Government and Public Sector - Senior Communications Specialist

From strategy to execution, the Government & Public Sector practice of Ernst & Young provides a full range of consulting services to help our Federal, State, Local and Education clients implement new ideas to help achieve their mission outcomes. We deliver real change and measurable results through our diverse, high-performing teams, quality work at the highest professional standards, operational know-how from across our global organization, and creative and bold ideas that drive innovation. We enable our government clients to achieve their mission of protecting the nation and serving the people; increasing public safety; improving healthcare for our military, veterans and citizens; delivering essential public services; and helping those in need. EY is ready to help our government build a better working world. 

The opportunity 

We’re currently looking for qualified business analyst professionals interested in helping US federal, state and local agencies better manage their programs and projects. If you are looking to make an impact in how our government provides its services, then come join us! 

Your key responsibilities 

Our Senior Communications specialist will work with government clients to support and improve a broad range of operations, including documentation and communications, problem solving, editing and copywriting. You will have the opportunity to apply your knowledge to meaningful and complex projects, while working with multidisciplinary teams and industry leaders. Key responsibilities of the position may include any of the following: 

• Delivering strong written and verbal communication skills are essential for creating comprehensive documentation like requirement specifications, process flows, and user stories
• Eliciting, documenting, and analyzing information
• Providing advice, assistance and written recommendations on strategic initiatives and process improvement opportunities
• Applying knowledge of federal communication guidelines like plain language guidelines and 508 compliance
• Adhering to style guides, editing and writing
• Applying industry knowledge of how government agencies operate
• Applying understanding of technical and government terms and translate to all audiences
• Ability to track, manage, and ensure project tasks are completed in a timely manner
• Serving as a trusted client advisor, assisting in project delivery
• Contributing to ongoing improvement initiatives by evaluating existing processes
• Interacting with stakeholders from diverse departments to comprehend their needs, challenges, and objectives

• Developing people through effective leadership, coaching and mentoring of all levels of staff  

Skills and attributes for success 

• Knowledge of federal communication guidelines like plain language guidelines and 508 compliance
• Ability to adhere to a style guide
• Industry knowledge of how government agencies operate
• Ability to understand technical and government terms and translate to all audiences
• Ability to write and edit on tight timelines
• Ability to track, manage, and ensure project tasks are completed in a timely manner
• Develop and maintain long-term client relationships and networks. Develop relationships with team members across all EY practices to serve client needs. 

To qualify for the role, you must have 

• Bachelor’s degree
• 7 or more years of relevant professional work experience
• Ability to obtain and maintain Secret clearance
• Strong analytical and communication skills; Experience copywriting and editing
• Experience with MS Office
• Experience working with executives and clients

The EY Government and Public Sector Practice’s staffing model is to assign resources to projects aligned to the office within the metropolitan area you have been hired; however, in certain circumstances, travel may be required within and/or beyond your geographic region based on client and project needs.  For roles within the federal practice, the flexibility to travel up to approximately 30% is preferred. Within the state, local and education practice, the flexibility to travel up to approximately 80% is preferred. 

Ideally you'll also have 

• Experience with federal communication guidelines like plain language guidelines and 508 compliance

What we look for 

Top performers have experience supporting client service projects, business devolvement efforts and internal growth initiatives. The candidate should have experience delivering services for project plans on medium to small projects. Experience with federal, state or local agencies, often gained by working in a Big Four global management consulting firm or a blue-chip company focused on the government and the public sector, is a plus.  

• Continuous learning: You’ll develop the mindset and skills to navigate whatever comes next.
• Success as defined by you: We’ll provide the tools and flexibility, so you can make a meaningful impact, your way.
• Transformative leadership: We’ll give you the insights, coaching and confidence to be the leader the world needs.
• Diverse and inclusive culture: You’ll be embraced for who you are and empowered to use your voice to help others find theirs.