Bright Star is a forward-thinking technology consultancy that specializes in harnessing the power of data and AI to solve complex business challenges. Our team of experts combines deep technical expertise with strategic insight to deliver innovative solutions that drive meaningful impact for our clients.
Role Description
Bright Star is recruiting a Data and AI Strategist to support the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. This full-time, hybrid role will work in a small team directly supporting the Bureau Chief Data and AI Officer at the U.S. Department of State to support national security, operational effectiveness, and U.S. overseas mission readiness. Bright Star has a high-performing, cross functional team that tackles strategic and tactical work from strategic planning, advising via high-polish slides, compelling papers, and savvy hallway conversations, and building concise, actionable business intelligence and dashboards. This role will round out the team with a powerful communicator with a sophisticated understanding of the Department of State and its complex and sensitive data sets. The Data and AI Strategist will tackle a broad range of tasks such as gathering business requirements for the data products and translating them into technical roadmaps, briefing leadership on proposed paths and insights uncovered, building relationships and spearheading user adoptions, researching and developing position papers and briefing materials, and winning over entrenched stakeholders. The Data and AI Strategist will leverage institutional knowledge, human centered design, understanding of data, AI, and their latest developments, while learning new skills and technologies on-demand to meet the mission needs. This is a hybrid role, but as an expert in Department of State operations, the Data and AI Strategist understands the need to be on-site for important meetings, face-to-face conversations, and coffees. The Data and AI Strategist will work with the group lead to establish an on-site cadence that balances maximum effectiveness and work-life balance. Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic guidance and thought leadership on data, AI, and digital modernization initiatives supporting Department of State mission objectives Develop high-quality strategy documents, concept papers, white papers, briefings, slides, one-pagers, and visual materials for executive and stakeholder audiences Apply Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to conduct stakeholder engagement, design surveys and interviews, and gather, document, and validate business and functional requirements Translate complex technical and data concepts into clear, actionable communications for technical and non-technical audiences Collaborate with technical teams, including data engineers, data scientists, and analysts, to define use cases and support data- and AI-informed decision-making Perform SharePoint management and administration to support collaboration, documentation, and knowledge management Serve as a liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams to ensure alignment of strategy, requirements, and execution Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Information Systems, Public Policy, Business, Analytics, or a related field 8+ years of professional experience in strategy, business analysis, consulting, or related roles Proven ability to create executive-level presentations, written products, and visual materials Strong requirements-gathering and stakeholder engagement skills Experience working in hybrid/on-site federal environments Preferred Qualifications
Active Secret or higher-level security clearance Experience supporting the Department of State, USAID, USCIS, or similar federal civilian agencies. Demonstrated experience collaborating with business analysts, data scientists, engineers, process-improvement teams, or human-centered design practitioners Familiarity with data platforms, analytics environments, or AI-enabled tools used in enterprise or federal settings (e.g., cloud data platforms, dashboards, or automation tools) Experience translating technical or data-driven concepts into executive-level communications and strategy artifacts Master’s degree in a quantitative, analytical, or policy-related field (may be considered in lieu of additional years of experience) Job Type: Full-time Pay: $130,000 - $145,000 Benefits
401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Experience
Data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics: 8 years (Required) Ability to Commute
Washington, DC 20451 (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20451 Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
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Bright Star is recruiting a Data and AI Strategist to support the Department of State Bureau of Consular Affairs. This full-time, hybrid role will work in a small team directly supporting the Bureau Chief Data and AI Officer at the U.S. Department of State to support national security, operational effectiveness, and U.S. overseas mission readiness. Bright Star has a high-performing, cross functional team that tackles strategic and tactical work from strategic planning, advising via high-polish slides, compelling papers, and savvy hallway conversations, and building concise, actionable business intelligence and dashboards. This role will round out the team with a powerful communicator with a sophisticated understanding of the Department of State and its complex and sensitive data sets. The Data and AI Strategist will tackle a broad range of tasks such as gathering business requirements for the data products and translating them into technical roadmaps, briefing leadership on proposed paths and insights uncovered, building relationships and spearheading user adoptions, researching and developing position papers and briefing materials, and winning over entrenched stakeholders. The Data and AI Strategist will leverage institutional knowledge, human centered design, understanding of data, AI, and their latest developments, while learning new skills and technologies on-demand to meet the mission needs. This is a hybrid role, but as an expert in Department of State operations, the Data and AI Strategist understands the need to be on-site for important meetings, face-to-face conversations, and coffees. The Data and AI Strategist will work with the group lead to establish an on-site cadence that balances maximum effectiveness and work-life balance. Key Responsibilities
Provide strategic guidance and thought leadership on data, AI, and digital modernization initiatives supporting Department of State mission objectives Develop high-quality strategy documents, concept papers, white papers, briefings, slides, one-pagers, and visual materials for executive and stakeholder audiences Apply Human-Centered Design (HCD) principles to conduct stakeholder engagement, design surveys and interviews, and gather, document, and validate business and functional requirements Translate complex technical and data concepts into clear, actionable communications for technical and non-technical audiences Collaborate with technical teams, including data engineers, data scientists, and analysts, to define use cases and support data- and AI-informed decision-making Perform SharePoint management and administration to support collaboration, documentation, and knowledge management Serve as a liaison between business stakeholders and technical teams to ensure alignment of strategy, requirements, and execution Required Qualifications
Bachelor’s degree in Data Science, Artificial Intelligence, Computer Science, Information Systems, Public Policy, Business, Analytics, or a related field 8+ years of professional experience in strategy, business analysis, consulting, or related roles Proven ability to create executive-level presentations, written products, and visual materials Strong requirements-gathering and stakeholder engagement skills Experience working in hybrid/on-site federal environments Preferred Qualifications
Active Secret or higher-level security clearance Experience supporting the Department of State, USAID, USCIS, or similar federal civilian agencies. Demonstrated experience collaborating with business analysts, data scientists, engineers, process-improvement teams, or human-centered design practitioners Familiarity with data platforms, analytics environments, or AI-enabled tools used in enterprise or federal settings (e.g., cloud data platforms, dashboards, or automation tools) Experience translating technical or data-driven concepts into executive-level communications and strategy artifacts Master’s degree in a quantitative, analytical, or policy-related field (may be considered in lieu of additional years of experience) Job Type: Full-time Pay: $130,000 - $145,000 Benefits
401(k) 401(k) matching Health insurance Life insurance Paid time off Vision insurance Experience
Data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics: 8 years (Required) Ability to Commute
Washington, DC 20451 (Required) Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20451 Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
#J-18808-Ljbffr