Senior Operations/Policy Research Analyst

Team CATHEXIS elevates the government contracting experience through rapid response, deep skill, and thoughtful problem‑solving and communication. Our core capabilities are top‑tier program and project management, data analytics, and audit services, supported by an integrated approach to operational excellence. We operate with an all‑in mindset, leading with integrity, owning outcomes, growing together, and moving with purpose for employees, customers, partners, and communities.

About the role

The Senior Operations/Policy Research Analyst will apply policy research, analysis, and development skills to support the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of War for Strategic Readiness (DASW(SR)), Warfighter Development Division, Warfighter Education Section. The analyst will develop data‑driven metrics, decision‑support tools, and assessments for the Senior Service College (SSC) Task Force’s review of the SSC Fellowship Program and broader SSC portfolio, supporting the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Personnel and Readiness (OUSW(P&R)). This position is onsite daily at the Pentagon in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

• Conduct policy research, analysis, and interpretation to inform SSC Task Force decision‑making and policy formulation, including alignment with the National Defense Strategy (NDS).
• Lead the review and revision of Outcomes Based Military Education (OBME) Policy and Procedures and DoDI 1322.35, drafting policy language and recommendations.
• Analyze NDAA Title 10 education provisions and other statutory and regulatory requirements to assess SSC program compliance and inform policy recommendations.
• Support the SSC Degree‑Granting Cost‑Benefit Analysis by evaluating policy, statutory, and governance considerations related to continued degree‑granting authority.
• Develop policy positions and briefing materials related to the SSC Fellowship Program grading methodology and evaluate Fellowship Request for Program Information (RPI) submissions against Department selection criteria.
• Draft policy memoranda, decision papers, white papers, and issue papers for DASW(SR) and OUSW(P&R) leadership review and approval.
• Support the SSC Objectives Evaluation, Faculty Composition Analysis, Governing Body Assessment, and Curriculum and Warfighting Readiness Assessment by analyzing policy and governance implications of findings.
• Coordinate stakeholder engagement and staffing of policy products across the Military Services, Joint Staff, and other DoD stakeholders.
• Prepare policy‑focused inputs for annual reports (including the NDAA 557 Report), GAO report responses, stakeholder reports, and leadership reports to OUSW(P&R), SECWAR, and Congress.
• Support Warfighter Education Coordination Council (WECC) and Military Education Coordination Council (MECC) engagements with policy analysis, briefing materials, and summaries of findings.
• Track legislative, regulatory, and DoD policy developments relevant to military education and SSC governance, assessing implications for the Task Force’s work.
• Inform the development of parameters for a dashboard to track Individual Learning Records (ILR) and Career Education Records (CER) for military members, ensuring alignment with policy, governance requirements, and compatibility with Military Service personnel and manpower systems.

Requirements

• Active Secret DoW Clearance.
• Bachelor’s degree in Public Policy, Political Science, International Relations, National Security Studies, or a related field (or equivalent professional experience).
• Minimum of eight (8) years of professional experience in policy analysis, policy development, or program evaluation, including experience supporting government or military leadership.
• Demonstrated ability to perform all functional duties independently on high‑visibility or mission‑critical program aspects.
• Ability to work responsibly and independently with minimal direct supervision.
• Strong analytical and writing skills, with the ability to translate complex policy, statutory, and regulatory issues into clear recommendations for senior leadership.
• Proficiency with MS Office (Word, PowerPoint), SharePoint, and standard research and analysis tools.
• U.S. citizenship required to obtain and maintain a DoW security clearance.

Desired Skills

• Master’s degree preferred in a related policy field.
• Experience supporting OUSW(P&R), DASW(SR), the Joint Staff, or other senior DoW leadership.
• Familiarity with DoDI 1322.35, Outcomes Based Military Education (OBME) requirements, and NDAA Title 10 education provisions.
• Experience drafting DoD policy issuances, decision memos, or Congressional testimony/report inputs.
• Experience supporting military personnel/manpower policy or professional military education (PME) governance.
• Experience supporting the military, Veterans Administration Benefits.

Pay

Annual salary range: $120,000 – $155,000. The final offer considers location, qualifications, experience, and skills.

Benefits

• Performance Bonuses
• Medical Insurance
• Dental Insurance
• Vision Insurance
• 401(k) Plan (Traditional and Roth)
• Life Insurance (Basic, Voluntary & AD&D)
• Paid Time Off
• 11 Federal Holidays
• Parental Leave
• Commuter Benefits
• Short‑Term & Long‑Term Disability
• Training & Development
• Wellness Program
• Community Outreach Initiatives