Communications SME / Consultant

Pay: $110,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

About Us: Management Science and Innovation (MSI) Consulting, LLC is a boutique management consultancy located in the Washington DC Metro Region, with over two decades of experience serving federal agencies. Many of our clients are long-standing partners who continue to request our support in solving complex business challenges.

MSI is a leader in the federal adoption of emerging technologies. Our engagements span the civilian and defense sectors and include developing some of the most impactful automations that have been deployed in the federal government. Our team members boast advanced degrees from leading institutions, and they possess deep experience in strategy, process engineering, process automation, performance management, innovation, technology, and industry-standard certifications. 

We pride ourselves on delivering strategic insights and transformative services to our clients. Our outcome-focused, client-first approach has been the backbone of our success. As we look to expand our reach, we are seeking a dynamic and experienced Communications Subject Matter Expert (SME) / Consultant to support our engagements and contribute to the growth of our capabilities.

Job Description:

This may be the right job for you if you are an ambitious self-starter, have an interest in driving government effectiveness, and want to directly support mission success through data-driven, holistic transformation. 

The Communications SME is a consulting role within Management Science and Innovation. It requires proven experience delivering excellent communication strategies and operations, customer-focused client engagement, and working within consulting teams to inform and lead high-impact, high-visibility tasks and projects.

Responsibilities:

• Create a scalable, repeatable communications operating model aligned with IT objectives.
• Design future-state processes, channels, and messaging across teams and stakeholders based on current-state assessments.
• Speech writing for agency executives.
• Analyze current communications performance data and branding effectiveness.
• Translate leadership priorities into clear messaging frameworks that align with agency needs, administration priorities, and program objectives.
• Summarize findings from the current state assessment including analytics associated with surveys, focus groups, process maps, and metrics evaluations.
• Conduct a maturity assessment by communications function.
• Provide recommendations on improving communications processes, channels, technology, messaging, business rhythm, frequency, management, governance, and performance measurement.
• Develop a Communications Office Strategic Plan and Strategic Communications Plan, including key messages and frequency.
• Establish branding, editorial, and usage guidelines for visual look and feel.
• Build a communications template library for incident notices and executive briefings.
• Refine communications triggers and perform periodic audits for guideline compliance.
• Execute daily communications tasks including but not limited to copy writing, copy editing, branding, communications request triage, drafting talking points, and supporting communication strategic objectives

Qualifications:

• Bachelor's Degree.
• Experience leading communications functions with skills including but not limited to branding, graphic design, copywriting, copyediting, strategic planning, public speaking, media engagements, and marketing. 
• Mastery of standard communication processes: identifying audiences, creating messaging, selecting channels, and evaluating impact.
• Ability to translate qualitative stakeholder feedback and survey data into measurable maturity scores and KPI frameworks.
• Experience building and managing centralized communication vehicles (e.g., SharePoint, legacy systems).
• Adept in linking tactical IT updates to high-level agency priorities.
• Proficiency in communications operations and leadership.

Bonus Experience:

• 5+ years of experience in any of the following: SharePoint, Legacy Systems, Visio, Draw.io, PowerBI, Tableau, UI/UX, Agile.
• Experience in federal government, federal contracting, or consulting
• Experience with KPI design and dashboarding (e.g., PowerBI and Tableau).
• Experience with Qualtrix or similar tools.
• Prior experience in process improvement, Lean/Six Sigma, or Design Thinking.
• Experience working with technical teams in Agile.
• Experience with product management and UI/UX.
• Experience with developing and deploying surveys in a federal agency setting (e.g., privacy approvals).
• Experience conducting targeted focus groups with diverse stakeholders.

Job Type : Full-time

Benefits :

• 401(k)
• Dental insurance
• Flexible schedule
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Schedule :

• 8 hour shift

Education :

• Bachelor's (Required)

License/Certification:

• Prosci Certified Change Practitioner (Preferred, not required)

Ability to Commute:

• Washington, DC 20424 (Required)

Ability to Relocate:

• Washington, DC 20424: Relocate before starting work (Required)
• Work Location: Hybrid (In-Person 5-10 days per month)