Foreign Service Office Management Specialist (FS 9017) at U.S. Department of State

Foreign Service Office Management Specialists (OMS) are U.S. diplomats who serve in essential mission staff and support roles at embassies, consulates and domestic offices worldwide. They provide a broad spectrum of operational, administrative, technical, and executive staffing support services that are critical to the efficiency and effectiveness of the Department. The responsibilities of an OMS vary based on the size and needs of the post, as well as the specific assignment. As OMSs gain experience and advance in their careers, their scope of work expands, and they become eligible for positions with greater responsibility. The position requires strong administrative, operational, and technical skills; excellent interpersonal abilities; adaptability to fast-paced and challenging environments; a strong command of English, and proficiency with standard office software and social media platforms. The following list outlines typical entry-level OMS duties. This list is not exhaustive or ranked by priority: General Office Support: Implements knowledge and records management policies. Develops and updates administrative and operational procedures. Supervise staff, depending on the assignment. Oversees office budgets, including vouchers, travel expenses, and petty cash. Facilitates visitor access to the office. Manages inventory and orders office supplies. Maintains and certifies employee attendance records. Coordinates office responses to Department and Congressional requests. Preparing Written Materials: Reviews, drafts, and edits diplomatic correspondence and documents. Facilitates document clearances as required. Prepares presentations, reports, and other written materials. Communicates on behalf of principals to internal and external stakeholders, including senior officials. Supporting Department Personnel and Principals: Manages calendars and schedules, arranges meetings, conferences, and VIP visits. Makes travel arrangements and processes related expense vouchers. Facilitates connections between key stakeholders and external officials, both virtually and in-person. Attends meetings, takes notes, and drafts meeting summaries or other documents. Trains incoming staff on administrative and operational procedures. Conducts special projects and participates in embassy and Department committees. Organizing and Supports Official Events: Plans, organizes, and supports special official events and functions of all sizes. Manages visitors' access for events. Ensures adherence to protocol requirements and local customs. Advancing Technology and Innovation: Leads or supports change management and innovation initiatives. Provides first-line IT support, including troubleshooting hardware and software issues. Supports virtual communications, social media, AI platforms, Microsoft Office applications, and Department-specific programs. Educates staff on new technologies and digital tools. Integrating with Local Culture: Utilizes foreign language skills to accomplish tasks. Attends and hosts representational events. Liaises with host country personnel and other interlocutors. Builds and maintains official contacts with governmental and non-governmental organizations. Participates in local outreach activities. Note: Foreign Service personnel may be required to perform duties outside of normal business hours to meet mission needs, support official visits, or participate in after-hours duty rotations. Compensation for additional hours worked will vary based on individual work schedules. Conditions of Employment Be a U.S. citizen and accept assignments based on the needs of the FS.* Be able to obtain a Top Secret Security Clearance. Be able to meet the minimum medical qualification standard. Be able to obtain a favorable Suitability Review Panel determination.** Be at least 20 years old to apply; at least 21 years old to be appointed. Be appointed prior to age 60 (preference eligible veterans excepted).*** Foreign Service Office Management Specialists (OMS) serve in critical roles at U.S. embassies, consulates, and domestic offices worldwide. OMSs must demonstrate the highest standards of integrity, dependability, attention to detail, teamwork, and cooperation. They are expected to accept assignments based on the needs of the Foreign Service and must be prepared for frequent global travel. Qualifications Applicants must demonstrate specialized experience that reflects the knowledge, skills, and abilities required for the Foreign Service Office Management Specialist position. Qualifying specialized experience must be progressively responsible, directly support office or programmatic objectives, and consist of at least 60% administrative duties in each relevant position. To be considered, specialized experience must have been acquired within the past 10 years. Examples of specialized experience are available in the USAJOBS vacancy announcement. Education At the time of application, candidate must possess: A high school diploma or equivalent and three years of specialized experience in the last 10 years; or An associate's degree and two years of specialized experience in the last 10 years; or A Bachelor's or higher degree in any major and one year of specialized experience in the last 10 years. Additional information on educational requirements can be found in the USAJOBS vacancy announcement. Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.