Health Communications Lead

Health Communications Lead

Location: United States — Remote (Any Location)
Work Arrangement: 100% Remote
Job Type: Full-Time
Salary: $92,000–$153,000 annually
Travel: Up to 10%

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