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State Department Jobs in Reston, VA (NOW HIRING)

The New Foreign Assistance

Chief of Staff

Washington, DC · On-site

$150 - $180/hr

Stripped of the bureaucratic barnacles that inhibited USAID, the system being created at the State Department can draw on principles of private sector-led development, cost-effectiveness, flexible ...

Jobtailor

Executive Director

Washington, DC · On-site

$130 - $190/hr

Manage US State Department program * Manage the staff associated with and funded by federal programs * Maintain relationships with US State Department team * Manage and fulfill responsibilities ...

Phase2 Technology

ILMS Solution Architect, Lead

Mclean, VA · On-site

$112.80 - $257/hr

Experience with State Department ILMS modules, such as Asset Management, Procurement, Supply Chain, Inventory, Diplomatic Pouch and Mail, or Fleet * Experience developing technical architectures ...

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Showing results 41-60

All JobsState Department JobsState Department Jobs in Reston, VA

State Department information

See Reston, VA salary details

$69.2K

$106.9K

$161.3K

How much do state department jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 22, 2026, the average yearly pay for state department in Reston, VA is $106,851.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $76,500.00 and $141,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What does the State Department do?

The State Department is the United States federal agency responsible for the country's foreign policy and international relations. It manages diplomatic missions, negotiates treaties and agreements, and represents the U.S. at the United Nations and other international organizations. The State Department also provides services to American citizens abroad, such as issuing passports and assisting in emergencies. Additionally, it works to promote peace, democracy, and economic growth around the world.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive as a State Department Foreign Service Officer?

To thrive as a State Department Foreign Service Officer, you typically need a bachelor’s degree, strong analytical and communication skills, and a broad understanding of international relations. Familiarity with foreign languages, government databases, and diplomatic protocols is highly valued, with Foreign Service Officer Test (FSOT) certification often required. Adaptability, cultural sensitivity, and resilience are important soft skills for building relationships and navigating complex environments abroad. These abilities are crucial for effectively representing U.S. interests, managing diplomatic challenges, and ensuring successful international engagement.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working at the State Department, and how can applicants prepare for them?

Professionals at the State Department often navigate complex international issues, manage high-pressure situations, and adapt to rapidly changing global events. Common challenges include working in fast-paced environments, handling sensitive information, and collaborating with diverse teams across cultures and time zones. Applicants can prepare by developing strong communication skills, learning about international relations, and gaining experience in cross-cultural settings. Flexibility, resilience, and a commitment to ongoing learning are valuable assets for success in this dynamic field.

What is the difference between State Department vs Foreign Service Officer?

AspectState DepartmentForeign Service Officer
CredentialsBachelor's degree; often requires foreign language skillsBachelor's degree; Foreign Service exam and oral assessment
Work EnvironmentGovernment offices, embassies, consulatesInternational postings, diplomatic missions
Employer & IndustryU.S. government, foreign policyU.S. Department of State, diplomacy

The State Department is the federal agency overseeing U.S. foreign policy, while a Foreign Service Officer is a career diplomat working within the State Department to represent U.S. interests abroad. The two are closely linked, with Foreign Service Officers being employed by the State Department to carry out diplomatic missions worldwide.

What cities near Reston, VA are hiring for State Department jobs?

Cities near Reston, VA with the most State Department job openings:

State Department jobs near you
Infographic showing various State Department job openings in Reston, VA as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 2% As Needed, 72% Full Time, 22% Part Time, and 4% Contract. Highlights an 94% Physical, 2% Hybrid, and 4% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $106,851 per year, or $51.4 per hour.

Communications Specialist - Department of State

Censeo Consulting Group

Washington, DC • On-site

$70K - $140K/yr

Full-time

PTO

Re-posted 16 days ago

Job description

Communications Specialist - Department of State
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 State (DOS).
As a Communications Specialist with Censeo, you will lead stakeholder outreach for a key Department of State program. You will work closely with DOS teams to translate economic and performance findings into policy recommendations and public-facing communications to support the Department’s global mission. 
Key Responsibilities:
  • Create briefings and presentations for Department of State staff to deliver to other government agencies, Congress, and private sector partners
  • Develop custom economic impact reports for different audiences (government, industry, academia, public policy groups)
  • Produce the Annual Performance Plan and Report, along with Annual Strategic Reviews detailing performance outcomes, evaluation insights, and forward-looking recommendations
  • Issue quarterly and monthly performance briefs to keep all stakeholders informed of progress and emerging issues
  • Generate tailored reports and digital content that translate complex data into actionable insights for policymakers, industry partners, and the public
  • Integrate findings into SelectUSA, Commerce, Labor, and workforce development conversations
  • 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
  • 5-10+ years of experience with strategic communications, performance reporting, policy communications, or federal program support
  • Demonstrated experience supporting or working with Federal agencies (Department of State strongly preferred)
  • 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 projects.

The Location:
Censeo Consulting Group is based in Washington D.C., a fantastic city for working professionals. We work in a hybrid setting with flexibility to work from home and work in our office conveniently located in the heart of downtown, just a few blocks away from the White House. And with many of our clients also based in D.C., we have the luxury of leaving for a meeting and being back in the office in time for post-work happy hours, team dinners, and game nights.
The Fine Print:
  • The salary range for this role is $70,000 - $140,000 depending on experience
  • Expected travel 0-10%; may increase based on business needs 
  • This is an exempt, full-time position
  • This role is subject to a hybrid work schedule
  • Essential Physical Functions
    • Sitting: Particularly for sustained periods of time
    • Light Carrying: Physically transporting items weighing less than 15 pounds from one location to another
Censeo offers a competitive compensation and benefits package, including paid vacation and sick leave, flexible and remote work opportunities, and tuition and training reimbursement. More information on our benefits and perks can be found at https://www.censeoconsulting.com/about/join-us/.  
Censeo is an equal opportunity employer. We are committed to providing equal opportunity to all applicants and employees in full compliance with all applicable state and federal laws prohibiting discrimination on the basis of race, color, age, gender, religion, national origin, disability, protected veteran status, or any other class protected by applicable state or federal law. 
Join Our Award-Winning Culture!
Our passion wins awards. But don’t just take it from us… 
  • 2024 Vault #41 Consulting 50 North America
  • 2024 Vault #7 Best Consulting Firm for Hours in the Office
  • 2023 Vault #9 Best Consulting Firm for Work/Life Balance 
  • 2023 Vault #23 Best Consulting Firm for Overall Diversity
  • 2023 Management Consulted #3 Best Boutique Firms in Washington DC
  • 2022 Vault #41 Best Overall Consulting Firm to Work For
  • 2020 Vault #21 Best Boutique Consulting Firm 
  • 2019 Ivy Exec #7 Best Boutique Consulting Firm 
  • 2018 Consulting Magazine Best Small Firms to Work For  
  • 2017 Vault #12 Best Boutique Consulting Firm 
  • 2016 Forbes Best Management Consulting Firms in America 
  • 2015 Washington Business Journal’s Philanthropy List 

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