Senior Strategic Planner – Strategy, Plans, Exercises & Policy

Ascendancy Group LTD 348973•Tampa, FL

13d

About The Position

The Ascendancy Group is seeking a highly qualified Senior Strategic Planner to support USCENTCOM’s strategic planning, policy development, and exercise coordination efforts. This role is ideal for a seasoned professional with advanced warfighting education and deep experience in joint planning at the combatant command level. You’ll play a critical role in shaping and executing strategy across joint, interagency, and multinational environments. Security Requirement: Top Secret/SCI Clearance required. This position is contingent upon contract award

Requirements

Graduate of one of the following advanced warfighting programs: JAWS, SAMS, SAASS, SAW, MAWS, or Senior Service College equivalent
Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field
Minimum 5 years of planning experience
Minimum 3 years of planning experience at a Geographic or Functional Combatant Command HQ or Service Component HQ supporting a Geographic Combatant Command
Strong understanding of joint planning processes, strategic policy, and multinational coordination
Excellent communication and briefing skills
Top Secret/SCI Clearance required.

Nice To Haves

Experience working with USCENTCOM or in the CENTCOM AOR
Familiarity with interagency and coalition planning environments
Ability to manage complex planning efforts under tight timelines

Responsibilities

Lead and conduct all aspects of the Joint Operational Planning Process (JOPP), including:
Mission Analysis
COA Development
COA Analysis (Wargaming)
COA Comparison and Decision
Ensure smooth transition from planning to execution by providing situational awareness and rationale for key decisions to USCENTCOM staff.
Support planning efforts across USCENTCOM Component Commands, other Combatant Commands, the Joint Staff, OSD, federal agencies, allies, coalition members, and partner nations.
Provide technical recommendations on joint planning, execution systems, exercise/training planning, and joint doctrine.
Develop and deliver strategic briefs to senior leaders on planning, policy, and operational topics.
Evaluate and coordinate USCENTCOM strategies, plans, and policies related to the USCENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR).
Offer analysis and recommendations for joint, interagency, and multinational planning initiatives.
Support coordination between USCENTCOM staff and coalition or regional partners for operations in the AOR.
Advise USCENTCOM leadership on strategic and regional concerns impacting planning and policy.
Produce high-quality planning products including orders, estimates, analyses, and briefings for leadership review and approval.
Coordinate FOIA requests and Mandatory Declassification Reviews (MDR), ensuring compliance with USCENTCOM directives, accurate file searches, and proper safeguarding of plans and orders.