Operations Planning Manager

Location: Ft. Meade, MD (Full-Time On-Site)

Clearance Required: Must be able to obtain TS/SCI security clearance

Experience Required: Minimum 5 years government PMO experience

Position Overview

Hunter Strategy seeks an Operations Planning Manager to lead operational planning portfolio management for the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA). This senior leadership position provides direct supervision to a team of three operational planning professionals while coordinating multiple concurrent Joint Planning Groups (JPGs) and serving as the primary liaison between DISA leadership and cross-functional planning teams. The role emphasizes portfolio management, cross-functional collaboration, and the ability to lead teams through complex planning cycles in a high-tempo environment. Familiarity with DISA cyberspace operations is beneficial but not required.

Essential Functions

Portfolio Leadership & Team Management

· Provide portfolio-level oversight of concurrent planning initiatives across three Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), directly supervising three operational planning professionals

· Establish planning priorities, allocate resources, and ensure 95% quality standards across all deliverables

· Lead cross-functional collaboration across DISA directorates, service components, USCYBERCOM, JFHQ-DODIN, Combatant Commands, and DoD agencies

· Foster team development while monitoring workload distribution and resolving planning impediments

Strategic Planning & Crisis Response

· Oversee team execution of Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) framework across multiple concurrent efforts

· Coordinate crisis action planning support during evolving global crises, ensuring rapid response within directed timelines

· Guide team analysis of national and DoD-level directives (National Military Strategy, National Defense Strategy, DISA Charter, DoD CIO Guidance)

·Review and approve planning products including Planning Reports, Information Papers, COA documents, and campaign plans

Cyberspace Operations & Stakeholder Coordination

· Oversee team development of cyberspace plans and orders for DoD cyberspace Areas of Operation and Sectors

·  Coordinate with cyber SMEs to ensure planning addresses C4 resiliency, DCO/CSSP requirements, and emerging threats

· Engage senior DISA leadership and external stakeholders through executive briefings and Operations Approval Board (OAB) presentations

· Facilitate collaboration across Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) and Battle Rhythm Command and Control Working Groups using secure platforms (JWICS, SIPRNet)

Required Qualifications

Experience & Education

· Minimum 5 years of experience in government Program Management Office (PMO) environments with demonstrated portfolio or program leadership

· Proven track record leading cross-functional teams with at least 2 years of direct supervisory experience

· Bachelor's degree in related field (Military Science, International Relations, Business Administration, Public Administration, or equivalent)

· Strong background in collaborative leadership within matrix or multi-disciplinary team structures

· Demonstrated experience with Joint Planning Process (JPP) and military planning methodologies

· Experience managing multiple concurrent initiatives with competing priorities and diverse stakeholders

Security & Clearance

· Must be able to obtain and maintain TS/SCI security clearance

·  U.S. citizenship required

Technical Competencies

· Portfolio management capabilities with ability to oversee multiple planning initiatives simultaneously

· Strong cross-functional leadership skills with proven ability to build consensus across diverse stakeholder groups

·  Understanding of DoD planning processes, APEX framework, and Joint Publication 5-0 methodologies

· Familiarity with DISA cyberspace operations including DODIN architecture and cyber mission areas (beneficial but not required)

· Knowledge of national security strategy documents and DoD planning frameworks

· General understanding of cyber operations concepts (DCO, CSSP, C4 resiliency) sufficient to guide planning teams

· Experience with planning tools and collaboration platforms (Microsoft Project, SharePoint, Jira, or similar)

Professional Skills

· Exceptional leadership and people management abilities with focus on mentoring, coaching, and team development

· Advanced stakeholder management and relationship-building skills across organizational boundaries

· Strong facilitation and consensus-building capabilities in complex, multi-stakeholder environments

· Superior written and verbal communication skills for executive briefings and cross-organizational coordination

· Strategic thinking with ability to synthesize information across multiple planning efforts and translate into actionable direction

· Proven ability to work effectively in fast-paced, high-pressure environments while maintaining team morale and productivity

· Collaborative mindset with ability to influence without direct authority across matrix organizations

· Experience delegating effectively while maintaining oversight and quality control

· Ability to balance strategic vision with operational execution through team leadership

Preferred Qualifications

· Military Background: Active duty or veteran status with operational planning or staff experience

·  Leadership Training: Formal leadership development programs or management certifications

·  Joint Professional Military Education (JPME): Level I or Level II certification

· Project/Program Management: PMP, PgMP, or equivalent portfolio management credentials

· DISA/Cyber Mission Experience: Previous experience supporting DISA, USCYBERCOM, JFHQ-DODIN, or understanding of DoD cyber mission areas

· Technical Certifications: CISSP, CISM, Security+, or equivalent (beneficial for cyber context but not required)

· Advanced Education: Master's degree in relevant field (Business Administration, Public Administration, Organizational Leadership, Strategic Studies)

· Federal Contracting Knowledge: Understanding of federal compliance requirements, FAR/DFARS, and government deliverable standards

· Cross-Organizational Leadership: Experience leading teams across prime/subcontractor boundaries or multi-vendor environments

· Agile/Portfolio Management: Experience with Agile portfolio management, SAFe, or similar methodologies