Communications Specialist - Department of State

Title: Communications Specialist - Department of State

Location: Washington, DC

Work Type: Hybrid, Full Time

Job Description:

The Position:

We are seeking driven, thoughtful candidates with experience in communications, policy, and publications to support impactful initiatives for our Federal clients at the U.S. Department of State (DOS).

As a Communications Specialist with Censeo, you will lead stakeholder outreach for a key Department of State program. You will work closely with DOS teams to translate economic and performance findings into policy recommendations and public-facing communications to support the Department’s global mission. 

Key Responsibilities:

• Create briefings and presentations for Department of State staff to deliver to other government agencies, Congress, and private sector partners
• Develop custom economic impact reports for different audiences (government, industry, academia, public policy groups)
• Produce the Annual Performance Plan and Report, along with Annual Strategic Reviews detailing performance outcomes, evaluation insights, and forward-looking recommendations
• Issue quarterly and monthly performance briefs to keep all stakeholders informed of progress and emerging issues
• Generate tailored reports and digital content that translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers, industry partners, and the public
• Integrate findings into SelectUSA, Commerce, Labor, and workforce development conversations
• Offer media and communication support to showcase findings via press releases, webinars, and conferences
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop realistic, innovative solutions to complex challenges
• Build and maintain strong client relationships, proactively identifying and mitigating delivery risks

The Ideal Candidate:

At Censeo, we value unique perspectives and a passion for solving complex problems. Our team thrives on innovation, collaboration, and a commitment to public service. We’re looking for candidates who bring curiosity, initiative, and a desire to make a meaningful impact.
 

• BA/BS required in Communications, Political Science, Economics, Public Policy, or a closely related field
• 5-10+ years of experience with strategic communications, performance reporting, policy communications, or federal program support
• Demonstrated experience supporting or working with Federal agencies (Department of State strongly preferred)
• Experience managing communications and reporting for complex, data‑driven programs
• Strong ability to translate complex economic and performance data into clear, concise briefings, executive‑ready presentations, and public‑facing digital content
• Experience working across organizational boundaries to develop realistic, innovative solutions to complex policy and operational challenges
• Ability to position findings effectively for public visibility while ensuring accuracy, consistency, and policy alignment
• Comfort coordinating with communications teams, leadership, and subject‑matter experts on external messaging
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills including the ability to synthesize complex information
• Excellent analytical and problem-solving skills
• Strong attention to detail and accuracy

The Company:
Censeo Consulting Group is a top Washington D.C. based management consulting firm dedicated to helping public sector and non-profit clients build operational excellence, deliver better outcomes, and lower cost. We take a personalized approach to strategic consulting to solve our clients’ most complex problems and build operational excellence that transforms their organizations, allowing them to better deliver on their public and social missions.

At Censeo, our award-winning culture means you’ll join a tight-knit community of 75 brilliant and passionate colleagues. We are advocates for a better functioning public sector, and we’re also good friends who know the names of each other’s dogs. Our philosophy is horizontal, not hierarchical, and our open-door policy encourages a culture of entrepreneurship at all levels. We share successes, make decisions together, and foster an environment for those with passion and initiative to lead. Our colleagues bring their own unique personalities to work every day and use them to help shape our growing firm in ways that reach far beyond client projects.
The Location:
Censeo Consulting Group is based in Washington D.C., a fantastic city for working professionals. We work in a hybrid setting with flexibility to work from home and work in our office conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks away from the White House. And with many of our clients also based in D.C., we have the luxury of leaving for a meeting and being back in the office in time for post-work happy hours, team dinners, and game nights.

The Fine Print:

• The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $140,000 depending on experience
• Expected travel 0-10%; may increase based on business needs
• This is an exempt, full-time position
• This role is subject to a hybrid work schedule
• Essential Physical Functions
  • Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time
  • Light Carrying: Physically transporting items weighing less than 15 pounds from one location to another

Censeo offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid vacation and sick leave, flexible and remote work opportunities, and tuition and training reimbursement.  

Censeo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and employees in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law. 

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