Computer Enterprises Inc

Data and AI Strategist

About Bright Star

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 Strategistto 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
• State Department experience required
• 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)

Bright Star is an Equal Opportunity Employer.

Job Type: Full-time

Pay: $130,000.00 - $145,000.00 per year

Benefits:

• 401(k)
• 401(k) matching
• Dental insurance
• Health insurance
• Life insurance
• Paid time off
• Vision insurance

Application Question(s):

• Due to the nature of our work as a government contractor, all employees are required to have full U.S Citizenship at the time of hire. Are you a U.S Citizen?

Experience:

• Data science, machine learning, or advanced analytics: 8 years (Required)

Security clearance:

• Secret (Required)

Ability to Commute:

• Washington, DC 20451 (Required)

Work Location: Hybrid remote in Washington, DC 20451