Sr. Planning Support Specialist

Sr. Planning Support Specialist

Position Summary:

As Senior Planning Support Specialist supporting the Marine Corps Forces, Pacific (MARFORPAC), you will drive day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 (Plans) deliberate planning support and the daily planning battle rhythm. You will own delivery of assigned planning support outputs-coordination, staffing, and product production-so leaders receive on-time, decision-ready materials that enable execution across the Joint Planning and Execution Community (JPEC). You will apply established templates/standards and ensures planning actions move from tasking to closure. The position is located at Camp Smith, Hawaii.

Clearance Requirement:

• Must be a US Citizen with an active DoD Top Secret clearance, SCI eligible

Essential Functions and Responsibilities:

• Lead assigned planning support efforts across operational, functional, campaign, and posture planning cycles to meet directed timelines
• Synchronize inputs across USINDOPACOM, Headquarters Marine Corps (HQMC), MARFORPAC staff divisions, adjacent components/sub-unified commands, and Marine Expeditionary Forces (MEFs)
• Manage planning tasks, suspense dates, staffing actions, decision points, and follow-through to reduce delays and rework
• Run Operational Planning Team (OPT) and working group support (prep, read-aheads, notes/actions, closeout)
• Develop briefing decks, information papers, and planning documents for senior leader review/approval
• Edit and format products to ensure clarity, consistency, and executive-ready quality using established standards
• Maintain version control and auditable staffing/coordination records across iterations
• Coordinate program-based planning tasks to align assumptions, inputs, and outputs across organizations
• Support posture initiative planning activities by organizing inputs, staffing actions, and implementation tracking (as directed)
• Coach junior staff on battle rhythm discipline, staffing hygiene, and product formatting to improve throughput
• Owns day-to-day planning support execution for assigned efforts (battle rhythm, staffing mechanics, delivery)
• Decides work sequencing and coordination approach within established standards; escalates priority conflicts/tradeoffs to government leads

Required Education, Skills, and Experience:

• Bachelor's degree (or equivalent practical experience) in a relevant field
• Career level school completion (e.g. Expeditionary Warfare School or other service equivalents)
• Intermediate Level Schools (ILS) completion (e.g. Marine Corps Command and Staff College or other service equivalents)
• 7+ years' experience supporting military, joint, or federal civilian planning (meetings/working groups, staff products for senior leaders)
• Demonstrated proficiency producing/editing briefing decks, information papers, and formal planning documents
• Demonstrated education and application of the Marine Corps Planning Process (MCPP) and the Joint Planning Process (JPP).
• Familiarity with JPEC processes and joint planning forums (e.g., OPTs, joint planning groups)
• Ability to comply with government workplace requirements and obtain/maintain any required access/eligibility
• Operational execution, suspense management, and staffing discipline
• Clear writing and synthesis of complex inputs into decision-ready outputs
• Attention to detail, formatting rigor, and version control
• Professional judgment on when to elevate risks, conflicts, or late-breaking changes
• Accountable for on-time delivery, complete staffing packages, and reliable coordination closure

Preferred Skills and Experience:

• Intermediate Advanced Level Schools (A-ILS) planning education (e.g., JAWS/SAMS/SAW/MAWS/SAASS)
• Relevant professional certifications (e.g., PMP)
• Prior relevant MOS experience (e.g., USMC 0507/0505/0502/0511 or other service MOS equivalents)
• Prior experience working with/alongside USINDOPACOM, MARFORPAC, HQMC, a combatant command, Service component, or MEF HQ

Physical Demands and Expectations:

• Regular physical activity to include walking, climbing stairs, bending, stooping, reaching, lifting (up to 30 pounds), and standing; occasional prolonged sitting
• Ability to speak, read, hear and write, with or without assistance
• Ability to use phone and computer systems, copier, fax and other office equipment

This position description represents a summary of the major components and requirements of the outlined job. Other duties and responsibilities may be assigned or required as business needs dictate. Questions regarding this description should immediately be addressed to the department manager or to Human Resources.

LIFE CYCLE ENGINEERING

Life Cycle Engineering (LCE) is a privately held, employee-owned company with an emphasis on "doing the right thing the right way", which applies to the way we treat our customers and employees. We are proud to have been recognized as a "Best Place to Work" in Engineering and in many states and local communities in which we work! Learn more below and at
Mission

Our mission is to enable people and organizations to achieve their full potential.

As a professional services organization, our mission is focused on our clients' people and organizations. It is our company's cornerstone belief that we will not lead the industry in assisting our clients unless we excel at helping our own people and teams reach their full potential.

Culture

Our corporate culture encourages personal and professional growth because LCE's success depends on the talent, innovation, professionalism, and commitment of its employees. LCE is a strengths-based organization focused on turning individual talents into strengths and then turning individual strengths into organizational performance that supports our clients' success.

Benefits

• Affordable Medical/Dental/Vision Plans for employees and their families
• Free Employee Life and Disability Insurance, with supplemental coverage options available
• Health Savings Account and Flexible Savings Account options
• Company matched 401(k) & company-funded Employee Stock Ownership Program (ESOP)
• Paid Vacation, Holiday, Sick Leave
• Continuing Education and Professional Development programs at all levels
• Flexible Schedules and Relaxed Dress Code
• Employer-sponsored events, social collaboration, and open communication
• Free access to an extensive online training library, including certification prep
• Bonus Program for outstanding contributions, Employee Referral Program, numerous Recognition Opportunities, and more...

*Benefits may vary by business unit and location.

Life Cycle Engineering is an equal opportunity employer and makes all employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, citizenship, age, disability, genetic information, application for or service in the military or status as a disabled veteran or veteran, because of or on the basis of pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, including, but not limited to, lactation, and any other status protected by applicable state or federal law.