Operational Planning & Posture SME with Security Clearance

Operational Planning & Posture Subject Matter Expert (SME) Work Type: Full TimeLocation: Camp Smith, HawaiiClearance: Top Secret/SCI Eligible Role SummaryThe Operational Planning & Posture SME is the branch's technical/functional authority for deliberate planning support and posture-related planning integration. The role defines and sustains planning-support rigor—standards, quality gates, and expert advisory—so high-visibility products remain coherent, defensible, and aligned with guidance across the Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC). Unlike the Senior role, the SME does not own daily suspense tracking/battle rhythm execution; the SME intervenes where complexity, risk, or ambiguity threatens outcomes.Key ResponsibilitiesDefine planning-support standards (templates, quality gates, staffing checklists, traceability expectations, version-control conventions) for branch-wide useAdvise government leads on complex planning-support approaches (staffing strategy, integration paths, decision points, adjudication methods)Perform senior technical review of high-visibility briefs, information papers, and final planning documents to ensure clarity, consistency, and decision-readinessResolve the hardest integration problems (conflicting guidance, misaligned assumptions, incomplete inputs) and recommend defensible tradeoffs and mitigation pathsTranslate policy/guidance into actionable planning inputs and posture initiative implications (as directed by government leads)Strengthen Operational Planning Team (OPT)/working group outcomes by shaping narratives, analytical framing, and decision-quality criteria (not meeting administration)Coach Senior and junior staff on advanced staff writing, editorial judgment, and staffing discipline through targeted reviews and exemplarsAssess systemic bottlenecks and recommend repeatable improvements to reduce rework and improve first-pass acceptance (without taking over daily execution) QualificationsRequiredMasters degree (or equivalent practical experience) in a relevant fieldCareer level and intermediate level military education (Expeditionary Warfare School, Marine Corps Command and Staff College (other service equivalents))10+ years deep experience supporting joint/service planning and senior-leader decision support, including production and critical review of staff productsDemonstrated mastery of JPEC planning forums and staffing dynamics (e.g., OPTs, joint planning groups (JPGs))Knowledge and application experience in the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and Joint Planning Process (JPP)Expert capability drafting/editing planning products and enforcing consistency, traceability, and formatting disciplineAbility to comply with government workplace requirements and obtain/maintain any required access/eligibility Strongly Preferred Intermediate or top-level operational planning education (e.g., JAWS/SAMS/MAWS/SAASS/Service and Joint War Colleges or FellowshipsSenior PME (e.g., CGSC/ILE, USMC CSC, Naval/War College equivalents)Prior experience with USINDOPACOM, MARFORPAC, HQMC, a combatant command, Service component, or MEF HQDoctoral degree in a relevant fieldSkills & CompetenciesDeep functional expertise in deliberate planning support and posture planning integrationAdvanced analytic framing and problem-solving under ambiguityExpert-level writing/editing and product coherence managementInfluence without authority; credible advisory presence with senior stakeholdersStandards-setting, coaching, and quality assurance mindsetAutonomy, Decision Authority & AccountabilityOwns technical/functional standards and review thresholds for planning-support quality (government leads retain final approval authority)Decides when to elevate quality risks and require additional review cycles for high-visibility productsAccountable for reducing defects, preventing misalignment with guidance, and improving first-pass acceptance of key deliverables Clearance: Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information.Compensation and Benefits:Salary Range: $140,000-$200,000 (Compensation is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, work experience, skills, education, certifications, seniority, and business needs. This range may be modified in the future.)Benefits: Gridiron offers a comprehensive benefits package including medical, dental, vision insurance, HSA, FSA, 401(k), disability & ADD insurance, life and pet insurance to eligible employees. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 30 hours per week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Gridiron's benefits programs.Gridiron IT Solutions is an Equal Opportunity Employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, age, protected veteran status or disability status.Gridiron IT is a Women Owned Small Business (WOSB) headquartered in the Washington, D.C. area that supports our clients' missions throughout the United States. Gridiron IT specializes in providing comprehensive IT services tailored to meet the needs of federal agencies. Our capabilities include IT Infrastructure & Cloud Services, Cyber Security, Software Integration & Development, Data Solution & AI, and Enterprise Applications. These capabilities are backed by Gridiron IT's experienced workforce and our commitment to ensuring we meet and exceed our clients' expectations.