Operations Planning and Engagements Lead

Contribute to the strategic direction of the business and support impactful mission outcomes as an Operations Planning and Engagements Lead at GDIT.

MEANINGFUL WORK AND PERSONAL IMPACT

As an Operations Planning and Engagements Lead, the work you’ll do at GDIT will be impactful to the mission of USCENTCOM. You will play a crucial role in driving Future Operations (FUOPS) planning, interoperability initiatives, and strategic engagements to support Cybersecurity and Defensive Cyber Operations for the USCENTCOM Information Technology Services (CITS) Program based in Tampa, FL. The ideal candidate will be a proactive leader and collaborative team player, ready to address complex challenges and deliver impactful solutions

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership and Coordination:

• Serve as the primary liaison between CITS contractors and military/government leadership within USCENTCOM and its Service Components, supporting J63 Plans & Exercises and Interoperability & Engagements branches.
• Lead and mentor assigned planning teams to ensure achievement of service level agreements and key performance indicators.
• Prepare and present comprehensive reports on team performance, productivity metrics, and operational indicators to senior leadership.
• Proactively address and resolve operational challenges, escalating complex issues to management as appropriate.
• Develop and manage work schedules to optimize team productivity and ensure continuous operational coverage.

Future Operations Planning:

• Oversee planning and coordination for Command, Control, Communications, and Computers operations across the theater.
• Collaborate in operational planning teams, drafting and reviewing annexes for command orders and operational directives.
• Plan and support integration of operational communications systems and personnel for USCENTCOM theater requirements.
• Provide subject matter expertise for the Theater Campaign Plan (TCP), including coalition partner planning support.
• Ensure CCJ6 representation during Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), conferences, and working groups across the USCENTCOM AOR.
• Contribute to command exercise programs and develop cybersecurity components for all training exercises.
• Offer technical expertise and recommendations on USCENTCOM plans, operational orders, and related directives.

Cybersecurity Operations and Compliance:

• Distribute and update cybersecurity guidance to USCENTCOM Components, ensuring compliance and operational clarity.
• Review and refine existing cybersecurity orders and procedures to meet evolving operational requirements.
• Analyze, interpret, and execute cybersecurity directives across the theater of operations.
• Coordinate theater cybersecurity risk assessments and participate in mission-critical security evaluations.
• Monitor current intelligence for potential threats and develop appropriate response strategies.
• Document and maintain cybersecurity orders, policies, and procedures for organizational compliance.

Interoperability and Engagements:

• Facilitate coalition interoperability and engagement activities related to cybersecurity operations.
• Coordinate with Foreign Military Sales (FMS) technicians to support CENTCOM Partner Network (CPN) requirements.
• Facilitate theater-wide collaboration on cybersecurity orders, policies, and procedures through multiple communication channels.
• Engage in command mission assurance working groups, conducting analyses for J6 networks and mission systems.

Strategic Technology and Innovation:

• Recommend technology deployments to enhance defensive cyber operations capabilities.
• Develop comprehensive technology strategies, providing evaluations and decision points for J6 leadership.
• Provide cybersecurity support to USCENTCOM AOR Network Operations (NETOPS) Centers as required.

WHAT YOU’LL NEED TO SUCCEED

The Operations Analyst Sr Principal must have:

• Education: Bachelor’s Degree in communication, computer science, engineering, or a related field
• Certification: Must possess DoD 8570.01-M IAT Level II Certification (e.g., Security +CE) prior to hire
• Experience: 10+ years of related experience
• Technical skills:
  • Proven experience in planning, installing, integrating, operating, and maintaining complex tactical and garrison communications and IT systems within large network enterprises (PMP or similar certification preferred).
  • Familiarity with U.S. Department of Defense, Service, and Joint Task Force communications policies and procedures.
  • Strong background in Cybersecurity, Communications Operations, Planning, and/or Intelligence.
  • Demonstrated ability to brief senior military and government leaders effectively.
  • Significant background in USCENTCOM operations and staff functions.
  • Ability to perform as both task lead and action officer, adapting to dynamic mission requirements.
  • Proficiency with information platforms such as Microsoft Office Suite, SharePoint, OneBrief, PCTE, Joint Training Program, and/or Advana.
  • Proven ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment.
• Desired skills:
  • Master’s Degree in a related field
  • Project Management Professional (PMP) certification
• Security clearance level: TS/SCI
• US citizenship required

GDIT IS YOUR PLACE

At GDIT, the mission is our purpose, and our people are at the center of everything we do.

• Growth: AI-powered career tool that identifies career steps and learning opportunities
• Support: An internal mobility team focused on helping you achieve your career goals
• Rewards: Comprehensive benefits and wellness packages, 401K with company match, competitive pay and paid time off
• Community: Award-winning culture of innovation and a military-friendly workplace

OWN YOUR OPPORTUNITY

Explore a career in intelligence at GDIT and you’ll find endless opportunities to grow alongside colleagues who share your passion for securing the mission.