Associate – Operational Research Analyst, FEMA Disaster Emergency Communications Full Time NEW

Lafayette Group is seeking a qualified and highly motivated individual to work with Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Emergency Communications Division (DECD) to assist with stakeholder engagement and coordination and data analysis support to improve the performance of core mission operations. This position will involve developing strategic work products, planning and supporting stakeholder meetings, and conducting a variety of strategic, operational, and technical analyses.

This Consultant will coordinate complex projects in support of the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) Disaster Emergency Communications Division (DECD) Project Management Office (PMO). The Journeyman Operational Research Analyst is responsible for supporting the maintenance and enhancement of Regional, State, and Tribal Communications Plans/Annexes. This position will involve assisting the development of 10 Regional Emergency Communications Plans (RECP) federal state communications annexes for all 50 states, District of Columbia and five territories. The contractor shall provide SETA support to FEMA DEC
assessments, reviews, GIS analytics and mapping development, communications plans, SOPs and annexes. The contractor will support the development of National level strategies for Regional Emergency Communications Coordinator Working Group (RECCWG) continued development.  

Primary Responsibilities:

• Assist with conducting customer and stakeholder analyses by capturing, synthesizing, and summarizing key points from a variety of stakeholder engagement types and internal meetings, and translating insights into draft deliverables and products
• Support the development of written work products including stakeholder engagement summaries, strategic plans, presentations, talking points, and facilitation guides in a timely manner
• Build strong relationships with clients, maintains employer and client confidence, and protects operations by keeping information confidential
• Provide meeting planning, facilitation, and logistical support
• Organize project communications including project steering committee meetings and status reports
• Perform qualitative and quantitative research and data gathering to identify key themes, trends, and opportunities from complex data sets for the implementation of new technologies to support operations

Required Qualifications:

• Must have 1-3 years of demonstrated consulting or related experience
• Strategic planning, management consulting and/or telecommunications/IT management experience
• Data collection and analysis: ability to adapt to a variety of types of content to synthesize and summarize critical information collected from surveys, focus groups, forums, and internal meetings, translating insights into deliverables and tangible products
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office, including Word, Excel, and PowerPoint
• Proficient with telecommunications applications (e.g., Microsoft Teams, Skype)
• Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills
• Innovative thinker who can bring new ideas to the team
• Ability to meet deadlines, adhere to project plans, ensure any conflicts are brought to the attention of the management team, and multi-task and work on several projects simultaneously
• Strong problem-solving skills with the ability to foresee direct and indirect impact of solutions
• Ability to be flexible and adaptable
• Ability to interact and network effectively with all levels of staff, including senior leadership both technical and non-technical
• Ability to obtain a security clearance
• BA or BS degree required
• Willingness to travel (~15% or less)

 Additional/Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience with consulting in a professional or internship environment
• Experience working with Customer Relationship Management (CRM) tools/software
• Experience working with various databases and tools, extrapolating information, and analyzing for reporting
• Comfort working with large datasets
• Experience in public safety operations or technology
• Existing Secret clearance or DHS Suitability Preferred

Compensation: $70K-$75K

Job Site Location: 
Arlington, VA or Remote

Desired Start Date: 5/18/2026 or ASAP

Federal Contracts & Security: 
This position involves working on federal contracts that require all workers on the contract to be U.S. Citizens. Additionally, some contracts may require the ability to obtain a security clearance.

Lafayette Group provides equal employment opportunities to all persons and prohibits employment decisions based on race, religion, color, creed, national origin, sex, age, disability, political affiliation, protected veteran status, or sexual orientation.

Equal Opportunity Employer, Including disabled and veterans