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ICF Next

Senior Federal Rulemaking Specialist

ICF Next, Reston, VA


Senior Federal Rulemaking Specialist

Are you interested in assisting Federal agencies by working on current and emerging policy issues and regulatory programs? Do you want to apply your education and experience to help government agencies improve the way they develop and implement regulations, policies, and programs? Our Regulatory, Policy and Economics (RPE) portfolio has over 30 years of experience supporting the design, implementation, and improvement of federal programs and is seeking a federal rulemaking expert to join them.

Join our multidisciplinary team of regulatory specialists, policy analysts, economists, and attorneys. We combine legal, policy, economic, and scientific research and analysis to solve unique public policy challenges through innovative, accurate, timely, and high-quality products and services. Our dynamic work environment involves working on multiple projects simultaneously and providing a wide range of support services for a variety of federal clients.

This position is available immediately and can be filled either as a fully remote position or as a position primarily located in Reston, VA (i.e., in the DC Metro area) with flexibility for telework considered.

Job Responsibilities:

The Senior Federal Rulemaking Specialist will employ strong research, policy analysis, and writing skills to contribute to federal rulemaking documents, stakeholder and public comment reports, policy papers, and technical background documents. Duties also will include technical writing and editing, report production, and managing discrete tasks and small teams of staff to work toward a milestone or deliverable. The Senior Federal Rulemaking Specialist will work within and help manage interdisciplinary teams supporting federal government client agencies that develop and implement regulatory programs affecting the environment, energy, homeland security and immigration, labor and workforce issues, public health, nutrition, transportation, and other national priorities.

What you will do:
  • Participate in or manage short- and long-term engagements to support federal clients whose responsibilities are to develop policies and craft regulations that implement a desired policy, explain the rationale of the rulemaking to interested parties, and implement the regulatory requirements
  • Support federal agency efforts to transparently manage and analyze public comments received on proposed agency rules
  • Draft, edit, and format federal agency rulemaking documents and develop/adapt style guides for new agency rulemakings
  • Support federal agency rulemaking workgroups by providing live document editing in meetings, tracking agency dispensation of reviewer comments, and other support, as needed
  • Provide advice to clients relating to their execution and management of the rulemaking document production and review process
  • Provide day-to-day technical direction to project staff
  • Immerse oneself rapidly in varied projects for multiple clients
  • Manage project teams and develop and monitor project budgets and schedules
  • Manage day-to-day client relationships, ensuring client satisfaction and working to develop long-term client relationships
  • Identify client needs and working with others to pursue regulatory support follow-on work or new business opportunities
  • Develop recommendations, and drafting reports and presentations


What you will need (minimum qualifications):
  • Bachelor's degree (in Public Policy, Political Science, or a related field) plus at least 5 years of related work experience in a government agency, professional services firm, or related environment; or
  • Master's degree (in Public Policy or a related field) or equivalent (e.g., JD, MPA) plus 2+ years of related work experience in a government agency, professional services firm, or related environment.
  • Demonstrated understanding of and experience working within the federal rulemaking process (or equivalent state regulatory process)
  • U.S. Citizenship is required per federal contracts
  • Ability to obtain and maintain a moderate-level government security clearance


Professional skills we are looking for:
  • 2+ years of experience working on projects related to federal regulatory programs and issues and involving research, analysis, and writing
  • Regulatory and/or legal research skills
  • Strong analytical, problem-solving, organizational, time management, and decision-making skills
  • Ability to prioritize and work on multiple projects under strict deadlines in a fast-paced environment
  • Excellent written and oral communications skills
  • Strong attention to detail and collaborative approach
  • Proficiency in MS Office (Word, Excel, Outlook, PowerPoint)
  • Experience managing and providing day to day oversight of individuals or teams
  • Experience developing and monitoring project budgets and schedules
  • Experience pursuing new business or development of business proposals


Why you'll love working here:
  • Comprehensive health benefits and corporate wellness program
  • Competitive vacation and retirement plans
  • Flexible work arrangements.
  • A diverse workforce that values equity and inclusion
  • Employee community networks to support a diverse, inclusive workplace
  • Ongoing learning and development opportunities to meet your professional goals.


Working at ICF

ICF is a global advisory and technology services provider, but we're not your typical consultants. We combine unmatched expertise with cutting-edge technology to help clients solve their most complex challenges, navigate change, and shape the future.

We can only solve the world's toughest challenges by building an inclusive workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer, committed to hiring regardless of any protected characteristic, such as race, ethnicity, national origin, color, sex, gender identity/expression, sexual orientation, religion, age, disability status, or military/veteran status. Together, our employees are empowered to share their expertise and collaborate with others to achieve personal and professional goals. For more information, please read our EEO & AA policy.

Reasonable Accommodations are available, including, but not limited to, for disabled veterans, individuals with disabilities, and individuals with sincerely held religious beliefs, in all phases of the application and employment process. To request an accommodation please email C[redacted] and we will be happy to assist. All information you provide will be kept confidential and will be used only to the extent required to provide needed reasonable accommodations. Read more here: Requesting an Accommodation for the ICF interview process.

Read more about workplace discrimination rights, the Pay Transparency Statement, or our benefit offerings which are included in the Transparency in (Benefits) Coverage Act.

Pay Range - There are multiple factors that are considered in determining final pay for a position, including, but not limited to, relevant work experience, skills, certifications and competencies that align to the specified role, geographic location, education and certifications as well as contract provisions regarding labor categories that are specific to the position.

The pay range for this position based on full-time employment is:
$70,374.00 - $119,636.00

Virginia Remote Office (VA99)