DCSA Senior Strategic Communications and Design Specialist

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: DCSA Senior Strategic Communications and Design Specialist

Job Description: Forge is seeking a full-time Senior Specialist / Strategic Communications and Design Specialist assigned to the Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) in support of the Acquisition and Technology (AT) Directorate - developing strategic communications content, facilitating design-thinking sessions, and producing live graphic recording and data visualization products for senior leadership. This position is contingent on award of contract and grant of funding.

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

• The Senior Strategic Insights Analysis Support Specialist shall support content development for AT strategic communications and shall provide expert facilitation, visual facilitation, and analysis to enhance strategic planning and operational efficiency. NOTE: this position combines a strategic communications analyst skill set with a live graphic recording / visual facilitation skill set. Both are required.
• Draft and prepare messaging for various platforms, ensuring alignment with AT branding guidelines.
• Deliverables may include newsletters (monthly/quarterly), executive memos, policy announcements, talking points, FAQs, briefing materials for senior leadership, infographics, fact sheets, and data visualizations.
• Coordinate with subject matter experts to ensure technical accuracy and accessibility for diverse audiences.
• Assist in managing and maintaining content on approved digital platforms, including websites, intranet, and collaboration tools, under government guidance.
• Support a communications needs assessment within AT to identify internal and external audiences, key messages, and objectives.
• Draft and maintain a comprehensive strategic communications plan aligned with DCSA/AT's mission, goals, and initiatives.
• Define, track, and analyze KPIs to measure the performance and effectiveness of processes, projects, and the organization as a whole.
• Recommend KPIs to measure communications effectiveness and prepare materials for stakeholder meetings.
• Conduct periodic assessments, report results to DCSA management, and update the plan accordingly.
• Support internal strategic communications initiatives by assisting in the design and coordination of activities aimed at improving employee engagement, such as internal town halls, Q&A sessions, and recognition programs.
• Develop an internal communication calendar, create training materials or guides for collaboration tools, and prepare summaries of employee feedback collected through surveys or focus groups.
• Coordinate with other DCSA components and external contractors to align messaging and ensure consistency. All activities are conducted under government oversight; the Contractor shall not serve as the final authority for communications decisions.
• Coordinate with AT management to support the development and delivery of a strategic communications strategy for the office, emphasizing DCSA's values of people and culture.
• Report progress on all technical activities in the Activity Report.
• Provide expert facilitation and analysis to enhance strategic planning and operational efficiency.
• Apply visual facilitation techniques and design thinking methods to help government teams explore outcome-focused goals and strategies, including preparing prototypes, drafting new ideas, and recommending approaches for product delivery and maturation plans.
• Facilitate strategic design, implementation strategies, and stakeholder engagement.
• Produce graphic recording and digital recording - hand-drawn posters and digital drawings - in real time during multi-hour and multi-day meetings to artistically capture and summarize key discussion and decision points.
• Provide graphic design, whiteboard video development, and data visualization to shape concepts into communication products.
• Assist in the review and maintenance of organizational policies and procedures by providing analysis and recommendations to ensure they remain effective, efficient, and compliant with relevant regulations. The government retains exclusive authority to create and approve all policies.
• Support the development and implementation of frameworks and methodologies for prioritizing projects, initiatives, and tasks, ensuring resources are allocated to the most critical and impactful areas of DCSA business.
• Hold and maintain an active DoD SECRET security clearance based on a favorably adjudicated T3 or T3R investigation. A Top-Secret clearance (T5/T5R) may be required for select positions.
• Be granted approval to obtain a DCSA physical access badge and access to DCSA information systems.
• Be available to attend multi-hour and multi-day meetings, onsite as required, to perform live graphic recording.
• Complete all Government-mandated annual training, including Operational Security, Security Awareness, Subversion and Espionage, Ethics, and Prevention of Sexual Harassment.
• Use Government or official company e-mail for all official US Government business. Personal, private, or commercial e-mail accounts shall NOT be used.
• Comply with 32 CFR Part 117.12 (NISPOM) security training and briefing requirements.

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.

We are looking for candidates with....

• A Bachelor's degree or higher in business, public administration, communications, management, or a related discipline; OR a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant policy, strategic planning, communications, or operational management experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of professional experience is expected at the Senior level.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining a strategic communications plan with defined KPIs.
• Demonstrated ability to produce live graphic recording - hand-drawn posters and digital drawings - in real time during multi-hour and multi-day meetings.
• Proficiency in graphic design, data visualization, and whiteboard video development.
• Experience applying visual facilitation techniques and design thinking methods.
• Portfolio of communications and visual products required at interview.
• Superior time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Competency in working autonomously.
• Demonstrated competency in technical writing and business strategy.
• Competency in Lean Six Sigma / SCRUM team leadership and/or DAWIA Program and Procurement Management, and in Project Management and/or Procurement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and other applicable Federal regulations and Department of Defense policies.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• US Citizenship. Academic degree requirements may be satisfied through additional relevant professional experience at a rate of four (4) years of experience for each degree level not attained.

Minimum Qualifications:

• US Citizen
• Bachelor's degree or higher in business, public administration, communications, management, or a related discipline; OR a minimum of eight (8) years of relevant policy, strategic planning, communications, or operational management experience.
• Ten (10) or more years of professional experience is expected at the Senior level.
• Demonstrated experience building and maintaining a strategic communications plan with defined KPIs.
• Demonstrated ability to produce live graphic recording - hand-drawn posters and digital drawings - in real time during multi-hour and multi-day meetings.
• Proficiency in graphic design, data visualization, and whiteboard video development.
• Experience applying visual facilitation techniques and design thinking methods.
• Portfolio of communications and visual products required at interview.
• Superior time management, organization, and prioritization skills.
• Competency in working autonomously.
• Demonstrated competency in technical writing and business strategy.
• Competency in Lean Six Sigma / SCRUM team leadership and/or DAWIA Program and Procurement Management, and in Project Management and/or Procurement methodologies.
• Working knowledge of the Federal Acquisition Regulation (FAR), Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement (DFARS), Cost Accounting Standards (CAS), and other applicable Federal regulations and Department of Defense policies.
• Ability to read, write, and speak English fluently.
• US Citizenship. Academic degree requirements may be satisfied through additional relevant professional experience at a rate of four (4) years of experience for each degree level not attained.

Highly Desired Qualifications:

• Prior experience supporting DCSA, a DoD Agency, or an Intelligence Community customer.
• Experience facilitating executive-level offsites, strategy sessions, or town halls.
• Experience with Mural, Miro, Adobe Creative Suite, or comparable visual collaboration and design tools.
• Experience developing and maintaining agency branding guidelines and style guides.
• Experience running employee engagement surveys and synthesizing focus group feedback.
• Lean Six Sigma certification (Green Belt or higher).

Job: Full-time

Location: Primarily remote. Contractor personnel may be required to work onsite at DCSA sites in Quantico, VA; Ft. Meade, MD; or Boyers, PA based on mission requirements. Travel when working onsite is not reimbursed. All classified work is performed at DCSA Headquarters, 27130 Telegraph Road, Quantico, VA 22134. Only unclassified work may be performed offsite. Hours of Operation: Monday through Friday, eight-hour shift with mandatory coverage of core hours 0900 – 1500 EST, within normal business hours of 0800 – 1600 EST. A minimum 30-minute unpaid lunch is required each workday. Flexible and compressed schedules may be permitted subject to KO/COR and site lead approval.

Salary Range: $100,000 – $125,000 per year

Assigned Forge Job Title: Senior 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.