Communications Consultant

Partner Forces; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 95,000 - 120,000; Full time

Job summary

Partner Forces, LLC is seeking a Consultant to support strategic communications and stakeholder engagement for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) client. The role emphasizes relationship building, understanding client mission, and delivering trusted advisory services in a fast-paced government consulting environment.

The candidate should excel in executive-level communications, facilitation with diverse stakeholders, and providing candid counsel to client leadership.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.
• 5-7 years of experience supporting federal government programs, consulting engagements, or related project management efforts.
• Experience supporting DHS or other federal civilian agencies.
• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with government clients, including advising senior leaders.
• Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to connect with diverse personalities, build credibility, and influence without formal authority.
• Strong strategic communications experience, including executive messaging, stakeholder communications, briefing development, and communications planning.
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable messaging.
• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate client needs, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.
• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.
• Ability to navigate ambiguity, sensitive situations, and shifting client priorities with professionalism and diplomacy.

Responsibilities

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with government clients, establishing yourself as a go-to advisor for strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and broader mission priorities.
• Serve as a strategic thought partner to client leadership, anticipating needs, providing sound recommendations, and helping navigate complex or sensitive communications challenges.
• Develop and execute strategic communications plans that align with client priorities, mission objectives, and stakeholder needs.
• Translate complex operational and technical information into clear, compelling messaging for executive, government, and other stakeholder audiences.
• Draft and refine executive briefings, talking points, presentations, correspondence, reports, and other high-visibility communications products.
• Coordinate communications across internal teams, government stakeholders, and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.
• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including meeting preparation, facilitation, follow-up, and relationship management.
• Identify opportunities to strengthen communications processes, improve information sharing, and enhance stakeholder engagement.
• Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive deliverables while maintaining exceptional quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail.
• Navigate sensitive stakeholder dynamics with professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment.

Skills

Relationship building

Executive messaging

Stakeholder engagement

Strategic communications

Client advisory

US Citizenship

Education

Bachelor's degree

Job description

About Partner Forces

Partner Forces is a management consulting firm helping homeland security organizations solve some of their most pressing and complex challenges. We partner with government agencies and industry to strengthen national security and critical infrastructure through expertise in strategy, program management, stakeholder engagement, technology implementation, preparedness, and business transformation.

About Partner Forces

Partner Forces is a management consulting firm helping homeland security organizations solve some of their most pressing and complex challenges. We partner with government agencies and industry to strengthen national security and critical infrastructure through expertise in strategy, program management, stakeholder engagement, technology implementation, preparedness, and business transformation.

At Partner Forces, we're more than consultants—we're trusted advisors. We work alongside our clients to solve meaningful problems, deliver actionable solutions, and make a lasting impact. As a growing firm, every employee has the opportunity to contribute not only to our clients' success, but also to the future of Partner Forces. We believe great consultants are developed through collaboration, mentorship, continuous learning, and meaningful opportunities to lead.

Our culture is grounded in six core values: Integrity, Excellence, Positivity, Candor, Determination, and Teamwork. These values shape how we work with our clients, support one another, and grow together. We believe that when our people thrive, our clients do too, which is why we invest in our employees' well-being, professional development, and long-term success.

What We Are Looking For

Partner Forces is seeking a Consultant to support strategic communications and stakeholder engagement for a Department of Homeland Security (DHS) client. While strong communications skills are essential, we are first and foremost looking for a relationship builder who can earn the trust of government leaders and become a valued advisor to the client.

The ideal candidate understands that great consulting starts with great relationships. They take the time to understand their client's mission, priorities, challenges, and working style. They know how to listen, ask thoughtful questions, anticipate needs, and bring forward solutions. They are equally comfortable developing executive-level communications, facilitating conversations with diverse stakeholders, and providing candid, thoughtful counsel to client leadership. We're looking for someone who is proactive, personable, collaborative, and low-ego. Someone who can navigate ambiguity, build credibility quickly, and take ownership without needing constant direction. Most importantly, someone who genuinely enjoys working with people and takes pride in being a trusted partner to their clients.

What You’ll Do

• Build and maintain strong, trusted relationships with government clients, establishing yourself as a go-to advisor for strategic communications, stakeholder engagement, and broader mission priorities.


• Serve as a strategic thought partner to client leadership, anticipating needs, providing sound recommendations, and helping navigate complex or sensitive communications challenges.


• Develop and execute strategic communications plans that align with client priorities, mission objectives, and stakeholder needs.


• Translate complex operational and technical information into clear, compelling messaging for executive, government, and other stakeholder audiences.


• Draft and refine executive briefings, talking points, presentations, correspondence, reports, and other high-visibility communications products.


• Coordinate communications across internal teams, government stakeholders, and external partners to ensure consistent messaging and alignment.


• Support stakeholder engagement activities, including meeting preparation, facilitation, follow-up, and relationship management.


• Identify opportunities to strengthen communications processes, improve information sharing, and enhance stakeholder engagement.


• Manage competing priorities and time-sensitive deliverables while maintaining exceptional quality, responsiveness, and attention to detail.


• Navigate sensitive stakeholder dynamics with professionalism, diplomacy, discretion, and sound judgment.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree required.


• 5-7 years of experience supporting federal government programs, consulting engagements, or related project management efforts.


• Experience supporting DHS or other federal civilian agencies.


• Demonstrated ability to build and sustain trusted relationships with government clients, including advising senior leaders and navigating complex stakeholder environments.


• Exceptional interpersonal skills and emotional intelligence, with the ability to connect with diverse personalities, build credibility, and influence without formal authority.


• Strong strategic communications experience, including executive messaging, stakeholder communications, briefing development, and communications planning.


• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, with the ability to translate complex information into clear, actionable messaging.


• A proactive, solutions-oriented mindset with the ability to anticipate client needs, exercise sound judgment, and take initiative.


• Strong organizational and project management skills, including the ability to manage multiple priorities and tight deadlines.


• Ability to navigate ambiguity, sensitive situations, and shifting client priorities with professionalism and diplomacy.


• A collaborative, low-ego approach and genuine commitment to exceptional client service.


• U.S. Citizenship.


• Ability to obtain and maintain a DHS suitability determination or security clearance, as required.

Salary Range & Compensation Philosophy

The anticipated salary range for this position is $95,000 - $120,000. At Partner Forces, we recognize that every candidate brings a unique combination of skills, experiences, and qualifications. Compensation decisions consider several factors, including years of relevant experience, specialized expertise, clearance level, and the requirements of the role. We also believe compensation is a starting point, not a finish line. We're committed to recognizing contributions, rewarding strong performance, and creating opportunities for continued growth as our employees develop their skills and careers at Partner Forces.

Partner Forces is an equal opportunity employer. We do not discriminate based on race, color, religion, sex, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other characteristic protected by applicable law. We are committed to fostering a workplace where everyone feels valued and respected. If you require a reasonable accommodation during the application process, please contact us at [e-mail].