Cybersecurity Exercise Planner (Junior)

Opportunity to join a mission-critical DHS program delivering cyber exercise planning, execution, and operational support. The exercises program is responsible for developing, designing, conducting, and analyzing exercises and workshops at the state, federal, regional, private sector, and international level. Exercises range from tabletop exercises that identify policy and process gaps to full-scale exercises that help test response procedures and cross-sector coordination.

About the role

In this junior-level role, you will support the development of realistic cyber scenarios, help evaluate stakeholder preparedness, and contribute to insights that strengthen DHS's national cybersecurity mission. You’ll collaborate with senior planners and gain hands-on experience in supporting cyber preparedness activities across the nation.

Responsibilities

• Assist senior planners and federal client leads in coordinating and executing cyber exercises in alignment with DHS Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) principles.
• Support development of exercise planning materials, including scenario outlines, planning meeting notes, exercise conduct documents, and after-action inputs.
• Contribute to drafting exercise life cycle documents under guidance, including scenario components designed to test cyber incident response plans.
• Assist in developing after-action report sections and improvement plan recommendations.
• Support facilitation of requirement-gathering sessions with business owners and government stakeholders.
• Conduct initial research and analysis of customer needs and cybersecurity process evaluation requirements.
• Provide general administrative, coordination, and documentation support throughout the exercise life cycle.

Requirements

• Basic familiarity with exercise development, design, conduct, or analysis (academic, internship, or professional experience acceptable).
• Exposure to Homeland Security Exercise and Evaluation Program (HSEEP) methodology.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office 365 applications, especially Word, Excel, and PowerPoint.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Customer-service mindset and willingness to support multiple concurrent tasks.
• Ability to respond to requests for information in a timely and organized manner.
• Attention to detail and willingness to follow established processes.
• Demonstrated teamwork, adaptability, and eagerness to learn.
• Foundational understanding of cybersecurity concepts (coursework or professional experience).
• Bachelor’s degree (preferably in cybersecurity, IT, political science, emergency management, or related discipline).
• 1+ years of relevant experience (internships or academic project work acceptable).
• US Citizenship required.
• Ability to obtain and maintain a TS/SCI clearance.

Pay

The likely salary range for this position is $74,375 - $100,625.

Schedule

• Scheduled Weekly Hours: 40
• Telecommuting Options: Hybrid
• Work Location: USA VA Arlington

Benefits

• Medical plan options, some with Health Savings Accounts
• Dental plan options
• Vision plan
• 401(k) plan with company match (pre and post-tax contributions up to IRS annual limits)
• Paid time off: vacation, sick, personal time, holidays, parental leave, military leave, bereavement, and jury duty leave
• Short and long-term disability benefits
• Life, accidental death and dismemberment, personal accident, and critical illness insurance
• Business travel and accident insurance