Master Joint Strategic Planner

The Ascendancy Group’s Mission

To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions.

Overview

The Ascendancy Group is seeking a highly experienced Master Joint Strategic Planner to support USCENTCOM’s Joint Planning Teams (JPTs), Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), and multinational coordination efforts. This role demands advanced strategic planning expertise, deep operational insight, and the ability to lead complex planning processes across joint, bilateral, and multilateral environments.

Security Requirement: Top-Secret/SCI Clearance required 

*This position is contingent upon contract award

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Lead and coordinate planning activities for Joint Planning Teams (JPTs), Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), and multinational efforts.
• Develop strategic plans, orders, estimates, and briefings for USCENTCOM leadership and key stakeholders across DoD, interagency, allied, and partner nations.
• Provide expert guidance on the Joint Operational Planning Process (JOPP), including mission analysis, COA development, wargaming, and decision support.
• Translate strategic decisions into actionable plans and ensure smooth handover to execution teams.
• Facilitate coordination across working groups, components, and coalition partners to support planning meetings and operational activities.
• Conduct research, prepare reports, and offer long-range assessments and alternative solutions to complex operational challenges.
• Coordinate FOIA requests and Mandatory Declassification Reviews (MDR) in compliance with USCENTCOM directives, including searching CCJ5 files, advising on legal standards, and ensuring proper safeguarding and dissemination of plans and orders.

Position Requirements:

• Graduate of one of the following advanced warfighting programs: 
• Joint Advanced Warfighting School (JAWS)
• School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS)
• School of Advanced Air and Space Studies (SAASS)
• School of Advanced Warfighting (SAW)
• Maritime Advanced Warfighting School (MAWS)
• Senior Service College equivalent
• Master’s degree in a relevant field
• Minimum 10 years of planning experience
• Minimum 5 years of planning experience at a Geographic or Functional Combatant Command Headquarters
• Comprehensive experience in joint strategic planning
• Proven expertise in JOPP and operational planning processes

Preferred Skills:

• Strong leadership and coordination abilities
• Excellent written and verbal communication skills
• Experience working with multinational and interagency partners
• Ability to manage complex planning efforts under tight timelines

The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust.

We are passionate about everything we do.  One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation. We offer like-minded individuals the opportunity to continue working in small teams on unique and challenging problem sets that further our nation's security.

If you possess the experience, qualifications and drive required for this position, please APPLY NOW for consideration!