Strategic Plans & Policy Analyst – National Guard/DoD - Arlington, VA

VetJobs • Arlington, VA

2d • $105,000 - $110,000 • Onsite

About The Position

The Strategic Plans & Policy Analyst supports National Guard Bureau leaders by assessing changes in the strategic environment and translating national defense strategy and policy into implications, risks, and opportunities for the National Guard. The role operates at the intersection of national defense strategy, military planning, policy development, and senior leader decision support, helping keep National Guard priorities, plans, and policies aligned with broader defense strategy and prepared for emerging missions and national security challenges.

The position is based at the Herbert R. Temple Army National Guard Readiness Center in Arlington, Virginia, with some work at the Pentagon. The role is on-site and requires an active Top Secret clearance; candidates must be able to obtain TS clearance, and a previously held Secret clearance will be considered. The listed salary range is $105,000–$110,000, and the start date is ASAP.

Requirements

• At least 5 years of experience in strategic policy analysis, defense planning, or intelligence analysis.
• Ability to synthesize large volumes of complex documents into concise, actionable insights.
• Excellent written communication skills, particularly for information papers and briefings.
• Experience with SIPR and NIPR research tools and maintaining classification control.
• Strong understanding of National Guard missions, structure, and integration with federal defense planning.
• Familiarity with policy tracking, stakeholder coordination, and risk identification in strategic environments.
• Ability to work independently in classified and unclassified environments.
• Active Top Secret clearance is required; candidates must be able to obtain TS clearance. Previously held Secret clearance will be considered.

Nice To Haves

• Bachelor’s degree in National Security Studies, Political Science, Public Policy, or a related field.
• Master’s degree in Strategic Studies or a related discipline is strongly preferred.
• Familiarity with major DoD strategy documents, including NDS, NMS, UCP, and JSCP, and with campaign planning frameworks.

Responsibilities

• Review strategic documents, including the National Defense Strategy (NDS), National Military Strategy (NMS), Unified Command Plan (UCP), Joint Strategic Capabilities Plan (JSCP), and related planning guidance.
• Assess updates to DoD and Joint Staff publications for potential impacts on National Guard roles and responsibilities.
• Track and monitor think tank, academic, and policy events relevant to the Guard’s strategic posture.
• Draft concise information papers and executive summaries on policy changes, risks, and opportunities.
• Compare historical and emerging guidance to identify trends and changes in strategic direction.
• Maintain awareness of classified and unclassified strategy developments and ensure proper dissemination.
• Support development of briefing materials for the Chief of the National Guard Bureau (CNGB) and senior leadership based on strategic document findings.
• Participate in working groups or strategic planning events as needed and provide analytic input.

What This Job Offers

• Job Type: Full-time