Public Affairs Specialist (Strategic Planner)
Agency: Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs (OATSW(PA))
Series/Grade: GS-1035-13
Position Title: Public Affairs Specialist (Strategic Planner)
Location: Arlington, VA (The Pentagon)
Clearance: Top Secret / SCI Eligibility Required
About the Role:
The Office of the Assistant to the Secretary of War for Public Affairs (OATSW(PA)) is seeking a seasoned and highly skilled Public Affairs Specialist to serve as a Strategic Planner. This is not a traditional public affairs role focused on daily media relations or event coordination. You will be a central node in the Department of War's strategic communication efforts, operating at the highest levels to synchronize and integrate communication plans in direct support of the National Defense Strategy.
You will be responsible for developing, coordinating, and integrating high-impact, cross-organizational communication strategies that shape the information environment. Your work will directly influence how the Department's policies, operations, and objectives are understood by key audiences globally and domestically. The ideal candidate is a master of strategic thought, a skilled planner, and an expert in navigating the complex interagency landscape of the U.S. government.
Major Duties & Responsibilities:
As a Public Affairs Specialist (Strategic Planner), you will:
Develop Strategic Communication Plans: Design and lead the development of mid- to long-range, synchronized communication plans for complex, high-priority Department of War initiatives.
Analyze the Information Environment: Continuously assess the global information landscape, analyzing intelligence, public sentiment, social media trends, and adversary propaganda to provide actionable recommendations to senior leaders.
Integrate and Synchronize: Serve as a key liaison between OATSW(PA), the Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, the Military Services, and interagency partners. You will ensure communication efforts are de-conflicted, aligned, and amplified across the enterprise.
Review Operational Plans: Analyze Combatant Command operations plans (OPLANs) and contingency plans (CONPLANs) to ensure public affairs equities and strategic communication objectives are seamlessly integrated.
Provide Expert Counsel: Advise senior military and civilian leaders on the public affairs implications of policy decisions and military operations, helping them anticipate and mitigate risks in the information space.
Measure Effectiveness: Develop and implement metrics to measure the results of communication plans, reporting on progress and outcomes to relevant organizations.
Who We Are Looking For (Mandatory Qualifications):
This is a senior-level position for an experienced planner. To be successful, you must possess a specific and uncommon blend of skills and experience. We are looking for a candidate who has already operated at this level.
You MUST have strategic-level experience. Your resume must demonstrate significant experience working on a high-level staff, defined as the Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD), the Joint Staff, a Combatant Command Headquarters, or a Military Service Headquarters staff. Experience limited to tactical or operational units (e.g., Brigade, Wing, or afloat staff) will not be considered sufficient.
You MUST be a planner. Your primary role in your previous positions must have been focused on communication planning, policy, and strategy development. This includes writing communication annexes for operational plans, developing campaign plans, and authoring strategic guidance. Experience focused primarily on media relations, community relations, or content production is not what this role requires.
You MUST understand the national security apparatus. You need a detailed knowledge of Department of War (DoW) missions, organizational structure, and processes, particularly how the "building" interacts with the Joint Staff and the Combatant Commands.
You MUST possess an active Top Secret security clearance with the ability to obtain and maintain SCI access. This is a condition of employment and is non-negotiable.
You MUST be a U.S. Citizen.
How to Stand Out:
Demonstrated experience integrating Public Affairs/Strategic Communication into formal joint planning processes (e.g., JOPP).
Experience in related fields such as Information Operations (IO) or Public Diplomacy.
Proven ability to lead complex projects and negotiate effectively with senior leaders from different organizational cultures.
This position is a critical component of our national security mission. If you are a strategic thinker with a deep understanding of defense policy and communication planning, we encourage you to apply.