Location: Washington, DC
Work Arrangement: Onsite
Type: Full-Time
Clearance: Active Top-Secret
Travel: None
Status: Contingent Upon Award
Job Summary: We are seeking a highly skilled Government Travel Specialist to support Congressional travel coordination and legislative liaison activities within the Department of State's Bureau of Legislative Affairs. The selected candidate will independently manage Congressional travel programs, coordinate Congressional delegations (CODELs) and staff delegations (STAFFDELs), and facilitate communication between Department leadership, Members of Congress, and overseas diplomatic posts. The Travel Specialist serves as a senior advisor on administrative, fiscal, and operational aspects of Congressional travel and acts as a liaison between the Department, Congressional offices, and overseas missions to ensure travel planning complies with statutory, regulatory, and Departmental requirements. This position requires extensive knowledge of Congressional processes, foreign travel regulations, Department of State financial procedures, and diplomatic operations.
Responsibilities and Duties: - Independently manage official Congressional travel programs including CODELs and STAFFDELs
- Coordinate complex foreign travel logistics, ensuring compliance with Department of State regulations, Congressional requirements, and federal travel policies
- Analyze proposed travel requests to identify potential operational, security, diplomatic, or financial implications
- Ensure timely notification and coordination with U.S. Embassies and Consulates regarding Congressional travel itineraries and logistical requirements
- Coordinate designation of funding and oversee financial management related to Congressional travel activities
- Serve as a primary liaison between the Department of State, Members of Congress, Congressional staff, and oversight committees
- Maintain close working relationships with Congressional personal offices, committee staff, and military liaison offices supporting House and Senate travel
- Coordinate with senior officials within the Office of the Secretary of Defense and regional military commands involved in Congressional travel planning
- Provide expert advice and guidance to Congressional staff on travel procedures, administrative requirements, and policy considerations
- Serve as a technical advisor to the Office Director on administrative, operational, and financial matters related to Congressional travel programs
- Provide expert-level guidance on complex or unprecedented travel situations impacting Department operations or overseas posts
- Monitor policy or program changes that may affect Congressional travel and adjust travel arrangements or logistics accordingly
- Provide analysis and recommendations to Department leadership regarding Congressional travel requests and related policy considerations
- Maintain direct coordination with U.S. Embassies and Consulates worldwide, including Ambassadors, Deputy Chiefs of Mission, Management Counselors, and senior embassy staff
- Ensure posts receive timely guidance, travel notifications, and logistical information to support CODEL and STAFFDEL visits
- Draft and clear official cable traffic to overseas posts regarding Congressional travel coordination
- Work closely with overseas missions to develop travel cost estimates and secure authorization from Congressional offices
- Troubleshoot travel funding and reimbursement issues and ensure Embassy expenses are reimbursed appropriately
- Ensure all travel planning adheres to Department financial policies and foreign currency exchange procedures
- Support Bureau efforts to educate Department personnel and Congressional offices on travel policies, legal requirements, and procedural guidelines
- Monitor Congressional sentiment and provide leadership with insights on legislative attitudes regarding foreign travel and related policy issues
- Represent the Bureau of Legislative Affairs as a subject matter expert on Congressional travel policies and procedures
- Participate in briefings with Members of Congress and Congressional staff as requested
- Coordinate communication between Department management professionals and Congressional offices on legislative matters related to travel
- Perform other related duties as assigned
Qualifications and Skills: - Minimum education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in International Relations, Political Science, Public Administration, Government, Foreign Affairs, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
- Minimum experience: Five (5) years of experience working in the Department of State or a comparable federal environment, including at least two (2) years supporting the legislative branch, Congressional engagement, or Congressional travel coordination.
- Demonstrated experience coordinating Congressional travel programs, international travel logistics, or overseas mission support is required.
- Expert knowledge of federal travel regulations, Department of State travel policies, Congressional travel procedures, and related financial requirements is required.
- Strong knowledge of Congressional organization, legislative practices, committee operations, and oversight processes is required.
- Experience working with U.S. Embassies, Consulates, interagency partners, and Congressional offices is preferred.
- Excellent written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to convey complex and sensitive information clearly, logically, and diplomatically, are required.
Benefits and Perks: - Medical, Vision, and Dental Plans
- Paid Holiday and Personal Time Off
- Short-term disability, Accidental Death, and Life Insurance
- Education and Training Assistance Program
- Incentive Plans and Referral Bonuses
- Employee Assistance Programs
