Operational Planner Policy and Plans Support Specialist

Science Applications International Corp.; Waipahu (HI); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Science Applications International Corp. is seeking a Senior Planning Support Specialist to drive day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 deliberate planning support.

You will own the delivery of planning outputs, coordinate inputs across multiple commands, and ensure executive-ready materials are produced on time. The role requires a TS/SCI clearance, extensive experience in military/federal planning, and proficiency in producing presentation decks and planning documents.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree with 10+ years of related experience
• Master's degree with 8+ years of related experience
• PhD or JD with 5+ years of related experience
• Active TS/SCI Clearance
• 7+ years experience supporting military, joint, or federal planning
• Proficiency producing/editing briefing decks and planning documents
• Familiarity with JPEC processes and joint planning forums
• Ability to comply with government workplace requirements and obtain/maintain access

Responsibilities

• Support assigned planning efforts across cycles to meet timelines
• Synchronize inputs across USINDOPACOM, HQMC, MARFORPAC, and MEFs
• Manage planning tasks, suspense dates, staffing actions, and decision points
• Run OPT and working group support (prep, read-aheads, notes/actions, closeout)
• Develop briefing decks, information papers, and planning documents for senior leaders
• Edit and format products for clarity, consistency, and executive-ready quality
• Maintain version control and auditable staffing/coordination records
• Coordinate program-based planning tasks across organizations
• Support posture initiative planning activities by organizing inputs and staffing
• Coach junior staff on battle rhythm discipline and product formatting

Skills

Clearance: TS/SCI

Planning coordination

Briefing deck editing

Stakeholder coordination

Education

Bachelor's degree + 10+ years

Master's degree + 8+ years

PhD/JD + 5+ years

Tools

JPEC processes

Job description

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.