Sr. Planning Support Specialist

Senior Planning Support Specialist

As Senior Planning Support Specialist supporting the Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), you will drive day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 (Plans) deliberate planning support and the daily planning battle rhythm. You will own delivery of assigned planning support outputs—coordination, staffing, and product production—so leaders receive on-time, decision-ready materials that enable execution across the Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC). The position is located at Camp Smith, Hawaii.

Clearance Requirement:

• Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Top Secret clearance, SCI eligible

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead assigned planning support efforts across operational, functional, campaign, and posture planning cycles to meet directed timelines
• Synchronize inputs across USINDOPACOM, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), MARFORPAC staff divisions, adjacent components/sub-unified commands, and Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs)
• Manage planning tasks, suspense dates, staffing actions, decision points, and follow-through to reduce delays and rework
• Run Operational Planning Team (OPT) and working group support (prep, read-aheads, notes/actions, closeout)
• Develop briefing decks, information papers, and planning documents for senior leader review/approval
• Edit and format products to ensure clarity, consistency, and executive-ready quality using established standards
• Maintain version control and auditable staffing/coordination records across iterations
• Coordinate program-based planning tasks to align assumptions, inputs, and outputs across organizations
• Support posture initiative planning activities by organizing inputs, staffing actions, and implementation tracking (as directed)
• Coach junior staff on battle rhythm discipline, staffing hygiene, and product formatting to improve throughput
• Owns day-to-day planning support execution for assigned efforts (battle rhythm, staffing mechanics, delivery)
• Decides work sequencing and coordination approach within established standards; escalates priority conflicts/tradeoffs to government leads

Required Education, Skills, and

Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience) in a relevant field
• Career level school completion (e.g. Expeditionary Warfare School or other service equivalents)
• Intermediate Level Schools (ILS) completion (e.g. Marine Corps Command and Staff College or other service equivalents)
• 7+ years' experience supporting military, joint, or federal civilian planning (meetings/working groups, staff products for senior leaders)
• Demonstrated proficiency producing/editing briefing decks, information papers, and formal planning documents
• Demonstrated education and application of the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
• Familiarity with JPEC processes and joint planning forums (e.g., OPTs, joint planning groups)
• Ability to comply with government workplace requirements and obtain/maintain any required access/eligibility
• Operational execution, suspense management, and staffing discipline
• Clear writing and synthesis of complex inputs into decision-ready outputs
• Attention to detail, formatting rigor, and version control
• Professional judgment on when to elevate risks, conflicts, or late-breaking changes
• Accountable for on-time delivery, complete staffing packages, and reliable coordination closure

Preferred

Skills and Experience:

• Intermediate Advanced Level Schools (A-ILS) planning education (e.g., JAWS/SAMS/SAW/MAWS/SAASS)
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP)
• Prior relevant MOS experience (e.g., USMC 0507/0505/0502/0511 or other service MOS equivalents)
• Prior experience working with/alongside USINDOPACOM, MARFORPAC, HQMC, a combatant command, Service component, or MEF HQ

Physical Demands and Expectations:

• Regular physical activity to include walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing; occasional prolonged sitting
• Ability to speak, read, hear and write, with or without assistance
• Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax and other office equipment

This position description represents a summary of the major…