Strategic Policy Advisor

Why do you need to choose between doing important work and having a fulfilling life? At Ardent, we have both. Ardent employees are committed to solving our customers’ most difficult problems—and we are committed to the well-being, personal goals, and professional development of our employee. We are “All In.” We put forth our strongest effort possible to get the mission accomplished and we do it together. We respect the skills and experience you bring to the Ardent team. And we provide a rewarding environment to help you succeed. 

We offer highly competitive benefits, professional development opportunities, and an exceptional culture that embraces flexibility, innovation, collaboration, and career growth. A collective service mindset underpins our work, and a shared camaraderie to serve clients, colleagues and our communities set us apart. Our full commitment to being "All In" for our employees and our clients is not just our approach, it is our standard. If this sounds like the perfect fit for you, choose Ardent and make a difference with us. 

Ardent is seeking a Strategic Policy Advisor to join our team.

This is a Remote Role, but you will be required to attend strategic in-person sessions with the client in Washington, DC (this could be 1-2 x/month or more - at client direction and request). Travel to the client location will be at your own expense.

Position Description:

Ardent is seeking a Strategic Policy Advisor who will gather and analyze information to assist in the planning, development, interpretation of government, agency or industry policies and guidance. Identifies, researches and develops short- and long-term policy priorities to assist in the formulation of strategic policy, government wide policy guidance and prioritization activities. Prepares written narrative and analytical reports, memoranda, summaries, policy and research findings for review and approval. Briefs stakeholders on relevant issues through PowerPoint presentations, facilitated discussions and full reports. Conducts research and statistical analysis of policy issues, emerging technology and industry trends.

Responsibilities and Duties:

• Gather and analyze information to assist in the planning, development, interpretation of government, agency or industry policies and guidance. Identifies, researches and develops short- and long-term policy priorities to assist in the formulation of strategic policy, government wide policy guidance and prioritization activities. Prepares written narrative and analytical reports, memoranda, summaries, policy and research findings for review and approval. Briefs stakeholders on relevant issues through PowerPoint presentations, facilitated discussions and full reports. Conducts research and statistical analysis of policy issues, emerging technology and industry trends.
• Acts as team member supporting government wide policy office.  Provides facilitation and focus groups discussions.  Develops agendas, creates materials, tracks meeting notes/minutes, liaises with group members, assembles panels of experts, and provides administrative support.
• Engages in industry outreach to increase knowledge of trends in applicable areas including emerging technology, strategic government-wide policy and good government initiatives.  Analyzes existing policies, laws, agencies guidance regulations to identify policy gaps or inconsistencies, assess policy impact, and identify opportunities for improvement in issuing government wide policies. Conducts quantitative analysis on data available. Determines best practices and suggests policy changes based on findings.
• Develops and conducts survey research relating to agency/technology issues. Designs standard forms and procedural manuals, as well as related materials, to be utilized when collecting data (e.g., questionnaires, charts and graphs) and/or providing briefing material.  Performs other related duties as assigned.

Requirements: 

• Bachelor's Degree Required. Preferred in one of the following fields or related studies: Public Affairs/Public Policy, Economics/IT/Business, Political Science/International Affairs
• Minimum of 8 years’ experience in relevant field (with BS) (Will consider less experience with higher degree)
• Proven track record of showing initiative
• Proven track record of being a strategic thinker
• Proven experience working with President's Management Agenda (PMA) or one of the priority areas:
  • Strengthening and Empowering the Federal Workforce (Workforce Priority)
  • Delivering Excellent, Equitable, and Secure Federal Services and Customer Experience (Customer Experience Priority)
  • Managing the Business of Government (Business of Government Priority)
• Strong critical thinking and problem-solving skills
• Exceptional research, analysis and writing skills
• Strong verbal presentation skills
• Awareness of US public policy
• Demonstrated ability to write clear, concise text
• Research experience in public policy and government affairs
• Ability to work in a team environment
• Interest in a career that requires regular writing assignments
• Candidates should also be self-motivated and self-starting
• Strong organizational and inter-personal skills

Due to the nature of the work we support, all candidates in consideration for this role must be U.S. Citizens willing to undergo the government issued background investigation process.

Ardent is an equal opportunity employer. We will not discriminate and will take affirmative action measures to ensure against discrimination in employment, recruitment, advertisements for employment, compensation, termination, upgrading, promotions, and other conditions of employment against any employee or job applicant on the bases of race, color, gender, national origin, age, religion, creed, disability, veteran's status, sexual orientation, gender identity or gender expression.