Sr. Strategic Planner and Policy Lead

Vectrona, LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 115,000 - 130,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Equal opportunity employer

Job summary

Vectrona, LLC is seeking a Senior Strategic Planner to support National Guard Bureau J5 J Plans Division. The role intersects national strategy, joint planning, risk assessment, and senior leader decision making.

The position requires translating complex guidance into actionable recommendations for senior leaders, shaping how National Guard equities are integrated into planning, and influencing current operations and future missions.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or related field.
• 8+ years of joint planning, policy development, or strategic analysis in a DoD environment.
• Active U.S. Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred).

Responsibilities

• Lead development of planning inputs for Joint Strategic Planning System and risk assessment.
• Support integration of National Guard equities into DoD campaign plans and strategic documents.
• Draft and coordinate CNGB planning guidance, strategic assessments, and policy papers.
• Conduct research and provide strategic analysis on homeland defense and interagency coordination.
• Represent J5-J in working groups and engagements with OSD, Joint Staff, CCMDs, and state entities.
• Develop MODA-based decision support tools and visualizations for leadership review.
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to knowledge management.

Skills

Strategic analysis

Executive briefing

Written communication

Mentor junior analysts

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies/Political Science/International Relations

Active U.S. Secret clearance

Tools

JSPS

JSCP

GEF

NMS planning frameworks

Job description

Position/Job Title: Senior Strategic Planner, Strategic Planning Analysis Services

Location: Arlington, VA

Start Date: October 11

Security Clearance: Secret (TS/SCI Preferred)

Travel: CONUS Travel as Required

Pay: $115,000 to $130,000

Why Vectrona: Vectrona is a mission driven systems, technology, and operational solutions company built for people who want their work to matter. As proud Americans, we support national security missions that strengthen our institutions and help safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity.

We challenge assumptions, seek out hard problems, and bring together people, processes, software, technology, training, and operational expertise to create solutions that simplify the complex and help others succeed.

Our culture values integrity, ownership, personal leadership, sound judgment, teamwork, curiosity, and the willingness to step up when something important needs to get done. We want teammates who take responsibility for outcomes, contribute beyond the limits of a job description when the mission requires it, and help the people around them succeed.

Why This Work Matters: The Senior Strategic Planner supports the National Guard Bureau J5 J Plans Division at the intersection of national strategy, joint planning, risk assessment, and senior leader decision making.

This role helps ensure National Guard priorities and capabilities are represented in the broader defense planning process and reflected in campaign plans, strategic assessments, contingency plans, and policy recommendations.

The work requires more than understanding planning frameworks. It requires the ability to interpret complex strategic guidance, identify implications for the National Guard, challenge assumptions, evaluate risk, and translate analysis into clear recommendations that senior leaders can act on.

The person in this role will help shape how National Guard equities are integrated into joint and Department of Defense planning while supporting decisions that affect current operations, future missions, readiness, and national defense priorities.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Lead development of NGB planning inputs into the Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS) and Chairman’s Risk Assessment
• Support integration of National Guard equities into DoD campaign plans, functional plans, and strategic documents
• Draft and coordinate CNGB planning guidance, strategic assessments, and policy position papers
• Conduct research and provide strategic analysis on homeland defense, warfighting, and interagency coordination issues
• Represent J5-J in working groups, planning conferences, and engagements with OSD, Joint Staff, CCMDs, and state entities
• Develop MODA-based decision support tools and visualizations for leadership review
• Mentor junior analysts and contribute to internal knowledge management

Preferred Education/Degree: Required:

• Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or related field
• 8+ years of experience in joint planning, policy development, or strategic analysis in a DoD environment
• Active U.S. Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred)

Preferred:

• JPME I or II, SAMS, or equivalent joint planning certification
• Prior experience supporting the National Guard, Joint Staff, or CCMD planners

Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications:

• Expert knowledge of JSPS, JSCP, GEF, and NMS planning frameworks
• Familiarity with NGB missions, structure, and intergovernmental coordination dynamics
• Strong written communication and executive-level briefing skills
• Ability to synthesize complex policy issues and translate them into actionable recommendations

VECTRONA IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER AND A DRUG-FREE WORKPLACE.

The above information has been designed to indicate the general nature and level of work performed by employees within this classification. It is not designed to contain or be interpreted as a comprehensive inventory of all duties, responsibilities, and qualifications required of employees assigned to this position.

All Vectrona employment is contingent upon the individual providing legal proof of identity and authorization to work in the United States and satisfactory background check results.

Employment with Vectrona is "at will" in accordance with Federal/State laws.

Vectrona provides equal employment opportunities (EEO) to all employees and applications for employment. In addition to federal law requirements, Vectrona complies with applicable state and local laws governing nondiscrimination in employment.