About this role
Job Description
ATTENTION MILITARY AFFILIATED JOB SEEKERS - Our organization works with partner companies to source qualified talent for their open roles. The following position is available to Veterans, Transitioning Military, National Guard and Reserve Members, Military Spouses, Wounded Warriors, and their Caregivers. If you have the required skill set, education requirements, and experience, please click the submit button and follow the next steps. Unless specifically stated otherwise, this role is "On-Site"
Sr. Strategic Planner and Policy Lead
Location: Arlington, VA
Salary Range: $115,000 to $130,000
Travel: CONUS Travel as Required
Why Vectrona
Vectrona is a mission-driven systems, technology, and operational solutions company built for people who want their work to matter. As proud Americans, we support national security missions that strengthen our institutions and help safeguard our nation’s security and prosperity. We challenge assumptions, seek out hard problems, and bring together people, processes, software, technology, training, and operational expertise to create solutions that simplify the complex and help others succeed. Our culture values integrity, ownership, personal leadership, sound judgment, teamwork, curiosity, and the willingness to step up when something important needs to get done.
Why This Work Matters
The Senior Strategic Planner supports the National Guard Bureau J5 J Plans Division at the intersection of national strategy, joint planning, risk assessment, and senior leader decision making.
This role helps ensure National Guard priorities and capabilities are represented in the broader defense planning process and reflected in campaign plans, strategic assessments, contingency plans, and policy recommendations.
The work requires more than understanding planning frameworks. It requires the ability to interpret complex strategic guidance, identify implications for the National Guard, challenge assumptions, evaluate risk, and translate analysis into clear recommendations that senior leaders can act on.
The person in this role will help shape how National Guard equities are integrated into joint and Department of Defense planning while supporting decisions that affect current operations, future missions, readiness, and national defense priorities.
Day-to-Day Responsibilities
-Lead development of NGB planning inputs into the Joint Strategic Planning System (JSPS) and Chairman’s Risk Assessment
-Support integration of National Guard equities into DoD campaign plans, functional plans, and strategic documents
-Draft and coordinate CNGB planning guidance, strategic assessments, and policy position papers
-Conduct research and provide strategic analysis on homeland defense, warfighting, and interagency coordination issues
-Represent J5-J in working groups, planning conferences, and engagements with OSD, Joint Staff, CCMDs, and state entities
-Develop MODA-based decision support tools and visualizations for leadership review
-Mentor junior analysts and contribute to internal knowledge management
Required Experience
Required Education/Degree
-Bachelor’s degree in Strategic Studies, Political Science, International Relations, or related field
-8+ years of experience in joint planning, policy development, or strategic analysis in a DoD environment
-Active U.S. Secret clearance (TS/SCI preferred) *(Able to obtain- previous clearances will be considered)
Preferred Experience
Preferred
-JPME I or II, SAMS, or equivalent joint planning certification
-Prior experience supporting the National Guard, Joint Staff, or CCMD planners
Preferred Knowledge, Skills, and Qualifications
-Expert knowledge of JSPS, JSCP, GEF, and NMS planning frameworks
-Familiarity with NGB missions, structure, and intergovernmental coordination dynamics
-Strong written communication and executive-level briefing skills
-Ability to synthesize complex policy issues and translate them into actionable recommendations
Certificates/Security Clearances/Other
-Active Top Secret Clearance will be required for the position. Candidates must be able to obtain TS clearance. Previously held Secret Clearance will be considered.