Future Operational Planner (FOPS)

Makai LLC•Town of Cortlandt, NY

2d•$82,000 - $92,000•Onsite

About The Position

Makai LLC is seeking a skilled Future Operational Planner (FOPS) to support organizational planning functions by monitoring strategies, policies, directives, and operational requirements. The role is focused on developing plans and orders using operational art and design, facilitating briefings, and integrating new capabilities (including cyber) into planning processes for training, exercises, contingency operations, and ongoing initiatives. This individual acts as a key advisor for current and future operations, bringing subject matter expertise to support synchronized actions across diverse teams and objectives. The role may include support for specialized operations such as amphibious or joint force initiatives.

Requirements

Minimum of 6 years of related experience in planning, operational analysis, or a similar function.
Demonstrated experience using planning processes in support of organizational strategic or operational objectives.
Strong background in developing operational plans, drafting orders, and supporting coordination for across teams or departments.
Bachelor’s degree
Active DoD TS/SCI clearance.

Nice To Haves

Master’s Degree
Experience supporting planning efforts for joint, combined, or multi-organizational environments.
Knowledge of operational art/design concepts and the ability to frame complex planning efforts for competition, crisis, and contingency scenarios.
Familiarity with developing or integrating new operational capabilities (e.g., cyber, exercise planning).
Experience supporting contingency, crisis action, or training exercise planning efforts.
Demonstrated ability to deliver analytic recommendations, reports, and executive-level briefings.

Responsibilities

Apply expert knowledge of the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) or equivalent structured planning processes in both Service and Joint operational environments.
Lead Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) in deliberate, crisis action, and contingency planning.
Provide expertise in force management processes, including force sourcing, allocation, and apportionment.
Demonstrate comprehensive understanding of organizational capabilities, force structure, and limitations in operational planning and force employment.
Support Crisis Action Planning Teams (CAPTs) and facilitate the transition from deliberate planning to executable crisis/contingency orders.
Review, analyze, and provide recommendations for high-level operational plans, orders, and initiatives, including handling information of a sensitive or classified nature.
Draft and produce order modifications (e.g., FRAGOs, WARNOs) and branch plans, ensuring integration with current operations and broader planning efforts.
Support planning and operational battle rhythm events, ensuring the capture and timely dissemination of required meeting notes, products, and briefings.
Maintain planning products, information papers, orders, and directives in compliance with records management requirements.
Coordinate planning tasks and equities among various functional and planning groups, synchronizing future operations and planning elements.
Conduct analysis, develop recommendations, and produce planning products under operational timelines and tight deadlines.