Senior Planning Support Specialist; MARFORPAC G-5 Plans

Position Location:

Camp Smith, HI (Company Headquarters is in Massachusetts)

Makai LLC is seeking a skilled Senior Planning Support Specialist that drives day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 (Plans) deliberate planning support and the daily planning battle rhythm. The role owns 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). This role applies established templates/standards and ensures planning actions move from tasking to closure.

• 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

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent practical experience) in a relevant field

• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance

• 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

• 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

• Operational execution, suspense management, and staffing discipline
• Stakeholder coordination in high‑tempo, deadline‑driven environments
• 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

• 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
• Accountable for on‑time delivery, complete staffing packages, and reliable coordination closure

• Sitting at desk, phone use and PC or laptop; filing required; may require lifting and carrying boxes of supplies or files up to 25 lbs; extended periods of sitting while on PC/laptop or phone
• General office…