development, and organizational growth initiatives.
What You Will Need:- Bachelor's degree.
- SIX (6) or more years of professional health communications experience, including leadership of complex communications initiatives.
- Must be able to OBTAIN and MAINTAIN a Federal or DoD "PUBLIC TRUST"; candidates with an ACTIVE PUBLIC TRUST or SUITABILITY are preferred.
What Would Be Nice To Have:- Bachelors and/or Master's degree in Public Health, Health Communication, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.
- Demonstrated experience supporting CDC or other federal health agency communications programs, including digital communications, public health campaigns, stakeholder engagement, or strategic communications initiatives.
- Experience leading communication strategy development and execution for public health, scientific, or technical programs.
- Experience managing client relationships and advising senior leaders on communication, outreach, and engagement strategies.
- Experience overseeing federal communication review, clearance, governance, and approval processes.
- Strong project management, stakeholder management, presentation, facilitation, writing, and editing skills.
- Experience managing multiple priorities, leading teams, and delivering high-quality products in a client-facing consulting environment.
- Experience applying health literacy, plain language, audience-centered communication, and behavior change communication principles.
- Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and digital collaboration platforms.
- Experience with CDC Digital First Editor (DFE) or other federal content management systems.
- Knowledge of CDC Clear Communication Index methodologies and evidence-based public health communication practices.
- Experience using digital analytics, audience segmentation, SEO, user experience (UX), or content strategy methodologies to inform communications decisions.
- Experience supporting public health emergency communications, crisis communications, or risk communication programs.
- Experience overseeing multimedia development, video production, graphic design, or digital campaign implementation.
- Experience supervising staff, mentoring team members, and contributing to proposal development, capture activities, or business development efforts.
- PMP, APR, CMP, or other relevant communications or project management certification.
The annual salary range for this position is $92,000.00-$153,000.00. Compensation decisions depend on a wide range of factors, including but not limited to skill sets, experience and training, security clearances, licensure and certifications, and other business and organizational needs.
What We Offer:Guidehouse offers a comprehensive, total rewards package that includes competitive compensation and a flexible benefits package that reflects our commitment to creating a diverse and supportive workplace.
Benefits include:
- Medical, Rx, Dental & Vision Insurance
- Personal and Family Sick Time & Company Paid Holidays
- Position may be eligible for a discretionary variable incentive bonus
- Parental Leave and Adoption Assistance
- 401(k) Retirement Plan
- Basic Life & Supplemental Life
- Health Savings Account, Dental/Vision & Dependent Care Flexible Spending Accounts
- Short-Term & Long-Term Disability
- Student Loan PayDown
- Tuition Reimbursement, Personal Development & Learning Opportunities
- Skills Development & Certifications
- Employee Referral Program
- Corporate Sponsored Events & Community Outreach
- Emergency Back-Up Childcare Program
- Mobility Stipend
