Senior Strategy, Plans, and Policy Planner

Red Gate Group•Tampa, FL

About The Position

The Red Gate Group is seeking an experienced Senior Strategy, Plans, and Policy Planner to support U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) within the Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This senior-level role is ideal for a seasoned planner with deep Joint Planning Process (JPP) expertise and a strong background in information-related capabilities, strategic communications, and operational-level planning. In this role, you will operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, and communication—ensuring public affairs equities are fully integrated into USCENTCOM strategies, plans, policies, and crisis response efforts. You will advise senior leaders, contribute to joint planning teams, and help shape communication approaches that support combatant command objectives across the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility. The mission of the Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA) is to serve as the principal advisor to the Commander on all internal and external communication strategies and to support USCENTCOM’s mission objectives. CCPA ensures accurate, timely, and effective communication that informs domestic and regional audiences, supports operational success, and advances U.S. interests by defeating adversaries and strengthening regional stability.

Requirements

Active TS/SCI clearance
Bachelor’s degree
Graduate of one of the following military planning programs: JAWS, SAMS, SAASS, SAW, MAWS, or Senior Service College (or equivalent)
Minimum 5 years of planning experience
Minimum 3 years of planning experience at a Geographic or Functional Combatant Command headquarters
Minimum 5 years of experience in an information-related field, such as Public Affairs (PA), Information Operations (IO), Key Leader Engagement (KLE), or Civil Affairs (CA)

Nice To Haves

Completion of JPME I
Experience in corporate marketing, strategic communications, or executive-level messaging environments
Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leaders
Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in high-tempo, complex operational environments

Responsibilities

Lead and support Joint Planning Teams (JPTs) and Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) through all phases of the Joint Planning Process, including Mission Analysis, COA Development, Wargaming, COA Comparison, and Decision.
Provide continuous situational awareness to enable seamless transition from planning to execution.
Support operational planning efforts and exercises in coordination with USCENTCOM Component Commands, other Combatant Commands, and interagency partners.
Advise planning teams on joint doctrine, planning methodologies, and execution systems.
Assist in the development, coordination, and integration of USCENTCOM strategies, plans, and policies across the CENTCOM AOR.
Produce high-quality draft products for JPTs, working groups, and leadership review, ensuring alignment with USCENTCOM priorities and guidance.
Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key CENTCOM directorates (e.g., J3, J5, and others) to ensure public affairs considerations are fully integrated into operational planning.
Support the development and coordination of public affairs strategies, guidance, and communication products.
Develop and coordinate Public Affairs Guidance (PPAG), talking points, and strategic messaging in support of operational plans and contingencies.
Participate in CENTCOM’s B2C2 Working Group (B2C2WG), ensuring communication equities are accurately represented and tracked throughout planning efforts.
Maintain awareness of current and emerging CENTCOM priorities to ensure timely integration of public affairs products.
Advise senior leadership on strategic, regional, and communication-related issues, providing actionable recommendations to enhance information effects.
Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including interagency and international partners, to synchronize information-related capabilities.
Ensure public affairs products are coordinated with higher headquarters, subordinate commands, and relevant government entities for unity of effort.
Provide crisis, contingency, and 24/7 surge support during emergent or high-impact events as directed by CCPA leadership.