USSOCOM J3 - Senior International Relations Strategy SME

Position Overview

The Senior International Relations Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) serves as the principal strategic adviser and engagement planner for the J3 International (J3-I) Engagements Branch at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM).

Key Responsibilities

• Research and prepare read-ahead packages (averaging up to four per month) for J3 Directorate and Command Group international engagements, incorporating strategic objectives, key themes and messages, talking points, biographies, previous conference read-outs, and other supporting documents.
• Draft and recommend comprehensive international engagement strategies for the Division, Directorate, and Command Group that advance Commander USSOCOM’s objectives and align with current U.S. policy and national security strategy.
• Provide expert international relations advice to J3-I leadership on bilateral and multilateral engagement approaches, ensuring engagements are informed by current U.S. policy, theater priorities, and partner nation relationships.
• Provide quality assurance and SME support to the drafting of official international correspondence, ensuring accuracy, proper protocol, and alignment with Command messaging across all products.
• Respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from Division, Directorate, and Command Group leadership regarding international Key Leader Engagements (KLEs); develop and maintain situational awareness of command priorities and engagement strategies.
• Maintain active coordination with the J2, J3, and J5 Director’s Action Groups to sustain awareness of command priorities, emerging policy developments, and strategic guidance relevant to international engagements.
• Support the full lifecycle of multinational events and executive-level conferences—from initial research and itinerary development through on-site execution—in coordination with J3-I branch personnel, partner nations, and external DoD offices.
• Perform close-out and escort duties in accordance with the Division’s Security Procedures.

Requirements & Qualifications

• Master’s degree in International Security Studies or a closely related field from an accredited university.
• Recent experience (within the last 3 years) demonstrating successful development, coordination, and execution of strategic-level engagements on a Commander’s Action Group at the Combatant Command or 4-star level; minimum 1 year of recent experience in a comparable role at a COCOM or TSOC-level Commander’s Action Group or as a Political Advisor.
• Minimum 3 years of experience applying analytical and communications skills to prepare and coordinate written products and briefings for senior leaders at the General Officer, Flag Officer, or Senior Executive Service level; demonstrated executive writing proficiency with experience drafting official correspondence, read-ahead packages, and strategic communications products.
• Minimum 3 years of recent experience developing business and communications strategies designed to achieve strategic objectives; demonstrated ability to work effectively across DoD, U.S. Embassies, and international partner organizations at the senior leadership level.
• Current DoD Top Secret clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access required at time of hire.

Pay Range

$0 per hour

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