Operational Planner Policy and Plans Support Specialist

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.