Community Development & Planning - Planner I

Senior Strategic Planner - Strategy, Plans, Exercises & Policy The Ascendancy Group's Mission To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions. Overview 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. This position is contingent upon contract award. Security Requirement: Top Secret/SCI Clearance required. Lead and conduct all aspects of the Joint Operational Planning Process (JOPP), including: o Mission Analysis o COA Development o COA Analysis (Wargaming) o 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. Position Requirements: • Graduate of one of the following advanced warfighting programs: o 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 Preferred Skills: • 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 The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust. One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation.