USSOCOM J3 - Senior International Relations Strategy SME

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Position:USSOCOM J3 - Senior International Relations Strategy SME

Location: MACDILL AFB, FL

Job :1044-P

# of Openings:1

The Senior International Relations Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the principal strategic adviser and engagement planner for the J3 International (J3-I) Engagements Branch at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This role directly supports the J3 Directorate and Command Group in the planning, coordination, and execution of a high volume of bilateral and multilateral international engagements, multinational conferences, and executive-level events conducted each year across the global SOF enterprise.

The Senior SME brings deep expertise in international relations strategy and combatant command-level engagement operations to develop and recommend engagement strategies, prepare senior leader read-ahead packages, draft official correspondence, and provide quality assurance across a broad range of written and analytical products. Working across DoD, U.S. Embassies, and partner nations around the globe, the SME ensures the Command’s international engagements are strategically coherent, thoroughly prepared, and effectively executed in support of Commander USSOCOM’s objectives.

• Research and prepare read-ahead packages (averaging up to four per month) for J3 Directorate and Command Group international engagements, incorporating strategic objectives, key themes and messages, talking points, biographies, previous conference read-outs, and other supporting documents.
• Draft and recommend comprehensive international engagement strategies for the Division, Directorate, and Command Group that advance Commander USSOCOM’s objectives and align with current U.S. policy and national security strategy.
• Provide expert international relations advice to J3-I leadership on bilateral and multilateral engagement approaches, ensuring engagements are informed by current U.S. policy, theater priorities, and partner nation relationships.
• Provide quality assurance and SME support to the drafting of official international correspondence, ensuring accuracy, proper protocol, and alignment with Command messaging across all products.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from Division, Directorate, and Command Group leadership regarding international Key Leader Engagements (KLEs); develop and maintain situational awareness of command priorities and engagement strategies.
• Maintain active coordination with the J2, J3, and J5 Director’s Action Groups to sustain awareness of command priorities, emerging policy developments, and strategic guidance relevant to international engagements.
• Support the full lifecycle of multinational events and executive-level conferences—from initial research and itinerary development through on-site execution—in coordination with J3-I branch personnel, partner nations, and external DoD offices.
• Perform close-out and escort duties in accordance with the Division’s Security Procedures.

• Master’s degree in International Security Studies or a closely related field from an accredited university.
• Recent experience (within the last 3 years) demonstrating successful development, coordination, and execution of strategic-level engagements on a Commander’s Action Group at the Combatant Command or 4-star level; minimum 1 year of recent experience in a comparable role at a COCOM or TSOC-level Commander’s Action Group or as a Political Advisor.
• Minimum 3 years of experience applying analytical and communications skills to prepare and coordinate written products and briefings for senior leaders at the General Officer, Flag Officer, or Senior Executive Service level; demonstrated executive writing proficiency with experience drafting official correspondence, read-ahead packages, and strategic communications products.
• Minimum 3 years of recent experience developing business and communications strategies designed to achieve strategic objectives; demonstrated ability to work effectively across DoD, U.S. Embassies, and international partner organizations at the senior leadership level.
• Current DoD Top Secret clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access required at time of hire.