Cybersecurity Planning Strategist (Team Lead) - Clearance Required

ICF is a mission-driven company filled with people who care deeply about improving the lives of others and making the world a better place. Our cybersecurity analysts and experts work to protect the functions and missions that are vital to our people, government, and military through proactive planning and strong public-private partnerships.

ICF is seeking a Cybersecurity Planning Strategist (Team Lead) for a program responsible for ensuring critical infrastructure protection and resilience through effective collaboration with the private sector. This role oversees a team and facilitates strategic initiatives and cyber defense plans. They will also support stakeholder engagement, manage programs, and coordinate event execution.

This position is a hybrid role and on-site work will be conducted in Arlington, VA. Candidates must be located in the National Capital Region and be prepared to work at the designated location up to three days per week, with the possibility of additional on-site days as necessary.

What You Will Be Doing:

• Support project and program management for cyber defense planning initiatives in collaboration with industry partners (e.g. developing and maintaining POAMs, project plans, tracking milestones, etc.)
• Develop and maintain operational plans and program management plans for strategic initiatives
• Support and contribute to engagement with industry partners, including email correspondence, meeting coordination, and in-person/virtual meetings
• Support the identification and development of new strategic initiatives by maintaining awareness of client operational activities, trends and publications across the cybersecurity ecosystem, and key feedback and observations by industry partners
• Coordinate and facilitate joint cyber defense exercises and training events
• Assist in developing incident response plans and procedures
• Supporting information sharing initiatives to improve collaboration among stakeholders
• Monitor and evaluate the effectiveness of operational plans and make recommendations for improvement
• Coordinate with internal partners to ensure all parties are aligned on actions and expectations
• Collaborate with internal and external partners to identify cyber threats and vulnerabilities
• Supervise and mentor a core team of contract staff

Basic Qualifications:

• Active high level DOD security clearance required
• U.S. Citizenship required (required by federal government for position)
• Ability to travel for client events several times per year
• 7+ years of relevant experience

Preferred Qualifications:

• Bachelor's degree in a relevant field strongly preferred (cybersecurity, information systems, etc.).
• 3+ years of experience working as a consultant to a federal government client, ideally in a national security setting
• 3+ years of experience in a project or program management role developing project plans, tracking milestones, identifying and mitigating risks, and managing a project team
• Excellent oral and written communication/briefing skills, including a high level of attention to detail and ability to quality-control internal and external communications and products
• Demonstrated customer service orientation with strong leadership, interpersonal, organizational, problem-solving, and strategic thinking skills
• Knowledge of cybersecurity principles and best practices
• Ability to work effectively in a collaborative team environment

Additional Skills:

• Interest in and ability to apply knowledge of cybersecurity or IT concepts, policies, and procedures. Industry-standard certifications a plus (CompTIA Sec+, CEH, etc.)
• Familiarity with relevant national incident response and coordination policies and relevant structures
• Experience working across government and private sector organizations to meet goals and objectives
• Demonstrated experience with Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Planner, Project, Teams, and SharePoint. Experience with Confluence/Jira is a plus.

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 a workplace that allows everyone to thrive. We are an equal opportunity employer. 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 policy.

We will consider for employment qualified applicants with arrest and conviction records.

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

Candidate AI Usage Policy

At ICF, we are committed to ensuring a fair interview process for all candidates based on their own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) tools to generate or assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is not permitted. This policy is in place to maintain the integrity and authenticity of the interview process.

However, we understand that some candidates may require accommodation that involves the use of AI. If such an accommodation is needed, candidates are instructed to contact us in advance at We are dedicated to providing the necessary support to ensure that all candidates have an equal opportunity to succeed.

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:
$119,323.00 - $202,850.00

Virginia Client Office (VA88)