- Job Title: Copywriter (Part-time, On-Call) - Energy
- Company: ICF Next
- Location: Reston, Virginia, United States
- Job Type: Part-time, On-Call
- Category: Energy, Creative Services
- Date Posted: May 15, 2025
- Experience Level: Mid-level (5-10 years)
- Remote Status: Remote OK
🚀 Job Overview
Key aspects of this role include:
- Developing creative concepts and copy for energy clients across various media.
- Collaborating with cross-functional teams to deliver high-quality projects on time.
- Leveraging emerging AI applications to enhance creative output.
- Working in a flexible, on-call arrangement with the potential to transition to full-time employment.
ASSUMPTION: This role requires a strong understanding of energy industry trends and a proven track record in agency copywriting.
📋 Key Responsibilities
- ✅ Write engaging and persuasive copy for social media, web, print, radio, and video content.
- ✅ Develop creative strategies and concepts based on audience insights and project objectives.
- ✅ Collaborate with designers, strategists, and project managers to deliver exceptional campaigns.
- ✅ Meet project deadlines and maintain high-quality standards in all deliverables.
ASSUMPTION: Successful candidates will be comfortable working in a fast-paced, dynamic environment and able to manage multiple projects simultaneously.
🎯 Required Qualifications
- Education: Bachelor's degree in Marketing, Advertising, Communications, or a related field.
- Experience: At least 4 years of experience as a copywriter, preferably within an agency environment.
- Required Skills:
- Proven copywriting skills with a strong portfolio.
- Experience using emerging AI applications in creative contexts.
- Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail.
- Strong leadership skills and the ability to inspire teams and clients.
- Preferred Skills:
- Experience working in the energy industry.
- Familiarity with energy efficiency and service communication strategies.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates with a diverse portfolio showcasing their ability to adapt to different styles and voices will be highly competitive.
💰 Compensation & Benefits
- Salary Range: $67,020 - $113,934 per year (based on full-time employment)
- Benefits: ICF offers a comprehensive benefits package, including health, dental, and vision insurance, 401(k) matching, and paid time off.
- Working Hours: Flexible, on-call arrangement with the potential for 30 hours per week, depending on project needs.
ASSUMPTION: The salary range provided is an estimate and may vary based on the candidate's experience, skills, and contract provisions.
📌 Applicant Insights
🔍 Company Context
- Industry: Business Consulting and Services, focusing on energy and sustainability.
- Company Size: Medium (1,001-5,000 employees)
- Founded: 1969
- Company Description: ICF Next is an award-winning agency that partners with energy distributors to deliver authentic and robust communication with customers, stakeholders, legislators, activists, and media around energy efficiency and service.
- Company Specialties: Energy efficiency, sustainability, customer engagement, and creative services.
📊 Role Analysis
- Career Level: Mid-level, with potential for growth and transition to full-time employment.
- Reporting Structure: This role will report to the Creative Director and work closely with account managers, strategists, and designers.
- Work Arrangement: On-call, with flexible hours and the potential for up to 30 hours per week, depending on project needs.
- Growth Opportunities: As ICF Next continues to grow, there may be opportunities for full-time employment and career advancement within the creative services team.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable with a flexible work arrangement and willing to adapt their schedule based on project needs.
🌍 Location & Work Environment
- Office Type: Hybrid (remote and on-site)
- Office Location(s): Reston, Virginia, United States
- Geographic Context: Reston is a suburban area of Washington, D.C., with a mix of urban and natural environments. It offers a variety of housing options, excellent schools, and a strong job market.
- Work Schedule: Flexible, on-call arrangement with the potential for up to 30 hours per week, depending on project needs.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be comfortable working remotely and have a dedicated workspace at home.
💼 Interview & Application Insights
- Typical Process: Phone or video screen, followed by an in-person or virtual interview with the Creative Director and a member of the hiring team.
- Key Assessment Areas: Creative portfolio, writing samples, industry knowledge, and cultural fit.
- Application Tips:
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills.
- Include a link to your portfolio showcasing your best work.
- Prepare for behavioral and scenario-based interview questions.
🛠️ Tools & Technologies
- Adobe Creative Suite (Photoshop, Illustrator, InDesign)
- Microsoft Office Suite (Word, PowerPoint, Excel)
- Google Workspace (Gmail, Google Drive, Google Docs)
- Project management tools (e.g., Asana, Trello, Jira)
ASSUMPTION: Familiarity with energy industry-specific tools and software may be beneficial but is not required.
👔 Cultural Fit Considerations
- Company Values: ICF values integrity, innovation, collaboration, and excellence.
- Work Style: ICF fosters a collaborative, creative, and flexible work environment. Employees are encouraged to take initiative, share ideas, and work together to deliver exceptional results.
- Self-Assessment Questions:
- How do you align with ICF's core values, and how have you demonstrated these values in your previous roles?
- How comfortable are you working in a flexible, on-call arrangement, and how do you manage your time and priorities in such an environment?
- How do you approach collaboration and idea generation in a team setting?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates who can demonstrate a strong cultural fit with ICF's values and work style will be highly competitive.
⚠️ Potential Challenges
- The energy industry is subject to frequent changes and regulations, which may require quick adaptation and learning.
- The on-call nature of the role may result in fluctuating hours and workload.
- The competitive nature of the agency environment may present challenges in managing client expectations and internal team dynamics.
📈 Similar Roles Comparison
- This role is similar to other agency copywriter positions but focuses specifically on the energy industry.
- Unlike some agency roles, this position offers a flexible, on-call arrangement with the potential for transition to full-time employment.
- Career progression in this role may lead to opportunities in account management, creative direction, or strategic planning within the energy sector.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should research other agency copywriter roles and energy industry-specific positions to better understand the unique aspects of this opportunity.
📝 Sample Projects
- Developing a comprehensive energy efficiency campaign for a major utility company, including social media content, web copy, and print materials.
- Creating engaging and informative content for an energy industry thought leadership blog, targeting key stakeholders and decision-makers.
- Collaborating with designers and strategists to develop a brand refresh for an energy services company, including new messaging and visual identity guidelines.
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should be prepared to discuss their experience with similar projects and how they approached them.
❓ Key Questions to Ask During Interview
- How does this role fit into the overall creative services team and the broader energy practice at ICF Next?
- What are the most significant challenges facing the energy industry today, and how can this role contribute to addressing them?
- How does ICF Next support the professional development and growth of its creative team members?
- What are the key priorities for this role in the first 30-60-90 days?
ASSUMPTION: Candidates should prepare thoughtful questions that demonstrate their interest in the role and the company, as well as their understanding of the energy industry and ICF Next's unique position within it.
📌 Next Steps for Applicants
To apply for this position:
- Submit your application through [this link](https://careers.icf.com/us/en/job/R2501369/Copywriter-Part-time-On-Call-Energy).
- Tailor your resume and cover letter to highlight your relevant experience and skills, including your familiarity with the energy industry and emerging AI applications.
- Prepare a portfolio showcasing your best work, with a focus on energy industry-specific projects if available.
- Prepare for phone or video screen and in-person or virtual interview with the Creative Director and a member of the hiring team.
- Follow up with the hiring team one week after your interview to express your continued interest in the position.
⚠️ Disclaimer: This job description contains AI-assisted information. Details should be verified directly with the employer before making decisions.
