Congressional Communications Support Subject Matter Expert (SME), TS/SCI

About Blue Sky Innovators:

Blue Sky Innovators (BSI) delivers elite technical, acquisition, and policy expertise to the Department of the Air Force, supporting some of the nation’s most critical and sensitive programs. Our team operates at the intersection of strategy, technology, and policy—providing trusted support to senior leaders across the Pentagon.

 

Position Overview:

Blue Sky Innovators is seeking a Congressional Support SME to directly support SAF/AQL leadership and the AQL Congressional Liaison. This full-time, on-site position at the Pentagon is a high-visibility role essential to managing strategic communication, congressional engagement, and senior leader messaging across a complex portfolio of advanced Air Force programs, including Special Access Programs (SAPs).

 

Key Responsibilities:

• Serve as a key advisor and support element to the AQL Congressional Liaison, managing relationships and communications with congressional members, staffers, agencies, and PSMs
• Develop, coordinate, and deliver high-quality materials for senior Department of the Air Force (DAF) leaders, including briefings, RFIs, and Congressional inquiries
• Support and streamline processes related to CFIUS and other interagency coordination efforts
• Lead the development, refinement, and implementation of the AQL Communications Plan, ensuring alignment with broader AQL strategy
• Consolidate, update, and maintain AQL enterprise assets, including briefing decks, templates, training materials, and leadership presentations (both classified and unclassified)
• Coordinate the development and integration of Budget Briefing Products (BBPs) across AQL divisions, providing clear, contextualized information for senior leaders
• Assist in developing strategic messaging and original content in support of SAP reform efforts
• Support Congressional engagements by preparing leadership with accurate, timely, and policy-aligned materials
• Collaborate across SAF/AQL, SAF/IA, and other stakeholders to ensure consistency, accuracy, and alignment in all communications

 

Required Qualifications:

• Clearance: Active TS/SCI (required)
• Demonstrated experience in Congressional engagement, public affairs, or senior-level communications within DoD or the Federal Government
• Strong understanding of Department of the Air Force missions, organizations, and processes (SAF/AQL experience highly desired)
• Proven ability to develop executive-level briefings and written products for senior leaders
• Exceptional organizational, communication, and collaboration skills
• Ability to manage multiple high-priority efforts simultaneously in a fast-paced, high-visibility environment
• High level of attention to detail, discretion, and confidentiality, especially when handling sensitive or classified information

 

Preferred Qualifications:

• Experience working with Congressional Liaison Offices or directly with Capitol Hill staff
• Familiarity with CFIUS processes, SAP environments, or defense acquisition policy
• Prior experience supporting HAF, OSD, Joint Staff, or Service Secretariat-level leadership

 

Why Blue Sky Innovators?

• Direct, daily impact supporting senior Air Force leadership at the Pentagon
• Operate in a high-visibility, mission-critical environment
• Collaborate with elite SMEs across technical, acquisition, and policy domains

The salary range for this position is $180,000-$220,000, per year. Specific compensation will be determined by several factors including experience, education, skills, and knowledge. We also offer medical/dental/vision benefits and 401k contribution.