Operational Planner

Role overview

This position calls for an operational planning specialist with a defense or special operations background who can help shape solutions for complex mission problems and support U.S. Special Operations objectives. The role combines advisory work, planning coordination, exercise support, and staff integration in a fast-moving mission environment.

The planner will work with military personnel and mission partners to develop, align, and refine operations, activities, and actions. The position also involves producing working group outputs, exercise planning materials, and executive-level communications, while turning strategic direction and assessment findings into practical planning inputs for partner engagement, campaign execution, and senior leadership decisions.

Working across directorates and functional teams, this person will help synchronize planning, capture lessons learned, support after-action review efforts, and build recommendations that strengthen future engagements. Success in the role depends on the ability to coordinate many stakeholders and convert complex information into clear, actionable planning products.

Requirements

• At least 3 years of experience in operational planning, joint planning, military staff work, exercise planning, or the development of operations, activities, and actions.
• Background in strategic or operational planning, campaign assessment, or plan development within a joint or special operations setting.
• Exposure to security cooperation, partner force development, irregular warfare, counterterrorism, or special operations planning.
• Working knowledge of Africa’s regional security environment, violent extremist networks, transnational threats, or partner nation operating contexts.
• Understanding of the Joint Planning Process, Joint Publication 5-0, campaign planning, contingency planning, and operations assessment methods.
• Ability to build planning products, decision briefings, strategic estimates, assessments, and recommendations ready for commander review.
• Capability to coordinate with staff directorates, components, interagency partners, and partner nation stakeholders.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• High school diploma or GED.

Preferred qualifications

• Experience supporting a Theater Special Operations Command, U.S. Special Operations Command, U.S. Africa Command, or another Geographic Combatant Command.
• Experience creating Measures of Performance, Measures of Effectiveness, campaign assessments, or investment-to-effect analyses.
• Familiarity with Microsoft Office, SharePoint, Maven Smart System, Mission Command System - Common Operational Picture, Advana, or similar data-enabled planning tools.
• Bachelor’s degree in International Relations, Security Studies, Political Science, National Security Studies, Strategy, or a related discipline preferred; a master’s degree in one of these areas is an added advantage.
• Completion of Intermediate Level Education, Joint Professional Military Education, Special Operations planning courses, or an equivalent civilian planning program.

Clearance and hiring conditions

Selected candidates will undergo a security investigation and must satisfy the requirements for access to classified information. TS/SCI clearance is mandatory for this role.

Compensation and benefits

The estimated pay range for this position is USD 86,800 to USD 198,000 annually, with final pay influenced by location, education, knowledge, skills, competencies, experience, contract affordability, and organizational needs.

Benefits may include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement coverage, along with paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life support, and dependent care. The company also offers a recognition awards program for employees who demonstrate exceptional performance and strong alignment with company values.

Full-time and part-time employees who work at least 20 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible for the benefits program. Employees below that threshold are eligible only for select offerings, excluding health benefits.

Work model

This role is designated as remote. Even in remote arrangements, there may be occasions when in-person work at a company or customer facility is required. Employees working virtually are generally expected to keep cameras on during meetings.

Hiring process and policy notes

As part of the hiring process, identity verification may include biometrics and artificial intelligence tools to confirm authenticity and reduce identity fraud risk. Candidates are expected to remain on camera during interviews and assessments, and a photo may be taken for verification purposes.

The company requires candidates to follow an AI usage policy during interviews. Use of artificial intelligence or other tools to help answer interview questions is not allowed unless explicit permission is given in advance.

Equal opportunity notice

All qualified applicants will be considered without discrimination based on disability, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.