Senior Strategy, Plans, and Policy Planner

Senior Strategy, Plans, and Policy Planner

Red Gate Group, founded in 2006, is a Service‑Disabled Veteran‑Owned Company based in Chantilly, VA. The company delivers high‑quality, customer‑centric solutions in intelligence analysis, strategic planning, program management, policy development, operational design, and technology integration. Their motto, "Making a Difference for Country and Client," reflects a commitment to national security and service excellence. Benefits include flexible time off, 11 paid holidays, immediate 401(k) eligibility with a generous match, full medical, dental, and vision coverage, 100% company‑paid life insurance, disability benefits, and professional development assistance.

The Red Gate Group seeks an experienced Senior Strategy, Plans, and Policy Planner to support U.S. Central Command (USCENTCOM) within the Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA). This senior‑level role blends strategy, operations, and communications to integrate public affairs into USCENTCOM strategies, plans, policies, and crisis response.

• Lead and support Joint Planning Teams (JPTs) and Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) through all phases of the Joint Planning Process, including Mission Analysis, COA Development, Wargaming, COA Comparison, and Decision.
• Provide continuous situational awareness to enable seamless transition from planning to execution.
• Support operational planning efforts and exercises in coordination with USCENTCOM Component Commands, other Combatant Commands, and interagency partners.
• Advise planning teams on joint doctrine, planning methodologies, and execution systems.

• Assist in the development, coordination, and integration of USCENTCOM strategies, plans, and policies across the CENTCOM AOR.
• Produce high‑quality draft products for JPTs, working groups, and leadership review, ensuring alignment with USCENTCOM priorities and guidance.
• Establish and maintain strong working relationships with key CENTCOM directorates (e.g., J3, J5) to ensure public affairs considerations are fully integrated into operational planning.

• Support the development and coordination of public affairs strategies, guidance, and communication products.
• Develop and coordinate Public Affairs Guidance (PPAG), talking points, and strategic messaging in support of operational plans and contingencies.
• Participate in CENTCOM’s B2C2 Working Group (B2C2WG
  ), ensuring communication equities are accurately represented and tracked throughout planning efforts.
• Maintain awareness of current and emerging CENTCOM priorities to ensure timely integration of public affairs products.

• Advise senior leadership on strategic, regional, and communication‑related issues, providing actionable recommendations to enhance information effects.
• Coordinate with internal and external stakeholders, including interagency and international partners, to synchronize information‑related capabilities.
• Ensure public affairs products are coordinated with higher headquarters, subordinate commands, and relevant government entities for unity of effort.
• Provide crisis, contingency, and 24/7 surge support during emergent or high‑impact events as directed by CCPA leadership.

• Active TS/SCI clearance
• Bachelor’s degree
• Graduate of one of the following military planning programs: JAWS, SAMS, SAASS, SAW, MAWS, or Senior Service College (or equivalent)
• Minimum 5 years of planning experience
• Minimum 3 years of planning experience at a Geographic or Functional Combatant Command headquarters
• Minimum 5 years experience in an information‑related field, such as Public Affairs, Information Operations, Key Leader Engagement, or Civil Affairs

• Completion of JPME I
• Experience in corporate marketing, strategic communications, or executive‑level messaging environments
• Strong written and verbal communication skills, including experience briefing senior leaders
• Demonstrated ability to operate effectively in high‑tempo, complex operational environments

The Red Gate Group, Ltd. is an Equal Opportunity/Affirmative Action Employer. They consider applicants without regard to race, color, religion, age, national origin, ancestry, ethnicity, gender, gender identity, gender expression, sexual orientation, marital status, veteran status, disability, genetic information, citizenship status, or membership in any other group protected by federal, state, or local law. Know Your Rights.