USSOCOM J3 - Senior International Relations Strategy SME

About the role

Rigid Tactical is seeking a highly qualified Senior International Relations Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the USSOCOM J3-I Engagements Branch.

Responsibilities

• Draft and recommend a comprehensive international engagement strategy for the Division, Directorate, and Command Group (as required) to directly support and achieve the Command’s overarching objectives.
• Provide expert international relations advice and deep domain expertise to leadership regarding complex bilateral and multilateral international engagements.
• Maintain constant situational awareness and expertise regarding current U.S. foreign policy and defense strategy for international relations.
• Maintain close, continuous coordination with the J2, J3, and J5 Director’s Action Groups (DAGs) to ensure absolute situational awareness of command priorities and unified strategies for engagements.
• Research and prepare high-impact read-ahead (RAH) packages (on average up to 4 per month) in support of the J3 Directorate and Command Group international engagements. Packages include strategic objectives, key themes and messages, customized talking points, official biographies, previous conference read-outs, and secondary supporting documents.
• Provide meticulous quality assurance, expertise, and editorial oversight to the drafting of all official international correspondence.
• Rapidly and accurately respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from Division, Directorate, and Command Group leadership regarding International Key Leader Engagements (KLEs).
• Perform critical close-out and escort duties as part of the Division’s Security Procedure.

Requirements

• Clearance: Active Top Secret / SCI clearance required.
• Master’s degree from an accredited institution in International Security Studies or a closely related strategic field.
• Minimum 1 year of recent experience on a COCOM/TSOC CAG or POLAD staff, plus recent experience supporting a 4-star/COCOM level Commander’s Action Group.
• 3 years of proven experience building business/communication strategies and drafting senior executive products using advanced analytic and writing skills.
• Diplomatic & Defense Background: Extensive, proven experience in international relations, military diplomacy, or strategic planning within the DOD, Department of State, or a Combatant Command environment (J2, J3, or J5 staff preferred).
• Executive Writing Mastery: Exceptional written communication skills, with a demonstrated history of producing executive-level briefing products, read-aheads, and talking points for general/flag officers or senior civilian leaders.
• Interagency Coordination: Proven capability to coordinate effectively across diverse stakeholders, including senior DOD components, U.S. Embassy teams (Country Teams/ODCs), and foreign military leaders.
• Strategic Capability: Strong understanding of current U.S. National Defense Strategy (NDS), National Security Strategy (NSS), and theater-level campaign planning.