Communications Specialist

Overview:

LMI is seeking a skilled Communications Specialist. Position is on the staff of a private, government consulting firm located in Tysons, VA. Work is sponsored by Federal Government departments and agencies, including the Department of Health and Human Services. This position may be performed remotely in the United States. 

The successful applicant will become part of a team dedicated to policy, operations, and analytical support work for the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS), specifically the Centers for Medicare and Medicaid Services (CMS). The primary focus will be supporting the creation and review of program communications efforts, including guidance documents, standard operating procedures, newsletters, and website updates. This position will NOT be involved in direct drafting of policy or in influencing policy decisions made by the government. 

Success in this role comes from a combination of in interest in healthcare policy, excellent communication, expert editing skills, strong writing acumen, exceptional attention to detail, commitment to cross-functional teamwork, outstanding client ethic, and a desire to consistently improve in an organization that is dedicated to excellence. 

Each day may require the candidate to: 

• Facilitate the review and clearance of operational plans, guidance documents, instructions, and standard operating procedures as well as public-facing and CMS-internal documents to support program operations. 
• Review draft standard operating procedures (SOPs) to ensure they align with visual identity and style guidelines, are easy to follow, and contain up-to-date information. 
• Manage production of regular public-facing newsletter from initial construction to publication, including collaborating with diverse stakeholders, conducting editing reviews, and moving through clearance. This includes collecting articles from disparate stakeholders; reviewing for grammar, readability, and style compliance; documenting and incorporating feedback from multiple rounds of review; and overseeing the publication of the final document.  
• Conduct editing reviews of deliverables to ensure they align with style guidelines. 
• Perform meeting documentation tasks for client-facing meetings, including distributing comprehensive agendas and taking clear, accurate notes that capture key takeaways and action items. 
• Support the development of communications and stakeholder engagement campaigns. 
• Prepare program materials to be published on government websites. 
• Proactively identify gaps that operational and tactical plans can resolve. 
• Solve complex challenges in a timely and appropriate manner with high attention to quality and minimal management oversight. 
• Contribute to, and participate in, group meetings with clients and stakeholders. 
• Support the completion of ad hoc client deliverables and requests as needed. 

MINIMUM

• Bachelor’s degree in communications, or a related field. 
• Fluency in Microsoft Office programs (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook) 
• Ability to work with senior leaders and consulting staff effectively to produce timely and thoughtful communications. 
• A consultative mindset and ability to build relationships with employees at all levels of the organization. 
• Strong, demonstrated problem solving experience, communication skills, and writing skills. 
• Ability to manage multiple groups and tasks, and work independently or in a group. 
• Superior communication and writing skills, including document review and editing. 
• Ability to multi-task between complex projects during seasonal peak periods. 
• Ability to effectively manage multiple deadlines and prioritize assignments in a fast-paced environment.

DESIRED SKILLS AND BACKGROUND 

• 1-3 years of communications experience 
• Training to conduct 508 compliance reviews of documents 
• Expert-level understanding of English grammar and plain language writing. 
• Familiarity with AP Style.