Executive Consultant - Fire & Aviation Policy and Strategic Advisory

Position Summary

The Executive Consultant provides senior-level strategic guidance and policy expertise to the USDA Forest Service Washington Office Fire and Aviation Management leadership. This role works directly with the Deputy Director and staff, advising on critical wildfire and aviation policy issues.

Key Responsibilities

• Conduct regular strategy sessions with FAM leadership and provide real-time policy guidance


• Develop actionable plans aligned with USDA/USFS leadership priorities and operational objectives


• Engage stakeholder networks to collect and analyze diverse viewpoints on fire and aviation policy


• Present balanced assessments with clear implications for executive decision-making


• Review performance measures, identify gaps, and design process improvements


• Develop metrics to track progress toward strategic goals


• Draft step-by-step workflows and USFS standard policy guides


• Create training and communication tools for effective policy implementation


• Prepare executive talking points, policy briefs, and stakeholder messaging


• Coordinate communication strategy with senior team members and interagency partners


• Conduct in-depth data analysis and provide evidence-based recommendations


• Prepare products to articulate, interpret, and defend complex or potentially controversial agency policies

Minimum Qualifications

• Must have demonstrated deep operational knowledge with administrative expertise with congressional reviews, large fire reviews, and tactical experience applicable to the national fire response of the USFS.


• Experience/Education: Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field and minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience or a minimum of twenty (20) years of experience directly related to fire response.

Desired Skills & Qualifications

• Senior USFS or DOI fire management background - Retired GS-14/15 or SES-level fire leadership ideal


• National Incident Management System (NIMS) expertise - ICS-300/400 or higher qualifications


• Interagency fire coordination experience - NIFC, Geographic Area Coordination Centers, or MAC Groups


• Policy development experience - Drafting directives, policy guides, or strategic plans for federal agencies


• Congressional liaison experience - Briefing members, responding to inquiries, or supporting oversight hearings


• Executive communication skills - Preparing talking points and briefs for senior leadership


• Stakeholder engagement - Working with state forestry agencies, tribes, and local governments


• Data analysis capabilities - Translating operational data into strategic recommendations


• Knowledge of current USFS priorities - Familiarity with Secretary Rollins' wildfire memorandum and Chief Schultz's initiatives

*Contingent upon awarding of contract

Only shortlisted candidates are going to be contacted

Benefits:

Paid sick leave, Medical/Dental (optional), 401 (k) Retirement Plan (optional), Employer Paid Life Insurance, Employer Paid Short Term Disability, Optional Life Insurance.


ELYON International, Inc. is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability, or status as a protected veteran.