Operational Planner Policy and Plans Support Specialist

Description

The Senior Planning Support Specialist drives day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 (Plans) deliberate planning support and the daily planning battle rhythm. The role owns delivery of assigned planning support outputs—coordination, staffing, and product production—so leaders receive on-time, decision-ready materials that enable execution across the Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC). This role applies established templates/standards and ensures planning actions move from tasking to closure.

Key Responsibilities

• Support assigned planning support efforts across operational, functional, campaign, and posture planning cycles to meet directed timelines

• Synchronize inputs across USINDOPACOM, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), MARFORPAC staff divisions, adjacent components/sub-unified commands, and Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs)

• Manage planning tasks, suspense dates, staffing actions, decision points, and follow-through to reduce delays and rework

• Run Operational Planning Team (OPT) and working group support (prep, read-aheads, notes/actions, closeout)

• Develop briefing decks, information papers, and planning documents for senior leader review/approval

• Edit and format products to ensure clarity, consistency, and executive-ready quality using established standards

• Maintain version control and auditable staffing/coordination records across iterations

• Coordinate program-based planning tasks to align assumptions, inputs, and outputs across organizations

• Support posture initiative planning activities by organizing inputs, staffing actions, and implementation tracking (as directed)

• Coach junior staff on battle rhythm discipline, staffing hygiene, and product formatting to improve throughput

Qualifications

• Bachelors and ten (10) years or more of related experience; Masters and eight (8) years or more experience ; PhD or JD and five (5) years or more experience.

• Active TS/SCI Clearance

• 7+ years ’ experience supporting military, joint, or federal civilian planning (meetings/working groups, staff products for senior leaders)

• Demonstrated proficiency producing/editing briefing decks, information papers, and formal planning documents

• Familiarity with JPEC processes and joint planning forums (e.g., OPTs, joint planning groups)

• Ability to comply with government workplace requirements and obtain/maintain any required access/eligibility

Skills & Competencies

• Operational execution, suspense management, and staffing discipline

• Stakeholder coordination in high-tempo, deadline-driven environments

• Clear writing and synthesis of complex inputs into decision-ready outputs

• Attention to detail, formatting rigor, and version control

• Professional judgment on when to elevate risks, conflicts, or late-breaking changes

Autonomy, Decision Authority & Accountability

• Owns day-to-day planning support execution for assigned efforts (battle rhythm, staffing mechanics, delivery)

• Decides work sequencing and coordination approach within established standards; escalates priority conflicts/tradeoffs to government leads

• Accountable for on-time delivery, complete staffing packages, and reliable coordination closure

Preferred

• Advanced planning education (e.g., JAWS/SAMS/MAWS/JCWS/JPME)

• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP)

• Prior relevant MOS experience (e.g., USMC 0505/0302/0502/0511)

• Prior experience working with/alongside USINDOPACOM, MARFORPAC, HQMC, a combatant command, Service component, or MEF HQ

Target salary range: $120,001 - $160,000. The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position based on experience and other factors.

REQNUMBER: 2618559

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