Executive Consultant – Fire & Aviation Policy, Strategic Advisory

ELYON International

Executive Consultant providing senior-level strategic guidance and policy expertise to USDA Forest Service Fire and Aviation Management leadership. Advising on critical wildfire and aviation policy issues.

Posted 5/14/2026contractRemote • District of Columbia, Washington • 🇺🇸 United StatesSeniorLead💰 $65,000 - $75,000 per yearWebsite

About the role

Key responsibilities & impact

Provide senior-level strategic guidance and policy expertise to USDA Forest Service leadership
Conduct regular strategy sessions with FAM leadership and provide real-time policy guidance
Develop actionable plans aligned with USDA/USFS leadership priorities and operational objectives
Engage stakeholder networks to collect and analyze diverse viewpoints on fire and aviation policy
Present balanced assessments with clear implications for executive decision-making
Review performance measures, identify gaps, and design process improvements
Develop metrics to track progress toward strategic goals
Draft step-by-step workflows and USFS standard policy guides
Create training and communication tools for effective policy implementation
Prepare executive talking points, policy briefs, and stakeholder messaging
Coordinate communication strategy with senior team members and interagency partners
Conduct in-depth data analysis and provide evidence-based recommendations
Prepare products to articulate, interpret, and defend complex or potentially controversial agency policies

Requirements

What you’ll need

Bachelor’s degree in business or a related field
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience or a minimum of twenty (20) years of experience directly related to fire response
Senior USFS or DOI fire management background - Retired GS-14/15 or SES-level fire leadership ideal
National Incident Management System (NIMS) expertise - ICS-300/400 or higher qualifications
Interagency fire coordination experience - NIFC, Geographic Area Coordination Centers, or MAC Groups
Policy development experience - Drafting directives, policy guides, or strategic plans for federal agencies
Congressional liaison experience - Briefing members, responding to inquiries, or supporting oversight hearings
Executive communication skills - Preparing talking points and briefs for senior leadership
Stakeholder engagement - Working with state forestry agencies, tribes, and local governments
Data analysis capabilities - Translating operational data into strategic recommendations
Knowledge of current USFS priorities - Familiarity with Secretary Rollins' wildfire memorandum and Chief Schultz's initiatives

Benefits

Comp & perks

Paid sick leave
Medical/Dental (optional)
401 (k) Retirement Plan (optional)
Employer Paid Life Insurance
Employer Paid Short Term Disability
Optional Life Insurance

ATS Keywords

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Applicant Tracking System Keywords

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Hard Skills & Tools

data analysispolicy developmentstrategic planningprocess improvementfire managementNIMS expertiseinteragency fire coordinationexecutive communicationstakeholder engagementdrafting directives

Soft Skills

strategic guidanceleadershipcommunicationcollaborationanalytical thinkingproblem-solvingpresentation skillsnetworkingdecision-makingadaptability

Certifications

ICS-300ICS-400