Operations Planning SME

Leidos•Odenton, MD

About The Position

The Operations Planning SME will be a principal-level expert Strategist responsible for the development, analysis, and support of joint operational and strategic plans. The ideal candidate will possess a comprehensive understanding of the Joint Planning Process (JPP), advanced planning concepts, and the integration of information technology services and capabilities provided by the Defense Information and Systems Agency (DISA). This role requires the ability to translate strategic guidance into detailed, executable plans and orders, and to effectively advise senior military leaders on complex operational challenges. The SME is expected to be a thought leader for the Agency and must be able to work independently with minimum or no guidance. All SME’s shall: Provide expert-level guidance on the application of the Joint Planning Process and Operational Approach. Lead Joint Planning Groups (JPG) and Operational Planning Teams (OPT) through the JPP to develop Agency Strategy, OPLANS, orders and directives. Develop and present detailed analysis, staff estimates, and plan recommendations to senior military and civilian leaders. Author and review planning documents, including technical papers, white papers, and Concepts of Operations (CONOPS). Integrate and influence cross-functional concepts that align with high-interest operational plans. Lead and direct panels, meetings, and working groups as a subject matter expert and principle advisor. Coordinate with all applicable staff elements, Service Components, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), and other partners/agencies.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in a relevant technical discipline and 15 years of overall related experience in military operational planning, with a proven track record of success in a joint, multi-domain environment or Master’s degree with 10 years of prior relevant experience.
Additional related years of experience may be accepted in lieu of a degree.
Must possess an active TS/SCI security clearance.
Expertise in the Joint Planning Process (JPP), from Planning Initiation to Plan/Order Development.
In-depth knowledge of various planning levels (Commander's Estimate, BPLAN, CONPLAN, OPLAN) and planning types (Campaign, Contingency, Crisis Action Planning).
Deep understanding of Mission Analysis inputs/outputs, and mastery of COA Development, including screening criteria (Adequate, Feasible, Acceptable, etc.) and evaluation criteria.

Nice To Haves

Graduate of the Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS) or the School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS).
Direct experience translating strategic guidance into operational plans and future operations within a Combatant Command (CCMD) J5 or J35 environment.
Background in DoD Acquisition or Program Management, with a proven track record of managing the development and delivery of information technology and communication solutions to Combatant Commands and Defense Agencies.
IAT Level II (Security +, CySA+, CND, GSEC, SSCP, GICSP).

Responsibilities

Provide expert planning support for Crisis Action, Future Operations, and Deliberate planning in support of the J3 and J5 Directorates, developing strategic and operational plans with viable options.
Compose and disseminate orders and directives (OPORDs, FRAGORDs, etc.) that address complex policy and doctrinal issues, such as dual chains of command, and direct maneuver and effects across National, Joint, and internal operational environments.
Conduct rigorous Mission Analysis and lead teams in Course of Action (COA) development, analysis, wargaming, and comparison, utilizing established screening and evaluation criteria.
Apply advanced planning concepts, including Center of Gravity (COG) analysis, Lines of Operation (LOO), Lines of Effort (LOE), and the operational approach to solve complex military problems.