Analyst: Homeland Security Preparedness

Obsidian, a Cadmus Company provides clients with solutions to their most important, analytical and policy changes. Obsidian seeks candidates to support the Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA) National Preparedness Assessment Division (NPAD). The mission of NPAD is to advance national preparedness and communicating accomplishments. Its responsibilities include developing the annual National Preparedness Report and the State Preparedness Report, as well as evaluations of program effectiveness and case studies concerning preparedness. Analysts will support the development of these assessments, as well as ad hoc projects and reporting deliverables for senior government officials.

Successful candidates will have experience conducting qualitative and quantitative analysis and will have excellent written and oral communications skills. Candidates must also demonstrate flexibility and the ability to collaborate. This is an entry-level position, and both recent graduates and those with relevant experience are invited to apply.

Responsibilities for the position include:

• Generate assessments, reports, memoranda, and presentations tailored for senior government officials
• Identify and assess preparedness-related data sets
• Coordinate with stakeholders to collect preparedness-related data
• Use qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques to draw conclusions from preparedness data
• Collect technical data and information to prepare customized reports, technical documentation, and training materials for government clients
• Develop stakeholder coordination strategies in support of project objectives
• Provide legislative and policy analysis and research on preparedness-related topics

Qualifications are:

• Degree in National Security, Homeland Security, or Public Policy; OR a degree in a social science, science, engineering, operations research, program evaluation, or other relevant field and a desire to apply those backgrounds to preparedness assessments; OR demonstrated professional experience in a relevant subject area

Required Skills:

• Outstanding research, analysis, and oral and written communication skills
• Familiarity with homeland security and preparedness policy
• Proficiency in relevant software programs including Word, PowerPoint, and Excel 

Preferred Skills/Qualifications:

• Knowledge of Presidential Policy Directive 8 (PPD-8) and the National Preparedness System
• Experience conducting preparedness assessments for FEMA or other federal/state/local clients
• Experience with advanced qualitative and quantitative analytical techniques
• Ability to earn DHS Suitability or experience conducting work at a DHS government facility
• Preference given to those with relevant experience in the homeland security field

This is a full-time staff position and includes compensation that Obsidian believes is competitive in the private market. Obsidian offers an excellent benefits package to eligible employees that includes paid time off, health and dental insurance, and a 410K. This is not a management position.

Employment with Obsidian, a Cadmus Company is at-will, which means that the employee and Obsidian each have the right to terminate the relationship at any time, with or without cause or notice. Likewise, position requirements, terms and conditions of employment, compensation, and benefits are subject to change at any time, with or without cause or notice, to the extent consistent with applicable laws.

All applicants for this Analyst position should send a cover letter addressed to Obsidian's Talent Aquisition department that explains the relevant qualifications and interest, and a resume demonstrating relevant experience. Applicants should also include a 1-2 page writing sample that demonstrates the ability to synthesize large amounts of information (on any topic) into a concise, actionable summary.

Candidates selected may be subject to a security investigation and if required, should be able to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.


Obsidian, A Cadmus Company
1776 Eye St. NW, 4th Floor | Washington, D.C. 20006