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:

• 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

About Guidehouse

Guidehouse is an Equal Opportunity Employer–Protected Veterans, Individuals with Disabilities or any other basis protected by law, ordinance, or regulation.

Guidehouse will consider for employment qualified applicants with criminal histories in a manner consistent with the requirements of applicable law or ordinance including the Fair Chance Ordinance of Los Angeles and San Francisco.

Guidehouse does not accept unsolicited resumes through or from search firms or staffing agencies. All unsolicited resumes will be considered the property of Guidehouse and Guidehouse will not be obligated to pay a placement fee.