Communications Account Manager (North Carolina)

The Work

At 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. Join our community of mission-driven creatives, communicators, strategists, and technologists to challenge the status quo.

We are seeking an experienced Account Manager to lead integrated marketing, communications, public outreach, and behavior-change campaigns for transportation and public-sector clients. This role will serve as the primary client contact, overseeing strategic planning, campaign development, media coordination, stakeholder engagement, reporting, and project delivery for statewide initiatives focused on transportation safety, mobility, transit, and public awareness.

The successful candidate will have experience managing complex, multi-channel communications campaigns, coordinating cross-functional teams, and delivering measurable results for public-sector, transportation, infrastructure, or highly regulated industries. Experience with traffic safety, Vision Zero, public engagement, and North Carolina transportation programs is highly desirable.

Job Location: Must live in North Carolina area to travel occasionally to the client office.

What You Will Do:

• Serve as the primary client contact, building strong relationships, leading meetings, managing expectations, and ensuring overall client satisfaction

• Develop and lead integrated marketing, communications, and public outreach strategies aligned to program goals, target audiences, and behavior-change objectives

• Manage end-to-end campaign execution across multi-channel efforts (digital, media, PR, outreach), ensuring alignment with scope, schedule, and budget

• Create and oversee detailed project plans, timelines, deliverables, and budgets while managing multiple concurrent initiatives

• Coordinate cross-functional teams and external partners (creative, media, research, outreach vendors) to ensure seamless delivery

• Lead development of messaging frameworks, audience segmentation, and content strategies that translate complex initiatives into clear, impactful communications

• Plan and execute stakeholder engagement and public outreach activities, including community events, public meetings, and partnerships with local organizations

• Collaborate on media and public relations efforts, including campaign planning, press materials, media coordination, and performance tracking

• Establish KPIs, monitor campaign performance, and deliver data-driven insights, reporting, and recommendations to clients and leadership

• Identify risks, solve problems proactively, and continuously optimize campaigns and processes to improve outcomes and efficiency

What You Will Bring With You (Required Qualifications):

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field.

• 7+ years of experience in account management, project management, communications, marketing, advertising, public outreach, or public involvement

What We Would Like You To Bring With You (Preferred Qualifications):

• Demonstrated experience managing integrated communications and marketing campaigns from strategy through implementation

• Experience managing multiple projects, budgets, timelines, and stakeholder groups simultaneously

• Experience working with state, local, or federal government agencies

• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite

• Experience supporting transportation, infrastructure, transit, traffic safety, Vision Zero, public health, or behavior-change campaigns

• Knowledge of North Carolina transportation programs, demographics, media markets, and stakeholder landscape

• Experience working with North Carolina state agencies, MPOs, RPOs, transit agencies, local governments, or transportation organizations

• Familiarity with Click It or Ticket, Booze It & Lose It, pedestrian safety, bicycle safety, and Vision Zero programs

• Experience managing statewide public awareness and public education campaigns

• Experience developing multilingual, culturally responsive, and equity-focused outreach programs

• Existing relationships with transportation, public safety, media, or community stakeholders within North Carolina or the southeastern United States

• PMP, CAPM, Agile, Scrum, or related project management certification

Professional Skills:

• Strong client relationship management and consulting skills.

• Excellent written, verbal, presentation, and facilitation skills.

• Experience leading cross-functional project teams.

• Strong organizational, problem-solving, and project management capabilities.

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