Special Technical Operations (STO) Planner

Theascendancygroup; Virginia Beach (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 160,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Bene fits to be determined

Job summary

A defense consulting firm based in Virginia Beach is seeking a Special Technical Operations (STO) Planner to support strategic planning and integration of operations within special access programs. The ideal candidate should have experience with campaign strategies and a top-secret clearance. Responsibilities include planning and assessing STO requirements, managing approval processes, and providing technical recommendations. This role offers an opportunity to work closely with former DoD members on unique and challenging national security problems.

Qualifications

• Experience in planning and integrating STO within campaign strategies and full-spectrum IO.
• Familiarity with SAP, ACCM, and Sensitive Activities protocols.
• Strong understanding of JOPP, JOPES, and Joint Doctrine.

Responsibilities

• Plan, synchronize, and assess STO requirements within full-spectrum IO operations.
• Manage the Review and Approval Process (RAP) for STO, SAP, and Sensitive Activities CONOPs and plans.
• Provide technical recommendations to the J3 on JOPP, JOPES, campaign design, and mission analysis.
• Develop and coordinate STO plans, ensuring alignment with other sensitive activities and operational concepts.
• Serve as a Staff Action Officer, coordinating and de-conflicting DoD plans and activities across the Joint Staff, OSD, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and supporting agencies.
• Ensure compliance with IJSTO regulations for safe handling, storage, and access to STO materials and communication equipment.
• Advise planning teams on integrating ACCM, SAP, and STO into JOPP, exercise planning, and Joint Doctrine.
• Support OPT efforts through mission analysis, COA development, wargaming, COA comparison and decision, and transition planning.

Skills

Experience in planning and integrating STO within campaign strategies and full-spectrum IO

Familiarity with SAP, ACCM, and Sensitive Activities protocols

Strong understanding of JOPP, JOPES, and Joint Doctrine

Education

Advanced degree in national security, operations, or related field

Tools

STO Planner’s Course

PDAS Users Course

Job description

Special Technical Operations (STO) Planner

The Ascendancy Group’s Mission

To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions.

Overview

The Ascendancy Group is seeking a highly specialized STO Planner to support strategic planning and integration of Special Technical Operations, Sensitive Activities, and Special Access Programs (SAP).

Security Requirement: A Top Secret/SCI Clearance is required

*This position is contingent upon contract award.

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Plan, synchronize, and assess STO requirements within full-spectrum IO operations and integrate them into campaign strategies, plans, and orders.
• Manage the Review and Approval Process (RAP) for STO, SAP, and Sensitive Activities CONOPs and plans.
• Provide technical recommendations to the J3 on JOPP, JOPES, campaign design, mission analysis, and critical factors analysis.
• Develop and coordinate STO (IJSTO) plans, ensuring alignment with other sensitive activities and operational concepts.
• Serve as a Staff Action Officer, coordinating and de-conflicting DoD plans and activities across the Joint Staff, OSD, Combatant Commands, Intelligence Community, and supporting agencies.
• Ensure compliance with IJSTO regulations for safe handling, storage, and access to STO materials and communication equipment.
• Advise planning teams on integrating ACCM, SAP, and STO into JOPP, exercise planning, and Joint Doctrine.
• Support OPT efforts through mission analysis, COA development, wargaming, COA comparison and decision, and transition planning.

Position Requirements:

• Experience in planning and integrating STO within campaign strategies and full-spectrum IO
• Familiarity with SAP, ACCM, and Sensitive Activities protocols
• Strong understanding of JOPP, JOPES, and Joint Doctrine

Preferred Skills:

• Completion of the STO Planner’s Course and PDAS Users Course
• SOF experience
• Advanced degree in national security, operations, or related field
• Proven ability to lead cross-functional planning teams in high-security environments

The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust.

We are passionate about everything we do. One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation. We offer like-minded individuals the opportunity to continue working in small teams on unique and challenging problem sets that further our nation's security.

If you possess the experience, qualifications and drive required for this position, please APPLY NOW for consideration!