Strategic Planning and Diplomacy Course Director / SME

Background:

Kent, Campa and Kate Incorporated (KCK) is a federal contracting company that provides professional services to Government Agencies. We are currently seeking candidates for a Strategic Planning and Diplomacy Course Director / SME (Political Training Division) position in Arlington, VA supporting the Foreign Service Institute (FSI).

The Foreign Service Institute (FSI) is the primary training provider for the U.S. Department of State and the U.S. Government (USG) foreign affairs community. FSI prepares professionals to conduct U.S. diplomacy by empowering and training them throughout their careers to advance U.S. interests and address evolving diplomatic challenges.

Position Summary:
The Course Director / SME will be responsible for developing and coordinating courses related to U.S. national security strategy and strategic thinking. This interdisciplinary role involves curriculum development, teaching, advising, and ongoing course evaluations, with an emphasis on aligning training programs with the needs of the Department of State and the broader foreign affairs community. The incumbent must possess expert-level knowledge in social sciences, foreign affairs, and U.S. national security strategy.

Qualifications:

• Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and a minimum of 10 years of experience in foreign affairs.
• At least 5 years of experience in U.S. national security strategy development and planning.
• Advanced knowledge of U.S. national security frameworks, strategic planning processes, and the mission and functions of the Department of State.
• Proven expertise in adult education, curriculum development, and training evaluation.
• Strong communication and facilitation skills, with experience engaging high-level stakeholders and foreign affairs professionals.
• Ability to utilize technology for course delivery and management.
• A collaborative mindset and a commitment to working in a collective environment.

• Familiarity with the State Department’s Office of Policy Planning and Office of Budget and Planning, as well as other foreign affairs agencies.
• A secret clearance is preferred, but not required to start. Candidates must be eligible to acquire clearance.

Key Responsibilities:

• Assist in planning and developing long- and short-term curricula related to strategic thinking and planning.
• Teach several graduate-level courses throughout the year.
• Identify and coordinate guest speakers for courses.
• Develop and update curriculum materials to ensure they reflect the latest academic and policy developments.
• Maintain expertise in relevant subject areas and provide advisory support to FSI staff, students, and Department of State officials.
• Facilitate instruction, briefings, and consultations for interagency participants and stakeholders.
• Develop and maintain professional contacts with other government agencies.
• Design and conduct needs assessments and evaluate training effectiveness using established metrics.
• Ensure courses are aligned with U.S. national security strategy frameworks and State Department strategic planning processes.

Application Notes:

• Please provide a resume to include the duties and responsibilities performed for each previously held position.
• Please provide three (3) professional references on your resume.
• Applicant must currently be authorized to work in the United States on a full-time basis and be a U.S. citizen.

Kent, Campa and Kate Incorporated (KCK) is an equal opportunity employer. KCK does not discriminate against employees and applicants on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, ancestry, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, gender identity, results of genetic testing, veteran status, or any other status protected by federal, state, and local law.