Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor – Fire and Aviation Management
Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor – Fire and Aviation Management (USFS Support)
Demonstrated deep operational knowledge of national wildland fire response systems
Position Details:
• Location:
Flexible / Remote (with potential travel)
• Type:
Full-time or consulting engagement
• Clearance:
May be required
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor to provide direct support to senior leadership within the United States Forest Service (USFS), focusing on fire and aviation management priorities.
This role operates at the intersection of
policy, operations, and executive communications
, supporting the Deputy Director and Program Manager in advancing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s priorities. The Advisor will play a critical role in shaping strategy, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring leadership has timely, evidence-based information to guide decision-making in a complex, high-stakes environment.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Advisory & Program Support
• Work closely with the Deputy Director and staff to provide strategic advice and administrative support aligned with
USDA leadership
priorities
• Support the WOFA Program Manager in advancing organizational initiatives and maintaining performance levels
Policy Analysis & Decision Support
• Conduct
independent research and in-depth analysis on fire and aviation
management priorities
• Integrate quantitative data with operational insight to produce evidence-based recommendations
• Research and present diverse perspectives, clearly identifying implications for inclusive decision-making
Stakeholder Coordination & Engagement
• Engage internal and external stakeholders across USFS and interagency partners
• Ensure leadership has timely, accurate, and comprehensive information to inform decisions
• Coordinate closely with program officials to validate findings and recommendations
Strategy Development & Process Improvement
• Develop strategies to strengthen organizational performance and support management initiatives
• Design and document processes to operationalize new directives and improve efficiency
Communications & Executive Products
• Develop communication materials, policy briefs, and executive talking points on operational and policy matters
• Coordinate messaging with senior leadership and key stakeholders, including interagency partners
• Prepare clear, defensible products that articulate and explain complex and potentially sensitive policies and programs
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Natural Resources, or a related field
and
at least
10 years of progressive experience
,
• OR
• A minimum of
20 years of directly relevant experience
in wildland fire response, fire and aviation management, or closely related fields
Technical Expertise
• Demonstrated deep operational knowledge of
national wildland fire response systems
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Congressional reviews and reporting
• Large Fire Reviews (LFRs)
• Tactical and operational fire response
• Core Competencies
• Strong policy analysis and strategic advisory skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights
• Experience working in federal or interagency environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level deliverables
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting senior federal leadership in advisory or staff roles
• Familiarity with
USFS fire and aviation management structures and interagency
coordination frameworks
• Experience developing policy guidance, SOPs, or executive communication materials
Khulisa will only contact shortlisted candidates.
Apply tot his job
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Demonstrated deep operational knowledge of national wildland fire response systems
Position Details:
• Location:
Flexible / Remote (with potential travel)
• Type:
Full-time or consulting engagement
• Clearance:
May be required
Position Overview
We are seeking a highly experienced Senior Policy & Strategy Advisor to provide direct support to senior leadership within the United States Forest Service (USFS), focusing on fire and aviation management priorities.
This role operates at the intersection of
policy, operations, and executive communications
, supporting the Deputy Director and Program Manager in advancing the U.S. Department of Agriculture Secretary’s priorities. The Advisor will play a critical role in shaping strategy, coordinating stakeholders, and ensuring leadership has timely, evidence-based information to guide decision-making in a complex, high-stakes environment.
Key Responsibilities
Executive Advisory & Program Support
• Work closely with the Deputy Director and staff to provide strategic advice and administrative support aligned with
USDA leadership
priorities
• Support the WOFA Program Manager in advancing organizational initiatives and maintaining performance levels
Policy Analysis & Decision Support
• Conduct
independent research and in-depth analysis on fire and aviation
management priorities
• Integrate quantitative data with operational insight to produce evidence-based recommendations
• Research and present diverse perspectives, clearly identifying implications for inclusive decision-making
Stakeholder Coordination & Engagement
• Engage internal and external stakeholders across USFS and interagency partners
• Ensure leadership has timely, accurate, and comprehensive information to inform decisions
• Coordinate closely with program officials to validate findings and recommendations
Strategy Development & Process Improvement
• Develop strategies to strengthen organizational performance and support management initiatives
• Design and document processes to operationalize new directives and improve efficiency
Communications & Executive Products
• Develop communication materials, policy briefs, and executive talking points on operational and policy matters
• Coordinate messaging with senior leadership and key stakeholders, including interagency partners
• Prepare clear, defensible products that articulate and explain complex and potentially sensitive policies and programs
Required Qualifications
• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public Administration, Natural Resources, or a related field
and
at least
10 years of progressive experience
,
• OR
• A minimum of
20 years of directly relevant experience
in wildland fire response, fire and aviation management, or closely related fields
Technical Expertise
• Demonstrated deep operational knowledge of
national wildland fire response systems
• Demonstrated experience with:
• Congressional reviews and reporting
• Large Fire Reviews (LFRs)
• Tactical and operational fire response
• Core Competencies
• Strong policy analysis and strategic advisory skills
• Ability to synthesize complex information into clear, actionable insights
• Experience working in federal or interagency environments
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including executive-level deliverables
Preferred Qualifications
• Experience supporting senior federal leadership in advisory or staff roles
• Familiarity with
USFS fire and aviation management structures and interagency
coordination frameworks
• Experience developing policy guidance, SOPs, or executive communication materials
Khulisa will only contact shortlisted candidates.
Apply tot his job
Apply To this Job