Operational Planning Subject Matter Expert — Honolulu

About the Role

Nakupuna Consulting is seeking an Operational Planning & Posture Subject Matter Expert (SME) to serve as a senior advisor and technical authority for Marine Forces Pacific (MARFORPAC). In this capacity, you will support critical operational planning activities and posture planning integration within the Indo-Pacific theater. This role is designed to resolve complex planning challenges, improve the quality of planning support, and ensure high-visibility products remain aligned with organizational guidance and operational objectives.

As a key member of the team, you will provide expert-level guidance on planning standards, staffing processes, and operational integration across joint and service planning efforts. You will act as a technical authority for deliberate planning processes, ensuring planning product quality assurance and facilitating senior leader decision-support activities. The position focuses on translating strategic direction into actionable recommendations and strengthening the analytical framing and operational narratives used by Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and working groups.

Hiring Process

Candidates selected for this role will undergo a rigorous vetting process to ensure alignment with mission requirements. The process includes a review of qualifications, security clearance verification, and interviews focused on technical expertise in the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and Joint Planning Process (JPP). Successful candidates must be prepared to demonstrate their ability to provide senior-level advisory support and influence stakeholders across multiple organizations.

Equal Opportunity

Nakupuna Companies is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity and inclusion. We consider qualified applicants regardless of background, race, color, religion, gender, sexual orientation, gender identity, or national origin. We strive to create an environment where all employees can contribute their unique perspectives to support our mission partners and the Department of Defense.

Work location

Work model: On-site

Booth Road, Pacific Heights, Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, 96917, United States

Honolulu, Hawaii

Key Responsibilities

check_circleProvide subject matter expertise for deliberate and posture planning integration across operational efforts
check_circleDevelop and maintain planning standards, templates, quality control processes, and version-control practices
check_circleAdvise government leadership on complex planning approaches, staffing strategies, and decision-support processes
check_circleConduct senior-level technical reviews of briefing materials and operational plans for clarity and accuracy
check_circleTranslate operational guidance and strategic direction into actionable planning recommendations
check_circleMentor planning personnel on staff writing, coordination, editorial standards, and product quality expectations
check_circleSupport Operational Planning Teams by strengthening analytical framing and operational narratives
check_circleAssess planning workflows and staffing processes to identify opportunities for improvement and reduced rework
check_circleAssist with the development and refinement of planning methodologies and operational documentation standards
check_circleParticipate in planning conferences, operational assessments, exercises, and senior-level planning discussions
check_circleAnalyze and resolve complex planning integration challenges involving conflicting guidance and operational risks
check_circleSupport operational synchronization efforts across headquarters staff, subordinate commands, and mission partners

Requirements

verifiedMaster's degree in Military Studies, Strategic Studies, National Security, International Relations, Public Policy, Operations Research, or related field, or equivalent practical experience
verifiedActive TS/SCI Clearance
verifiedMinimum of ten (10) years of experience supporting joint, service-level, or combatant command operational planning and senior leader decision-support activities
verifiedDemonstrated experience supporting Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC) planning forums and operational staffing processes
verifiedExtensive knowledge and practical application experience with the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and Joint Planning Process (JPP)
verifiedDemonstrated expertise developing, reviewing, editing, and coordinating operational planning products and senior leader briefing materials
verifiedExperience establishing or enforcing planning standards, staffing procedures, and operational documentation quality controls

Nice to Have

Advanced operational planning education or joint operational planning coursework. Completion of senior-level professional military education programs or war college equivalents. Experience supporting USINDOPACOM, MARFORPAC, Headquarters Marine Corps, combatant commands, service component headquarters, or Marine Expeditionary Force headquarters. Doctoral degree in a relevant discipline. Experience supporting posture planning, campaign planning, or operational synchronization initiatives. Prior military experience in operational planning, strategy, plans, or operations specialties. Professional certifications related to operational planning, program management, or organizational leadership.

Skills, education and keywords

Skills: Military Studies, Strategic Studies, National Security, International Relations, Public Policy, Operations Research, Ts/sci Clearance, Joint Planning And Execution Community, Marine Corps Planning Process, Joint Planning Process.

Education: Master's degree in specified fields or equivalent practical experience.

Frequently asked questions about Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies

What does a Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies do?expand_more

In this Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies role, you will provide subject matter expertise for deliberate and posture planning integration across operational efforts; develop and maintain planning standards, templates, quality control processes, and version-control practices; advise government leadership on complex planning approaches, staffing strategies, and decision-support processes; and conduct senior-level technical reviews of briefing materials and operational plans for clarity and accuracy.

What are the requirements for this Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance role?expand_more

To qualify for the Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies position, applicants should have: Master's degree in Military Studies, Strategic Studies, National Security, International Relations, Public Policy, Operations Research, or related field, or equivalent practical experience; Active TS/SCI Clearance; Minimum of ten (10) years of experience supporting joint, service-level, or combatant command operational planning and senior leader decision-support activities; Demonstrated experience supporting Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC) planning forums and operational staffing processes; Extensive knowledge and practical application experience with the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and Joint Planning Process (JPP); and Demonstrated expertise developing, reviewing, editing, and coordinating operational planning products and senior leader briefing materials.

Where is the Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance role at Nakupuna Companies located?expand_more

Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies is based in Booth Road, Pacific Heights, Honolulu, Honolulu County, Hawaii, 96917, United States. This is a on-site role.

Is this Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance job remote, hybrid, or on-site?expand_more

Nakupuna Companies has listed this Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance role as on-site.

How much experience is required for this Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance role?expand_more

Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies typically requires 10+ years of relevant experience at the lead level.

What skills do you need for the Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance role at Nakupuna Companies?expand_more

Key skills for Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies include Military Studies; Strategic Studies; National Security; International Relations; Public Policy; Operations Research; Ts/sci Clearance; and Joint Planning And Execution Community.

What education is required for Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies?expand_more

Educational requirements for this role: Master's degree in specified fields or equivalent practical experience.

What category does the Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance role belong to?expand_more

Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance at Nakupuna Companies is part of the logistics & warehouse job category on Recrutus.

Operational Planning and Posture SME with Security Clearance