Deputy Head of Mission Jobs
Deputy Head of Mission jobs are open across federal agencies, international organizations, and diplomatic institutions, from mid-career to senior executive level, with specializations in diplomatic operations, mission management, and interagency coordination. Find a role that fits below and apply directly.
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Showing 5 of 1,073+ Deputy Head of Mission jobs
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking an experienced and accomplished Remediation Construction Deputy Practice Director to support the strategic direction, growth, and operational leadership of its Remediation Construction Practice. This senior leadership position will partner with the Director to advance business strategy, expand client relationships, strengthen project delivery capabilities, and drive operational excellence across a portfolio of complex environmental remediation and construction programs.
This is a remote role that may be based anywhere within the U.S. Out of state travel will be required for this role.
The Deputy Director will provide leadership across project execution, business development, financial performance, workforce development, and technical quality. This role requires a strong understanding of environmental remediation and construction delivery, including contaminated site cleanup, soil and groundwater remediation, hazardous materials management, treatment system implementation, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will bring the ability to lead through project and department managers, establish consistent operational practices, manage business risks, and align technical resources with client and market demands.
Working collaboratively with AECOM’s Environment, Construction Management, Engineering, and Program Management teams, the Deputy Director will help position the business for continued growth while ensuring the successful delivery of safe, high-quality, and financially sound projects. This is an opportunity for a strategic, commercially minded leader to influence business performance, develop future leaders, strengthen key client partnerships, and advance AECOM’s position in the environmental remediation market.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Director to establish and execute the strategic direction, business objectives, and growth plans for the remedial construction practice.
- Provide senior-level operational leadership across a portfolio of environmental remediation and construction projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, client commitments, and AECOM standards.
- Oversee the performance of project and department managers, establishing expectations for project controls, financial management, schedule performance, risk mitigation, quality, and client satisfaction.
- Drive business development and strategic client engagement, identifying opportunities across federal, state, municipal, industrial, and commercial markets.
- Lead or support major pursuits, including capture planning, proposal strategy, pricing reviews, executive presentations, contract negotiations, and development of strategic client relationships.
- Maintain oversight of financial performance, including revenue growth, backlog, profitability, cash flow, forecasting, resource utilization, and project financial risk.
- Establish and promote consistent approaches to remedial construction execution, constructability, subcontractor management, procurement, field operations, and project delivery.
- Ensure the integration of health, safety, environmental protection, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance into all project and operational activities.
- Provide executive-level guidance on complex project challenges, contractual matters, claims, change management, project recovery, and client escalations.
- Coordinate with technical and operational leaders across AECOM to integrate remediation design, environmental engineering, construction management, and field implementation capabilities.
- Lead workforce planning, organizational development, succession planning, recruitment, and retention initiatives to support current operations and anticipated business growth.
- Mentor and develop project executives, project managers, construction managers, and emerging leaders, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor market conditions, client needs, regulatory developments, and emerging remediation technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation.
- Represent AECOM in executive client meetings, industry engagements, strategic planning sessions, and other external forums to strengthen the company's reputation and market presence.
- Support the Director in organizational planning, performance reviews, operational reporting, and implementation of business initiatives, assuming delegated leadership responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Geology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership in environmental remediation, remedial construction, construction management, or environmental project delivery.
- Out of state travel will be required for this role.
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 15+ years of relevant experience in environmental remediation, remedial construction, construction management, or environmental project delivery, including progressively responsible leadership of complex projects, programs, and business operations.
- Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience providing senior-level leadership for complex environmental remediation or construction programs, including oversight of project performance, financial results, safety, quality, and client relationships.
- Experience leading project managers, construction managers, or multidisciplinary teams responsible for delivering multiple projects or major programs.
- Demonstrated experience supporting business development, client engagement, proposal development, and growth initiatives.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or other relevant professional credential.
- Demonstrated success overseeing a substantial portfolio of environmental remediation and remedial construction projects, including complex soil and groundwater cleanup, hazardous materials management, treatment systems, and site restoration.
- Experience with business-unit or department-level financial management, including revenue growth, profitability, backlog development, forecasting, resource allocation, and operational performance.
- Established record of developing strategic client relationships, leading major pursuits, securing new contracts, and expanding services with existing clients.
- Experience with federal and state environmental remediation programs, industrial facilities, large-scale contaminated sites, and complex regulatory environments.
- Demonstrated success leading organizational change, developing management teams, building talent pipelines, and establishing scalable operational processes.
- Strong executive communication, negotiation, strategic planning, and decision-making skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and align multidisciplinary teams around business priorities.
- Experience with complex change order or claim dispute resolution.
Additional Information
- Sponsorship is not offered for this position now or in the future.
-
THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY FEBRUARY 20, 2027.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Work with Us. Change the World.
At AECOM, we're delivering a better world. Whether improving your commute, keeping the lights on, providing access to clean water, or transforming skylines, our work helps people and communities thrive. We are the world's trusted infrastructure consulting firm, partnering with clients to solve the world’s most complex challenges and build legacies for future generations.
There has never been a better time to be at AECOM. With accelerating infrastructure investment worldwide, our services are in great demand. We invite you to bring your bold ideas and big dreams and become part of a global team of over 50,000 planners, designers, engineers, scientists, digital innovators, program and construction managers and other professionals delivering projects that create a positive and tangible impact around the world.
We're one global team driven by our common purpose to deliver a better world. Join us.
Job Description
AECOM is seeking an experienced and accomplished Remediation Construction Deputy Practice Director to support the strategic direction, growth, and operational leadership of its Remediation Construction Practice. This senior leadership position will partner with the Director to advance business strategy, expand client relationships, strengthen project delivery capabilities, and drive operational excellence across a portfolio of complex environmental remediation and construction programs.
This is a remote role that may be based anywhere within the U.S. Out of state travel will be required for this role.
The Deputy Director will provide leadership across project execution, business development, financial performance, workforce development, and technical quality. This role requires a strong understanding of environmental remediation and construction delivery, including contaminated site cleanup, soil and groundwater remediation, hazardous materials management, treatment system implementation, and regulatory compliance. The successful candidate will bring the ability to lead through project and department managers, establish consistent operational practices, manage business risks, and align technical resources with client and market demands.
Working collaboratively with AECOM’s Environment, Construction Management, Engineering, and Program Management teams, the Deputy Director will help position the business for continued growth while ensuring the successful delivery of safe, high-quality, and financially sound projects. This is an opportunity for a strategic, commercially minded leader to influence business performance, develop future leaders, strengthen key client partnerships, and advance AECOM’s position in the environmental remediation market.
Key Responsibilities
- Partner with the Director to establish and execute the strategic direction, business objectives, and growth plans for the remedial construction practice.
- Provide senior-level operational leadership across a portfolio of environmental remediation and construction projects, ensuring alignment with business objectives, client commitments, and AECOM standards.
- Oversee the performance of project and department managers, establishing expectations for project controls, financial management, schedule performance, risk mitigation, quality, and client satisfaction.
- Drive business development and strategic client engagement, identifying opportunities across federal, state, municipal, industrial, and commercial markets.
- Lead or support major pursuits, including capture planning, proposal strategy, pricing reviews, executive presentations, contract negotiations, and development of strategic client relationships.
- Maintain oversight of financial performance, including revenue growth, backlog, profitability, cash flow, forecasting, resource utilization, and project financial risk.
- Establish and promote consistent approaches to remedial construction execution, constructability, subcontractor management, procurement, field operations, and project delivery.
- Ensure the integration of health, safety, environmental protection, quality assurance, and regulatory compliance into all project and operational activities.
- Provide executive-level guidance on complex project challenges, contractual matters, claims, change management, project recovery, and client escalations.
- Coordinate with technical and operational leaders across AECOM to integrate remediation design, environmental engineering, construction management, and field implementation capabilities.
- Lead workforce planning, organizational development, succession planning, recruitment, and retention initiatives to support current operations and anticipated business growth.
- Mentor and develop project executives, project managers, construction managers, and emerging leaders, fostering accountability, collaboration, and continuous improvement.
- Monitor market conditions, client needs, regulatory developments, and emerging remediation technologies to identify opportunities for innovation and competitive differentiation.
- Represent AECOM in executive client meetings, industry engagements, strategic planning sessions, and other external forums to strengthen the company's reputation and market presence.
- Support the Director in organizational planning, performance reviews, operational reporting, and implementation of business initiatives, assuming delegated leadership responsibilities as needed.
Qualifications
Minimum Requirements:
- Bachelor’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Geology, Environmental Science, or a related discipline.
- 10 years of relevant experience or demonstrated equivalency of experience and/or education, including 2 years of leadership in environmental remediation, remedial construction, construction management, or environmental project delivery.
- Out of state travel will be required for this role.
- A valid driver’s license is required, along with the ability to pass a Motor Vehicle Records (MVR) check in accordance with company policy.
Preferred Qualifications:
- 15+ years of relevant experience in environmental remediation, remedial construction, construction management, or environmental project delivery, including progressively responsible leadership of complex projects, programs, and business operations.
- Master’s degree in Environmental Engineering, Civil Engineering, Construction Management, Business Administration, or a related discipline.
- Demonstrated experience providing senior-level leadership for complex environmental remediation or construction programs, including oversight of project performance, financial results, safety, quality, and client relationships.
- Experience leading project managers, construction managers, or multidisciplinary teams responsible for delivering multiple projects or major programs.
- Demonstrated experience supporting business development, client engagement, proposal development, and growth initiatives.
- Professional Engineer (PE) license, Project Management Professional (PMP) certification, or other relevant professional credential.
- Demonstrated success overseeing a substantial portfolio of environmental remediation and remedial construction projects, including complex soil and groundwater cleanup, hazardous materials management, treatment systems, and site restoration.
- Experience with business-unit or department-level financial management, including revenue growth, profitability, backlog development, forecasting, resource allocation, and operational performance.
- Established record of developing strategic client relationships, leading major pursuits, securing new contracts, and expanding services with existing clients.
- Experience with federal and state environmental remediation programs, industrial facilities, large-scale contaminated sites, and complex regulatory environments.
- Demonstrated success leading organizational change, developing management teams, building talent pipelines, and establishing scalable operational processes.
- Strong executive communication, negotiation, strategic planning, and decision-making skills, with the ability to influence stakeholders and align multidisciplinary teams around business priorities.
- Experience with complex change order or claim dispute resolution.
Additional Information
- Sponsorship is not offered for this position now or in the future.
-
THIS POSTING IS FOR A CURRENT VACANCY, AND AECOM INTENDS TO FILL THIS POSITION BY FEBRUARY 20, 2027.
At AECOM, we are committed to maintaining a secure and trustworthy recruitment process and take any fraudulent hiring activity seriously. To support this commitment, all newly hired employees are required to attend an in-person Day 1 onboarding at an AECOM office location as a condition of employment.
About AECOM
AECOM is proud to offer comprehensive benefits to meet the diverse needs of our employees. Depending on your employment status, AECOM benefits may include medical, dental, vision, life, AD&D, disability benefits, paid time off, leaves of absences, voluntary benefits, perks, flexible work options, well-being resources, employee assistance program, business travel insurance, service recognition awards, retirement savings plan, and employee stock purchase plan.
AECOM is the global infrastructure leader, committed to delivering a better world. As a trusted professional services firm powered by deep technical abilities, we solve our clients’ complex challenges in water, environment, energy, transportation and buildings. Our teams partner with public- and private-sector clients to create innovative, sustainable and resilient solutions throughout the project lifecycle – from advisory, planning, design and engineering to program and construction management. AECOM is a Fortune 500 firm that had revenue of $16.1 billion in fiscal year 2025. Learn more at aecom.com.
What makes AECOM a great place to work
You will be part of a global team that champions your growth and career ambitions. Work on groundbreaking projects - both in your local community and on a global scale - that are transforming our industry and shaping the future. With cutting-edge technology and a network of experts, you’ll have the resources to make a real impact. Our award-winning training and development programs are designed to expand your technical expertise and leadership skills, helping you build the career you’ve always envisioned. Here, you’ll find a welcoming workplace built on respect, collaboration and community—where you have the freedom to grow in a world of opportunity.
As an Equal Opportunity Employer, we believe in your potential and are here to help you achieve it. All your information will be kept confidential according to EEO guidelines.
Deputy Head of Mission Jobs by Experience Level
See All 1,073+ Deputy Head of Mission Jobs
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Find Deputy Head of Mission JobsDeputy Head of Mission Job Market
Who's Hiring
- M.C. Dean32
- Metropolitan Transportation Authority16
- US Department of Veterans Affairs15
- Northrop Grumman14
- Los Alamos National Laboratory14
Top Industries Hiring
- Consulting & Professional Services13
- Education12
- Government & Public Sector9
- Healthcare & Medical Services4
- Non-Profit & Social Services3
What Employers Look For
The qualifications that appear most often in deputy head of mission jobs.
- Demonstrated experience deputizing for or reporting to a chief of mission or equivalent principal
- Strong interagency coordination and stakeholder engagement across government and international bodies
- Active or readily upgradeable security clearance at the appropriate federal level
- Proficiency in one or more foreign languages relevant to the assigned region or mission
- Advanced degree in international affairs, public policy, political science, or a related discipline
- Proven ability to manage country-team operations including budget oversight and personnel leadership
Tips for Your Deputy Head of Mission Job Search
Tailor your resume to mission priorities
Deputy head of mission roles expect you to show direct experience managing diplomatic or operational missions. Lead with specific examples of coordinating interagency relationships, overseeing country-team operations, or deputizing for a chief of mission in a named location.
Highlight language and regional expertise clearly
Many postings prioritize candidates with proficiency in a specific language or deep regional knowledge. Put both prominently in your resume header and summary, since reviewers scan quickly and regional expertise is often a hard filter, not a preference.
Target postings by mission type and sector
Deputy head of mission openings vary widely across bilateral embassies, multilateral organizations, and development agencies. Narrow your search by mission type so your application materials speak directly to the operational context, whether that is a small bilateral post or a large interagency platform.
Apply early to roles that fit
Migrate Mate lists deputy head of mission openings from across the United States in one place, so you can find roles that match and apply directly to each listing.
Prepare for scenario-based interview questions
Interviewers for these roles typically present crisis or coordination scenarios, not abstract competency questions. Prepare two or three detailed examples of managing an operational disruption, navigating a political challenge, or leading a team through a high-stakes decision with limited time.
Negotiate clearance and onboarding timelines upfront
Security clearance requirements are common in this field and can affect your start date significantly. If you hold an active clearance, confirm its level and recency early in the process and raise it during the offer stage rather than waiting for HR to ask.
Deputy Head of Mission Jobs: Frequently Asked Questions
Which companies are hiring the most deputy head of missions?
The companies hiring the most deputy head of missions right now include M.C. Dean, Metropolitan Transportation Authority, and US Department of Veterans Affairs, with the largest share of openings in California, New York, and Virginia, based on current listings on Migrate Mate as of November 2026. Openings are concentrated in federal agencies and international organizations with active overseas or multilateral missions.
How many deputy head of mission jobs are remote?
About 56% of deputy head of mission openings are fully remote or hybrid as of November 2026, reflecting the in-person demands of most diplomatic and mission-leadership postings. Roles focused on policy analysis, program coordination, or headquarters-based mission support are more likely to offer flexible arrangements than field or post-based positions.
How do you become a deputy head of mission?
Most deputy heads of mission build their careers through progressive roles in diplomacy, foreign affairs, or international development, starting at entry or mid-level positions within a foreign service, federal agency, or international organization. Demonstrating country-team leadership, earning regional expertise, and securing the required security clearance are the most critical steps before you are competitive for a principal deputy role.
Can you get hired as a deputy head of mission with limited experience?
Direct appointment to a deputy head of mission role with little experience is uncommon because most postings require demonstrated leadership at a senior level, but candidates from adjacent fields such as senior military service, executive-level nonprofit leadership, or high-level government program management can be competitive if they show strong operational and interagency credentials. Targeting smaller missions or organizations with less rigid foreign-service pipelines can also open doors earlier in a career.
What does the deputy head of mission interview process look like?
The process typically moves through an application review, a structured panel interview with senior officials, and in some cases a written exercise or scenario assessment designed to evaluate judgment under pressure. References are checked carefully, and security clearance vetting runs in parallel with or after the final selection stage, which can extend the overall timeline considerably compared to private-sector hiring.
Where can I find and apply to deputy head of mission jobs?
You can find and apply to deputy head of mission jobs on Migrate Mate, which lists current openings from across the United States in one place. Search the listings, find roles that fit your background and target region, and apply directly to each opening from the listing page.
See All 1,073+ Deputy Head of Mission Jobs
Find roles that match your experience and apply in just a few clicks.
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