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Foreign Service Officer Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

PCS move experience as a former Department of State Foreign Service Officer or current/former Eligible Family Member (EFM) is highly desired. * Experience with US Government (USG) rules and policy in ...

Bachelor's Degree, OR Four years (4) experience; two (2) years must be supporting the Foreign Service (State Department) as an administrative assistant for Foreign Services Officers, Senior Foreign ...

It is desired for the individual to possess PCS move experience as a former Department of State Foreign Service Officer or current/former Eligible Family Member (EFM), PCS move experience in another ...

It is desired for the individual to possess PCS move experience as a former Department of State Foreign Service Officer or current/former Eligible Family Member (EFM), PCS move experience in another ...

Greet and assist members in a courteous, professional, and timely manner through all service ... Process foreign and domestic wires. * Proficiency in account maintenance and opening all account ...

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Foreign Service Officer information

See Virginia salary details

$28.8K

$56.1K

$99.6K

How much do foreign service officer jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 25, 2026, the average yearly pay for foreign service officer in Virginia is $56,098.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $38,200.00 and $64,400.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a foreign service officer?

Foreign Service Officers (FSOs) are professional diplomats who represent the United States government abroad. They work for the U.S. Department of State and serve in embassies, consulates, and international organizations worldwide. FSOs are responsible for promoting American interests, providing consular services, and helping formulate and implement foreign policy. Their roles can vary, including political, economic, public diplomacy, consular, and management functions. Becoming an FSO typically involves passing a rigorous selection process, including the Foreign Service Officer Test and oral assessments.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a foreign service officer?

To thrive as a Foreign Service Officer, you need a strong background in international relations, analytical skills, and usually at least a bachelor's degree, often in political science, international studies, or related fields. Proficiency in foreign languages, experience with diplomatic protocols, and passing the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) are essential technical qualifications. Exceptional communication, cultural adaptability, and resilience under pressure distinguish top performers in this role. These skills and qualifications are crucial for effectively representing national interests, solving complex global issues, and building strong international relationships.

What are some common challenges faced by foreign service officers during overseas assignments?

Foreign Service Officers often encounter challenges such as adapting to new cultures, navigating language barriers, and managing the demands of frequent relocations. They may also face difficult working conditions in countries with limited resources or security concerns. Building relationships with local stakeholders and representing U.S. interests abroad require strong interpersonal skills and resilience, but these challenges also offer unique opportunities for professional growth and personal development.

What is the difference between Foreign Service Officer vs Consular Officer?

AspectForeign Service OfficerConsular Officer
Required CredentialsBachelor's degree, diplomatic training, language skillsBachelor's degree, language skills, customer service experience
Work EnvironmentEmbassy or consulate, diplomatic settingsEmbassy or consulate, public-facing roles
Employer & IndustryU.S. Department of State, foreign serviceU.S. Department of State, consular services
Common Search/ComparisonYesYes

Foreign Service Officers and Consular Officers both work for the U.S. Department of State in diplomatic environments. While Foreign Service Officers handle broader diplomatic duties, policy, and international relations, Consular Officers focus on visa processing, assisting U.S. citizens abroad, and immigration services. Both roles require similar educational backgrounds and language skills but differ in their specific responsibilities and work settings.

How do you become a Foreign Service Officer?

To become a Foreign Service Officer, candidates must pass the Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT), complete an oral assessment, and undergo a background investigation and medical exam. Applicants typically need a bachelor's degree, relevant work experience, and strong communication skills, with proficiency in foreign languages being advantageous.

How hard is it to become a Foreign Service Officer?

Becoming a Foreign Service Officer is competitive and requires passing a rigorous exam, a thorough background check, and an interview process. Candidates often need strong communication skills, foreign language proficiency, and relevant experience or education in international affairs or related fields.

What are popular job titles related to Foreign Service Officer jobs in Virginia?

For Foreign Service Officer jobs in Virginia, the most frequently searched job titles are:

What job categories do people searching Foreign Service Officer jobs in Virginia look for?

The top searched job categories for Foreign Service Officer jobs in Virginia are:

What cities in Virginia are hiring for Foreign Service Officer jobs?

Cities in Virginia with the most Foreign Service Officer job openings:

Infographic showing various Foreign Service Officer job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 1% As Needed, 79% Full Time, 17% Part Time, and 3% Contract. Highlights an 90% Physical, 1% Hybrid, and 9% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $56,098 per year, or $27 per hour.

PCS Portal Specialist

Chenega Corporation

Chantilly, VA • On-site, Remote

$40/hr

Full-time

Re-posted 24 days ago


Job description

Summary

The Permanent Change of Station (PCS) Office, part of the Bureau of Administration (A), manages relocation services for 7000 Department of State personnel a year.  In collaboration with DT, A Bureau is launching an exciting modernization initiative (MoveUSA), and the PCS Office has a lead development role. 

MoveUSA will be the Department's next-generation, unified PCS application - a mobile-first, AI-enabled, data-integrated platform designed to replace legacy systems and serve as the single software solution for every step of the PCS lifecycle: from assignment notification through post-arrival settlement and claims processing.


Responsibilities

Coming in at the early stages of a major technology transformation, the office requires someone to work directly with software vendors, implementation teams, and stakeholders across the Department to define and hone requirements for a cutting-edge travel management system.  Your prototyping ability will shape how we get the right people to the right place at the right time - making our diplomatic missions more effective and our colleagues’ lives easier.

  • Lead the development of modern dashboard models and data architectures using AI tools and predictive analytics to visualize complex operational data.  
  • Lead requirements gathering for new PCS travel management systems, working with users, technical teams, and vendors to translate operational needs into functional specifications.
  • Collaborate on AI integration by exploring how artificial intelligence and machine learning can automate processes and enhance data processing in PCS workflows.
  • Serve as a bridge between the PCS Office and technology partners, ensuring our operational expertise informs system design.
  • Analyze current workflows to identify pain points and opportunities for improvement in how we manage relocations, travel orders, lodging, and allowances.
  • Support project management activities including documentation, timelines, stakeholder coordination, and risk analysis.

Qualifications

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PCS move experience as a former Department of State Foreign Service Officer or current/former Eligible Family Member (EFM) is highly desired.  
  • Experience with US Government (USG) rules and policy in the areas of shipping, travel, claims, or other PCS-relevant areas. 

 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Interest or experience designing UIs for complex applications (enterprise tools, dashboards, workflows, or similarly involved products).
  • Working knowledge of UX / human-centered design.
  • Ability to create prototypes that bring requirements to life, from low-fidelity sketches to interactive, clickable flows.
  • Comfort (or strong curiosity) using AI tools to accelerate prototyping and explore design directions quickly.
  • A collaborative mindset and the communication skills to present work to stakeholders and fold their input back into the design.
  • Familiarity with design and prototyping tools (e.g. Figma, or AI-assisted prototyping tools.)
  • Must obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. 
  • Successfully pass background and drug screening

Teleworking Permitted?
Yes
Estimated Salary/Wage
USD $40.00/Hr.Qualifications:

Preferred Qualifications:

  • PCS move experience as a former Department of State Foreign Service Officer or current/former Eligible Family Member (EFM) is highly desired.  
  • Experience with US Government (USG) rules and policy in the areas of shipping, travel, claims, or other PCS-relevant areas. 

 

 Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

  • Interest or experience designing UIs for complex applications (enterprise tools, dashboards, workflows, or similarly involved products).
  • Working knowledge of UX / human-centered design.
  • Ability to create prototypes that bring requirements to life, from low-fidelity sketches to interactive, clickable flows.
  • Comfort (or strong curiosity) using AI tools to accelerate prototyping and explore design directions quickly.
  • A collaborative mindset and the communication skills to present work to stakeholders and fold their input back into the design.
  • Familiarity with design and prototyping tools (e.g. Figma, or AI-assisted prototyping tools.)
  • Must obtain and maintain a Secret clearance. 
  • Successfully pass background and drug screening
Education:UNAVAILABLEEmployment Type: FULL_TIME