Health Communications Lead

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:

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Lead the development and execution of integrated communication strategies, messaging frameworks, and stakeholder engagement plans for CDC and other federal health programs.

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Serve as a primary advisor to federal clients and program leaders on communications strategy, digital engagement, public health messaging, and risk communication approaches.

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Direct the creation and oversight of communication products, including websites, newsletters, social media content, executive briefing materials, presentations, reports, and multimedia assets.

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Translate complex scientific, technical, and public health information into clear, actionable communications tailored to diverse stakeholder audiences.

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Lead and oversee cross-functional teams responsible for content development, editorial review, stakeholder coordination, and digital communications activities.

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Provide strategic oversight of communication clearance, content governance, quality assurance, and compliance processes.

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Analyze digital performance metrics, audience insights, and communication outcomes to inform continuous improvement and strategic decision-making.

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Lead website modernization efforts, content strategy initiatives, content migrations, and digital transformation activities.

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Ensure communication products comply with federal requirements, including HHS standards, Section 508 accessibility, health literacy principles, plain language guidance, and agency communication policies.

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Mentor and develop junior communications staff while supporting project delivery, business development, and organizational growth initiatives.

What You Will Need:

- Bachelor's degree.

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SIX (6) or more years of professional health communications experience, including leadership of complex communications initiatives.

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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:

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Bachelors and/or Master's degree in Public Health, Health Communication, Communications, Journalism, Marketing, or a related field.

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Demonstrated experience supporting CDC or other federal health agency communications programs, including digital communications, public health campaigns, stakeholder engagement, or strategic communications initiatives.

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Experience leading communication strategy development and execution for public health, scientific, or technical programs.

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Experience managing client relationships and advising senior leaders on communication, outreach, and engagement strategies.

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Experience overseeing federal communication review, clearance, governance, and approval processes.

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Strong project management, stakeholder management, presentation, facilitation, writing, and editing skills.

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Experience managing multiple priorities, leading teams, and delivering high-quality products in a client-facing consulting environment.

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Experience applying health literacy, plain language, audience-centered communication, and behavior change communication principles.

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Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, and digital collaboration platforms.

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Experience with CDC Digital First Editor (DFE) or other federal content management systems.

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Knowledge of CDC Clear Communication Index methodologies and evidence-based p