Central Asia Strategy, Plans, & Policy Planner

Hoplite Group•Tampa, FL

1d•Onsite

About The Position

Hoplite Group is seeking a Central Asia Strategy, Plans, & Policy Planner to support contracted services for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This contract will include executing communication strategies and ensuring accurate, timely information to U.S. and regional audiences. It will employ digital tools to monitor, collect, translate, and analyze traditional and social media across CENTCOM’s 21-nation area of responsibility, supporting senior leader decision-making, correcting misinformation, and aiding counter-propaganda efforts. Services will include strategic communication planning, media engagement, crisis response, training, and quality assurance. Strategy, Plans, & Policy Planner support CENTCOM by developing and coordinating public affairs strategies, communication products, and documentation for operations, exercises, and contingency responses. They work with directorates, subordinate commands, and interagency partners to ensure public affairs equities are represented, provide leadership briefings, and manage communication planning across the Joint Exercise Life Cycle. Their role also includes crisis communication support, cultural and regional analysis, and oversight of public release processes to align CENTCOM’s communication objectives with operational requirements.

Requirements

Minimum 5–7 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or government/military planning.
Prior experience supporting U.S. military operations, combatant commands, or interagency communication efforts in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
In-depth knowledge of Central Asian demographics, cultures, politics, and regional dynamics.
Experience integrating cultural and demographic considerations into communication strategies.
Familiarity with interagency coordination and Partner Nation communication sensitivities.
Proven ability to develop and synchronize Public Affairs Guidance (PPAG), talking points, annexes, and communication strategies to support operational plans.
Skilled in drafting strategic messaging, media products, and after-action reports under tight deadlines.
Strong research skills, including use of English and non-English open-source information.
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools; familiarity with media monitoring platforms.
Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to brief senior leaders confidently.
Experience engaging with U.S. government agencies, military leadership, and international partners.
Ability to represent CENTCOM equities in high-level boards, bureaus, working groups, and joint planning conferences.
Willingness to work in Central Asia and travel within the CENTCOM AOR as required.
Flexibility to support 24/7 operations, surge requirements, and crisis/contingency responses.
Experience participating in the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) planning process.
Top Secret/Secure Classified Information (TS/SCI) Security Clearance Required
Bachelor’s degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, International Relations, Political Science, or a related field (Master’s preferred).

Responsibilities

Maintain situational awareness of CENTCOM's current and future planning and exercise priorities.
Develop and coordinate written Proposed Public Affairs Guidance (PPAG), talking points (TPs), and other communication products.
Create Public Affairs and communication strategies, and supporting documentation for CENTCOM operational plans, including Annexes, FRAGOs, and EXORDs.
Establish and maintain relationships with CENTCOM directorates (e.g., J3, J5) to develop supporting public affairs plans and products.
Coordinate public affairs efforts with higher PA authorities and subordinate PA commands.
Participate in CENTCOM’s Boards, Bureaus, Centers, Cells, and Working Groups (B2C2WG) as required.
Collaborate with other information-related capabilities within CENTCOM, higher headquarters, and interagency partners.
Ensure CCPA’s Public Affairs equities are accurately represented and integrated across directorates.
Coordinate all plans and products with higher PA authorities, subordinate commands, and other Public Affairs entities within a whole-of-government communication approach.
Brief CCPA leadership on B2C2WG participation and highlight how communication equities were represented in planning.
Manage assigned accounts within the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), rotating as needed to build expertise.
Provide interagency expertise and regional knowledge of CENTCOM AOR demographics and cultures to evaluate communication products for effectiveness.
Research English and non-English open-source information and coordinate with CCPA branches and staff sections to ensure plans reflect intended messaging.
Write public readouts of senior leader engagements and coordinate with interagency and international partners.
Support emergent 24/7 surge requirements during crises or contingency operations, as directed by CCPA leadership.
Develop, plan, and participate in CENTCOM’s exercise planning conferences throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including Initial Planning Conferences (IPC), Main Planning Conferences (MPC), and Final Planning Conferences (FPC). Provide daily reports during exercises and After-Action Reports (AARs) afterward.
Provide public affairs support to CENTCOM crisis response and contingency operations as required.
Review and manage requests such as FOIAs, DOPSRs, and TMTs, ensuring compliance with DoD Principles of Information, Public Affairs guidelines, and applicable regulations. Prepare Public Release determinations and coordinate with directorates for review processes.
Information Gathering: search and collect data from diverse sources, including online platforms, databases, publications, and reports.
Analysis: analyze the collected information to identify trends, patterns, and insights that may be valuable for the organization. This will involve data analysis, content analysis, or other analytical techniques.
Assessment of Credibility: evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information gathered to ensure that accurate and trustworthy data is used for decision-making.
Reporting: prepare reports, summaries, or presentations based on analysis to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders within the organization.
Monitoring and Alerting: continuously monitor sources for new information relevant to the organization and set up alerts or notifications to ensure timely awareness of important developments.
Risk Assessment: assess potential risks and opportunities based on the information gathered, helping the organization to make informed decisions and mitigate potential threats.
Collaboration: collaborate with other Specialists or departments within the organization to share insights and coordinate responses to emerging issues.
Tool and Technology Utilization: stay updated on tools and technologies used for information gathering and analysis, such as data mining software, social media monitoring tools, and analytical platforms.
Stakeholder Engagement: engage with external stakeholders to exchange information, collaborate on analysis efforts, and build partnerships for mutual benefit.
Legal and Ethical Compliance: ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards governing the collection and use of publicly and commercially available information, including privacy laws and intellectual property rights.
Training and Development: provide training to colleagues on effective methods for gathering and analyzing publicly and commercially available information or contribute to the development of best practices within the organization.
Crisis Response: During crisis situations or emergencies, provide real-time updates and analysis to support decision-making and response efforts.
Quality Assurance: ensure the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of the information analyzed, employing rigorous quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of data integrity.
Strategic Planning: participate in strategic planning processes by providing insights and recommendations based on the analysis of publicly and commercially available information, helping to shape the organization's goals and priorities.