Senior International Relations Strategy SME

Job Description

Job Description

Forge is a global solutions provider. We are a proud, certified woman-owned, service-disabled, veteran-owned small business (WOSB, SDVOSB) ignited to redefine the traditional GovCon mold, deliver innovations, and elevate collective impact. We are known as international problem fixers who only pursue work where we can truly make a difference. We are deeply integrated members of trusted client communities, energized and honored to be partners in questioning and solving human challenges across the world.

Forge strikes a precise balance between empowering autonomy and emphasizing the necessity of being part of a connected network of people and initiatives. It's led to a new echelon of collective excellence- one that continues to lead to monumental growth - and built a dream team of top-tier, collaborative, 'get-it-done' experts.

Our culture is everything. People come first. Our culture is built around a diverse group of employees empowered to think in different directions, a leadership team that trusts employees to lean in to unique greatness, and an operations team that deploys programs to support employee well-being and growth - both personally and professionally. We treat Forge like a co-op in which the input of staff drives corporate action.

With a 93% retention rate, it's evident that once we hire great people, we keep them. We're rated #2 Best Medium Business in all of Virginia, and we are a multi-year, multi-award winner of the Fortune® Magazine Best Workplaces in Consulting & Professional Services™, Best Medium Workplaces™, and Best Workplaces for Parents™.  Based on employee feedback and independent analysis, we have been certified as a Great Place to Work™ six years in a row. In addition to recognition for top workplace culture, our growth ranked us on the 2024 and 2025 Inc. Magazine 5000 List of the Fastest-Growing Companies in America, and the Women Presidents Organization (WPO) and J.P. Morgan Chase named us one of 50 Fastest-Growing Women-Owned/Led Companies nationally. But most importantly, we're proud to be a company that puts people first.

The future of Forge is exciting and evolving - as capability and community remain the battle rhythm sustaining transformative success. We're searching for those who want to work hard, play hard, give back, and enjoy life. If this resonates with you, then come make a difference at Forge.

Requirement: Senior International Relations Strategy SME

Job Description:

The J3-I Engagements Branch plans, coordinates, and executes numerous multilateral events and multinational conferences each year. Due to the significant number and executive-level nature of these events, support is required for research, planning, staffing, drafting of official correspondence, itinerary development, briefing, and read-ahead (RAH) preparation, coordination with multiple offices, commands, and countries, and execution of all events. SME will work with personnel at all levels across DOD, with U.S. Embassies, and with partner nations around the globe. An experienced planner with excellent writing and communications skills is required.

Key Responsibilities : Key responsibilities of the candidate will be (but aren't limited to):

• Research and prepare read-ahead packages (on average up to 4 per month), to include strategic objectives, key themes, and messages, talking points, biographies, previous conference read-outs, and other supporting documents, in support of J3 Directorate, and the Command Group international Engagements as required.
• Draft and recommend an international engagement strategy for the Division, Directorate, and Command Group (as required) to support and achieve the Command's objectives.
• Provide international relations expertise and advice to leadership regarding bilateral and multilateral engagements.
• Provide quality assurance as required, expertise, and support to the drafting of international correspondence.
• Respond to RFIs from the Division, Directorate, and Command Group leadership regarding International Key Leader Engagements.
• Maintain coordination with the J2, J3, and J5 Director's Action Groups to ensure situational awareness of command priorities and engagement strategies.
• Maintain situational awareness and expertise regarding current U.S. policy and strategy for international relations.
• Perform close-out and escort duties as part of the Division's Security Procedure.

Qualifications/Requirements:

The Candidate must have the ability to think strategically, act tactically, and display strong analytical and critical thinking skills. They must also build strong cross-group working relationships and demonstrate exceptional organizational skills and attention to detail. The Candidate must be able to thrive and succeed in an entrepreneurial environment and not be hindered by ambiguity or competing priorities.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US Citizen

• Master's degree in international security studies.

• Recent experience (last 3 years) demonstrating successful development, coordination, & execution of strategic-level engagements on a Commander's Action Group at the Combatant Command/4-star level.

• 1-year recent experience demonstrating successful development, coordination, & execution of strategic-level engagements on a Commander's Action Group or Political Advisor at the COCOM/TSOC level.

• 3 years' experience using analytic and communication skills to prepare staff and coordinate written products and briefings for senior leaders (general officer/flag officer/senior executive service level) use.

• 3 years' recent experience in developing business and communication strategies intended to achieve strategic objectives.

• Current DoW Top Secret clearance and eligible for SCI access.

Job: Full-time

Location: Tampa, FL

Salary Range: $98k-$106k/year

Assigned Forge Job Title: Project Specialist

Essential Duties:

• Problem Solving - Identifies and resolves problems promptly; gathers and analyzes information skillfully; develops alternative solutions; works well in group problem-solving situations; uses reason even when dealing with emotional topics.
• Written Communication - Writes clearly and informatively; edits work for spelling and grammar; varies writing style to meet needs; presents numerical data effectively; able to read and interpret written information.
• Diversity - Demonstrates knowledge of EEO policy; shows respect and sensitivity for cultural differences; promotes a harassment-free environment; builds a diverse workforce.
• Ethics - Treats people with respect; keeps commitments; inspires the trust of others; works with integrity and ethics; upholds organizational values.
• Strategic Thinking - Develops strategies to achieve organizational goals; understands organization's strengths & weaknesses; analyzes market and competition; identifies external threats and opportunities; adapts strategy to changing conditions.
• Planning/Organizing - Prioritize and plan work activities; use time efficiently; plan for additional resources; set goals and objectives; organize or schedule other people and their tasks; develop realistic action plans.
• Professionalism - Tactfully approaches others; reacts well under pressure; treats others with respect and consideration regardless of their status or position; accepts responsibility for own actions; follows through on commitments.
• Innovation - Displays original thinking and creativity; meets challenges with resourcefulness; generates suggestions for improving work; develops innovative approaches and ideas; presents ideas and information in a manner that gets others' attention.
• Qualifications - To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. The requirements below represent the required knowledge, skill, and/or ability. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.
• Language Skills - Ability to read, analyze, and interpret general business periodicals, professional journals, technical procedures, or governmental regulations. Ability to write reports, proposals, business correspondence, and procedure manuals. Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from groups of managers, clients, customers, and the general public.
• Mathematical Skills - Ability to apply concepts such as fractions, percentages, ratios, and proportions to practical situations.
• Reasoning Ability - Ability to define problems, collect data, establish facts, and draw valid conclusions. Ability to question activities and issues in all functional areas and make sound business decisions based on that data.
• Physical Demands - The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions. While performing the duties of this Job, the employee is regularly required to sit, talk, type, or hear. The employee is frequently required to walk, use hands to finger, handle, or feel and reach with hands and arms.
• Work Environment - The work environment characteristics described here are representative of those an employee encounters while performing the essential functions of this job. The employee will normally work in a temperature-controlled office environment, with frequent exposure to electronic office equipment.

This job posting sets forth the basic authorities and responsibilities of this position, which may be changed from time to time as shall be determined. To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily.

Benefits:

Forge fosters a rich company culture built on a diverse, hard-working employee base. Our staff is the core of our success and the impetus behind our decisions. In today's corporate culture, there is no longer a line between work and home life. As a result, we focused our benefits approach on the whole family.

The Forge total compensation model is based on a "choose-your-own-adventure approach," allowing each employee to create a comprehensive package of benefits and perks tailored to his or her needs. Examples of benefits included in our total compensation package include:

• Complete Flextime
• 401k With Employer Matching
• Healthcare, Including Medical, Dental, and Vision
• Health Savings Account (HSA) And Pre-Tax Premium Options
• Supplementary healthcare and family support
• Extended Short-Term Disability and Long-Term Disability
• Healthcare Insurance Deductible Paydown
• Health and Wellness Programs
• Tuition Reimbursement, Student Loan Repayment, and Education & Training Stipends
• Cell Phone / Internet Stipends
• College Saving Plans with Employer Contributions
• Alternative Work Locations and Tele-Commuting
• Employee Referral Awards
• Retention, Signing & Performance Bonuses
• Commuter Benefits
• Paid Sabbatical

Forge Group, LLC is a proud DoD Skillbridge and V3 (Virginia Values Veterans) certified company committed to hiring and retaining military veterans and spouses.

Forge Group, LLC is an Equal Opportunity [and/or] Affirmative Action employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment regardless of race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or military or protected veteran status. We participate in the E-Verify Employment Verification Program.