Strategic Outreach and Communications Specialist

Role Overview

• Support the development of outreach efforts from an internal and external perspective.
• Assist in identifying current gaps and proposing a scalable system for internal and external outreach.
• Surge on communications content needs for key target audiences in the think tank, university, and validator spaces.
• Advise on, design, and help implement F’s strategic communications strategies.
• Work across audiences (private sector, think tanks, public, Congress, etc.); track tasks and maintain core docs in knowledge-management systems.
• Lead events for the F Under Secretariat bureaus and offices.
• Plan and execute events for F bureaus and offices with a focus on delivering clear, timely, and logistics.
• Field requests across the F family related outreach programming and maintain a proactive posture.
• Convey consistent branding and guidance across bureaus.
• Apply current Department branding standards to all events and products.
• Serve as a go-to resource for branding consistency during planning.
• Support packages for an NGO/think tank/university/validator audience.
• Maintain and update expert communications packages to ensure message consistency across State, interagency, media, Congress, academia, civil society, and private sector.
• Coordinate cross-Department messaging on policy priority areas.
• Curate and manage a living database of think tanks, university, and validator contacts, available for both internal briefings and external engagement.
• Maintain a forward-looking outreach and events calendar rack anticipated events and messaging opportunities.
• Plan ahead to position events and outreach assets for agile messaging.
• Advise on communications products from a strategic perspective.
• Review all events through an outreach lens to ensure strategic clarity, alignment, and relevance bureau and office equities.
• Monitor and report on outreach and event performance.
• Evaluate engagement with content and offer actionable insights on audience reach, effectiveness, and opportunities for improvement.
• Strengthen cross-bureau information flow and coordination.
• Build internal relationships to promote proactive sharing of updates and alignment on communications.
• Remain adaptable to evolving priorities and legislative needs.
• Source, draft, edit, and review public affairs materials (speeches, talking points, press releases, media notes, social, web, marketing, other messaging) on a variety of foreign assistance topics.

Requirements

• Have experience with US foreign affairs/policy, especially related to foreign assistance.
• Have familiarity with the Department of State policies, procedures and mission.
• Have experience in public communications and/outreach activities.
• Secret Clearance is required. Must be able to pass a background check.
• May require additional background checks as required by projects and/or clients at any time during employment.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills with the ability to communicate in a clear, professional, and articulate manner.
• Excellent organizational, analytical, and problem-solving skills with high-level attention to detail.
• Proven ability to multitask and prioritize in a fast past environment with changing priorities; adaptable to change and a quick learner.
• Must be self-motivated and able to work well independently as well as on a multi-functional team.
• Ability to handle sensitive and confidential information appropriately
• Proficient in MS Office, Word, Outlook, PowerPoint, and Excel.

Benefits

• Medical, Dental and Vision Insurance
• Wellness Program
• Flexible Spending Accounts (Healthcare, Dependent Care, Commuter)
• Short-Term and Long-Term Disability options
• Basic Life and AD&D Insurance (Company Provided)
• Voluntary Life and AD&D options
• 401(k) Retirement Savings Plan with matching after one year
• Paid Time Off