Senior Planning Support Specialist (MARFORPAC G-5 Plans)

About the role

Makai LLC is seeking a Senior Planning Support Specialist to drive day-to-day execution of MARFORPAC G-5 (Plans) deliberate planning support and the daily planning battle rhythm.

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
• Cook up 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

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree (or equivalent practical experience) in a relevant field
• Active DoD TS/SCI clearance
• 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)

Qualifications

• Intermediate Level Schools (ILS) completion (e.g., Marine Corps Command and Staff College or other service equivalents)
• 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

Skills & Competencies

• Operational execution, suspense management, and staffing discipline
• Stakeholder coordination in high-tempo, deadline-driven environments
• 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
• Autonomy, Decision Authority & Accountability

Working Conditions

• Sitting at desk
• Phone use and PC or laptop
• Filing required
• May require lifting and carrying boxes of supplies or files up to 25 lbs
• Extended periods of sitting while on PC/laptop or phone
• General office equipment, which includes telephone, fax machine, copier, PC/laptop, and other miscellaneous office equipment
• Regular attendance in accordance with established work schedule is mandatory

Benefits

• 11 Federal Holidays with Pay
• Vacation (Personal/sick leave)
• Medical, Dental, Vision Wellness Participation Weight Loss Reimbursement
• Health Care Flex Spending
• Short Term/Long Term Disability
• Savings Incentive Match Plan (Simple IRA)
• Basic Life Insurance
• Tuition Assistance Program
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Other Paid Absences
• Professional Memberships
• Overtime Pay
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA)