Strategic Plans & Policy Analyst – National Guard / DoD

Vectrona, LLC; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 116,000; Full time

Job summary

Vectrona, a mission-driven systems and operations company, seeks a senior policy analyst to support National Guard strategic planning and policy translation. This role focuses on turning complex guidance into clear implications for senior leaders and coordination with DoD planning frameworks.

ASAP start for a full-time on-site position in Arlington, VA, with top-secret clearance required and involvement with classified information. Strong writing and briefing skills are essential.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of experience in strategic policy analysis, defense planning, or intelligence analysis.
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of complex documents into concise insights.
• Familiarity with major DoD strategy documents (NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP).
• Excellent written communication for information papers and briefings.

Responsibilities

• Conduct in-depth reviews of strategic documents (NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP)
• Assess updates to DoD publications for impact on National Guard roles
• Track think tank, academic, and policy events relevant to the Guard
• Draft information papers and executive summaries on policy changes
• Contribute to briefing materials for CNGB and senior leadership
• Support strategic planning groups with analytic input
• Maintain awareness of classified and unclassified strategy developments

Skills

Strategic policy analysis

Defense planning

Intelligence analysis

Policy synthesis

Written briefing skills

Education

Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies

Master’s degree in Strategic Studies

Tools

SIPR/NIPR access

Job description

Status: Full-Time

Location: Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center, Arlington, VA (some work at the Pentagon)

Start date: ASAP

Security Clearance: Top Secret (TS) required

Salary Range: $110,000 to $115,500

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 andhelp safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity.We challenge assumptions, seek out hard problems, and bring together people, processes, software, technology, training, and operationalexpertiseto 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.

Why This Work Matters:

This role helps ensure the National Guard understands, anticipates, and is prepared to respond to changes in the strategic environment. The position sits at the intersection of national defense strategy, military planning, policy development, and senior leader decision support. By translating complex strategic guidance into clear implications, risks, and opportunities, this professional helps NGB leaders understand what changes in defense policy mean for the Guard and where action may be needed. This work helps ensure the National Guard’s priorities, plans, and policies remain aligned with the broader defense strategy while positioning the organization to adapt to emerging missions and future national security challenges.

Day-to-Day Responsibilities:

• Conduct in-depth reviews of strategic documents, including NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP, and related planning guidance
• Assess updates to DoD and Joint Staff publications for potential impact on National Guard roles and responsibilities
• Track and monitor think tank, academic, and policy events relevant to the Guard’s strategic posture
• Draft concise information papers and executive summaries capturing policy changes, risks, and opportunities
• Conduct comparative analysis of historical and emerging guidance to identify trends and shifts in strategic direction
• Maintain awareness of classified and unclassified strategy developments and ensure proper dissemination
• Support briefing material development for CNGB and senior leadership based on strategic document findings
• Participate in working groups or strategic planning events as needed to provide analytic input

Preferred Education/Degree:

• Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field
• Master’s degree in Strategic Studies or related discipline strongly preferred

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Qualifications:

• 5+ years of experience in strategic policy analysis, defense planning, or intelligence analysis
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize large volumes of complex documents into concise, actionable insights
• Familiarity with major DoD strategy documents, including NDS, NMS, UCP, JSCP, and campaign planning frameworks
• Excellent written communication skills, particularly in the production of information papers and briefings
• Experience with SIPR and NIPR research tools and maintaining classification control
• Strong understanding of National Guard missions, structure, and integration with federal defense planning
• Familiarity with policy tracking, stakeholder coordination, and risk identification in strategic environments
• Ability to operate independently in both classified and unclassified environments

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.