External Communications and Media Specialist
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 Homeland Security (DHS).
As a Communications Specialist with Censeo, you will support external communications and media outreach for the DHS procurement office.
Key Responsibilities:
Develop and deliver strategic communications products supporting DHS executive leadership and external stakeholder engagement.
Draft public-facing content, media responses, fact sheets, briefing materials, talking points, speeches, and stakeholder communications.
Coordinate communications activities across program offices to ensure messaging consistency and alignment with agency priorities.
Support executive preparation for media engagements, conferences, public events, panels, and town halls.
Monitor external communications requests and support rapid-turnaround responses to media, congressional, and stakeholder inquiries.
Ensure all communications products meet federal standards for quality, accessibility, branding, and plain language.
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
3+ years of experience with strategic communications, performance reporting, policy communications, or federal program support
Demonstrated experience supporting or working with Federal agencies
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…