USSOCOM J3 - Senior International Relations Strategy SME

Rigid Tactical is seeking a highly qualified Senior International Relations Strategy Subject Matter Expert (SME) to support the USSOCOM J3-I Engagements Branch. The J3-I Engagements Branch plans, coordinates, and executes numerous high-level multilateral events and multinational conferences annually. Due to the significant volume and executive-level nature of these engagements, this position provides critical, expert-level support for research, strategic planning, official correspondence drafting, itinerary development, and briefing/read-ahead (RAH) preparation. The Senior SME will work dynamically with personnel at all levels across the Department of Defense (DOD), U.S. Embassies, and partner nations globally. This role requires an exceptionally experienced planner with flawless writing and communication skills.

Employment is contingent upon contract award.

• Location MacDill, AFB, Tampa FL
• Clearance - TS/ SCI eligible 

Qualifications/ 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.

Duties / Responsibilities

• Strategy Formulation: 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.
• International Relations Counsel: Provide expert international relations advice and deep domain expertise to leadership regarding complex bilateral and multilateral international engagements.
• Policy Alignment: Maintain constant situational awareness and expertise regarding current U.S. foreign policy and defense strategy for international relations.
• Directorate Synchronization: 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.
• Read-Ahead Package Production: 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.
• Quality Assurance: Provide meticulous quality assurance, expertise, and editorial oversight to the drafting of all official international correspondence.
• RFI Resolution: Rapidly and accurately respond to Requests for Information (RFIs) from Division, Directorate, and Command Group leadership regarding International Key Leader Engagements (KLEs).
• Security Procedures: Perform critical close-out and escort duties as part of the Division’s Security Procedure.