Abt Associates: Health Communications Specialist 4 (Proposal) – Rockville

The Opportunity

As a Health Communications Associate, you will lead and contribute to the design, development, and execution of strategic communications initiatives across a portfolio of public health and healthcare projects. You will translate complex technical content into high-quality communications products and play a key role in shaping messaging strategies that support client objectives.

This role is ideal for a mid-level professional with demonstrated experience in health communications who can operate with increasing autonomy, manage multiple priorities, and engage effectively with clients and multidisciplinary teams. This position is contingent upon award of additional health communication contracts to Abt Global.

Core Responsibilities

Marketing and Communications Strategy

Experience developing marketing and communications strategy, such as how to segment audiences and develop plans to reach them

Contribute to and help implement communications strategies aligned with project and client goals

Communication Planning & Science: apply evidence-based communication planning frameworks (e.g., health belief model, SBCC) including audience research, message testing, and channel selection

Lead the development of communications products, including reports, briefs, web content, blogs, social media, infographics, and presentations

Develop toolkits, briefs, and dissemination products tailored to health providers, researchers, and consumer audiences

Synthesize complex research findings and technical content into clear, audience-appropriate messaging

Plain Language: apply federal plain language standards and readability principles to all deliverables

Ensure all deliverables meet quality, accessibility, and branding standards

Project Leadership & Execution

Manage communications workstreams or discrete tasks across one or more projects

Manage digital communications products from concept through launch, including road mapping, sprint planning, and stakeholder alignment

Oversee timelines, deliverables, and workflows to ensure on-time, high-quality execution

Provide guidance and direction to junior staff on communications tasks and products

Support coordination of outreach campaigns, stakeholder engagement, and dissemination activities

Client & Stakeholder Engagement

Participate in client meetings and contribute to presentations, briefings, and deliverables

Support the development of client-facing materials, including reports and communication plans

Build and maintain collaborative relationships with internal teams and external stakeholders

Content Management & Performance Tracking

Oversee content calendars and support dissemination across digital platforms

Track and analyze communications performance metrics and recommend improvements

Evaluate and improve content and campaigns by identifying KPIs, using analytics platforms, and delivery data-driven optimization recommendations

Maintain documentation for communications activities, approvals, and reporting

Digital Media Channel Management: manage content across specific digital channels (web, email, social, mobile), including platform governance, audience targeting, and scheduling

Graphic Design & Data Visualization: oversee design and visualization of communications products using tools such as Adobe Creative Suite, Canva, or Tableau

Marketing: apply digital marketing and social marketing principles — including SEO, paid media, and campaign management — to public health communications efforts

Research & Thought Leadership Support

Conduct environmental scans, audience analyses, and literature reviews to inform communications approaches

Measure and evaluate the effectiveness of outreach strategies

Inform the development of toolkits and dissemination products through audience analysis and evidence review, ensuring materials meet the literacy, cultural, and contextual needs of audiences

Contribute to concept notes, proposals, and business development efforts as needed

Stay current on public health trends, communications best practices, and federal client priorities

What We Value

Bachelor’s Degree and Nine years of relevant experience, or Master’s and seven years of relevant experience, or PhD and four years of relevant experience

Degree in Public Health, Communications, or Public Relations strongly preferred.

8+ years of relevant experience in health communications, public health, or related field

Demonstrated experience developing and leading communications products and deliverables

Strong writing, editing, and storytelling skills, especially translating technical content for diverse audiences

Experience applying plain language standards, storytelling, and narrative development

Experience managing multiple workstreams and meeting deadlines in a fast-paced environment

Experience supporting federal health clients (e.g., HRSA, CDC, NIH, SSA)

Familiarity with health systems strengthening initiatives

Experience with digital communications tools, analytics platforms, and content management systems

Strategic thinker with strong judgment and problem-solving skills

Ability to work independently while collaborating effectively across teams

Strong attention to detail and commitment to high-quality deliverables