Senior Strategy, Plans, and Policy Planner

Company Description

The Red Gate Group, founded in 2006, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company based in Chantilly, VA. As an SDVOSB, the Red Gate Group has established a reputation for delivering quality multi-tiered services in intelligence analysis, strategic planning, program management, policy development, operational design, and technology integration. RGG delivers high-quality, customer-centric solutions around the world—from the foxhole to the highest levels of Government. Our motto, "Making a Difference for Country and Client," reflects our deep commitment to national security and service excellence. As an employer of choice, we offer comprehensive benefits including flexible time off, 11 paid holidays, immediate 401(k) eligibility with a generous match, and full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Our employees enjoy 100% company-paid life insurance and disability benefits, along with professional development assistance for degrees and certifications. We foster a culture of growth and work-life balance, backed by our commitment to supporting both our clients' missions and our employees' success. Join our team and be part of an organization that values both service excellence and employee wellbeing.

Job Description

The Red Gate Group is seeking 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 is ideal for a seasoned planner with deep Joint Planning Process (JPP) expertise and a strong background in information-related capabilities, strategic communications, and operational-level planning.

In this role, you will operate at the intersection of strategy, operations, and communication—ensuring public affairs equities are fully integrated into USCENTCOM strategies, plans, policies, and crisis response efforts. You will advise senior leaders, contribute to joint planning teams, and help shape communication approaches that support combatant command objectives across the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility.

Background

The mission of the Public Affairs Directorate (CCPA) is to serve as the principal advisor to the Commander on all internal and external communication strategies and to support USCENTCOM’s mission objectives. CCPA ensures accurate, timely, and effective communication that informs domestic and regional audiences, supports operational success, and advances U.S. interests by defeating adversaries and strengthening regional stability.

Key Responsibilities

Joint Planning & Operational Support

• 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.

Strategy, Policy & Coordination

• 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, and others) to ensure public affairs considerations are fully integrated into operational planning.

Public Affairs & Strategic Communication Integration

• 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.

Leadership Advisement & Crisis Response

• 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 coo