SMX is seeking a Strategic Planner. This role leads strategic planning and integration efforts across the Army Intelligence Enterprise by translating organizational vision and mission objectives into actionable plans for software development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, zero trust architecture, and cybersecurity initiatives. The position serves as a key liaison between military leadership, technical teams, and mission partners, ensuring alignment between operational requirements and technical execution. Responsibilities include conducting requirements and capability analyses, managing service performance, and driving continual improvement across data and IT services. The role also oversees risk management, compliance, and change management activities, applying sound judgment in complex or ambiguous situations. Success in this position requires strong communication skills, the ability to navigate evolving technologies, and the capacity to operate effectively in a dynamic, fast‑paced environment.
This is a full-time onsite position in Ft. Belvoir, VA.
Essential Duties & Responsibilities
Strategic Planning & Integration
- Translate Army Intelligence Enterprise (AIE), including the Data Capabilities Division’s (DCD) strategic vision, mission objectives, and leadership intent into actionable plans for software development, data engineering, artificial intelligence, zero trust architecture (data pillar), and cybersecurity initiatives
- Define and integrate current and future mission environments to ensure alignment between operational requirements and technical execution
- Design and integrate comprehensive system strategies that outline vision, mission, and goals aligned with the organization's strategic plan and AIE and/or DCD objectives
- Develop and maintain policy, programs, and guidelines for implementation across multiple technical domains
- Monitor and promote awareness of system policies and strategies among management, ensuring sound principles are reflected in organizational mission, vision, and goals
Stakeholder Management & Communication
- Establish and maintain communication channels with stakeholders across the Army Intelligence Enterprise, including military leadership, technical teams, and mission partners
- Prepare and deliver reports, presentations, and briefings using visual aids and presentation technology, tailored to audience technical understanding
- Participate as a member of planning teams, coordination groups, and task forces as necessary
- Facilitate collaboration between military operational planners and IT professionals to ensure shared understanding
- Work with service managers and product owners to balance and prioritize services to meet overall customer requirements, constraints, and objectives
Requirements Analysis & Capability Planning
- Perform needs analysis to determine opportunities for new and improved business intelligence, data integration, and software solutions
- Conduct capabilities and requirements analysis to bridge military operational needs with IT service delivery
- Interpret and translate customer requirements (from ongoing military planning, operations, and readiness functions) into actions executable by IT professionals adapting industry-standard frameworks (e.g., ITIL, Agile)
- Develop system, network, performance, and system security requirements that support AIE mission objectives
- Focus research efforts to meet customer decision-making needs and information requirements
Service & Performance Management
- Assess data service SLAs for compliance with Army Intelligence architecture and governance standards, ensuring service descriptions, data availability parameters, and performance monitoring mechanisms are clearly articulated to support mission data integration.
- Develop methods to monitor and measure risk, compliance, and assurance efforts across managed applications • Gather feedback on customer satisfaction and internal service performance to foster continual improvement
- Provide ongoing optimization and problem-solving support for DCD-managed capabilities
- Provide recommendations for possible improvements and upgrades to existing systems and processes
Risk & Compliance Management
- Apply risk management processes and methodologies to assess and mitigate project and security risks across the application portfolio
- Exercise sound judgment when policies are not well-defined or when addressing novel situations
- Develop approaches or solutions to problems for which information is incomplete or for which no precedent exists
- Monitor the rigorous application of system policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of planning and management services
Change & Process Management
- Apply change models and frameworks to manage transitions across software development and data engineering initiatives
- Facilitate organizational process improvement using maturity models and best practices
- Determine validity of technology trends and their applicability to AIE mission requirements
- Interpret and understand complex and rapidly evolving concepts in artificial intelligence, zero trust, and cybersecurity domains
- Function effectively in a dynamic, fast-paced environment with competing priorities
Professional Core Attributes
- Strategic Thinking & Mission Alignment: Ability to connect organizational strategy to tactical execution; understand and articulate leadership intent
- Active Listening & Communication: Exceptional ability to communicate complex concepts to diverse audiences; translate between military operational language and IT technical terminology
- Problem Framing & Solution Development: Analytical mindset with ability to structure ambiguous problems and develop creative solutions
- Stakeholder Management: Build trust and maintain relationships across organizational boundaries; facilitate consensus among diverse stakeholder groups
- Execution & Results Orientation: Track record of delivering results in complex organizational environments; ability to move from planning to execution
- Risk-Centered Mindset: Proactive identification and management of risks; balance mission needs with security and compliance requirements
Required Skills, Experience & Education
- Active TS security clearance and eligible for SCI and NATO read-on prior to starting work.
- Bachelor’s degree in business administration, Information Technology, Computer Science, Systems Engineering, Intelligence Studies, or related field
- Minimum 5 years of experience in strategic planning, program management, or IT service management
- Demonstrated experience translating strategic objectives into executable technical plans
- Proven experience working with military or intelligence community organizations and understanding military planning processes
- Experience managing or coordinating software development, data engineering, or enterprise IT initiatives
Desired Skills/Experience/Certifications
- Meet all requirements to receive a privileged user (PU) account on a TS/SCI information system (e.g. AC2SP) prior to starting work. The requirements are currently defined in DoDD 8140.01. The PU account must be maintained even as DoD directives defining cybersecurity roles continue to evolve
- 7+ years of combined experience in IT planning, program management, or intelligence operations
- Experience specifically with Army, DoD, or Intelligence Community organizations and their unique planning cycles and processes
- Direct experience with data engineering, artificial intelligence/machine learning initiatives, or zero trust architecture implementation
- Experience with Risk Management Framework (RMF) processes and cybersecurity compliance
- Background working with cloud computing environments (IaaS, PaaS, SaaS) and cloud migration planning
- Experience with Capability Maturity Model Integration (CMMI) or similar process improvement frameworks
- National Defense University (NDU) College of Information and Cyberspace (CIC) or School of Advanced Military Studies (SAMS) graduate certificate(s)
- ITIL Foundation or higher
- Project Management Professional (PMP) or Program Management Professional (PgMP)
- Agile Certified Practitioner (PMI-ACP) or SAFe Program Consultant (SPC)
- SAFe Agilist (SA), SAFe Program Consultant (SPC), or Lean Portfolio Management certification
- Certified ScrumMaster (CSM) or Project Management Professional-Agile Certified Practitioner (PMP-ACP)
Application Deadline: June 1, 2026
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The SMX salary determination process takes into account a number of factors, including but not limited to, geographic location, Federal Government contract labor categories, relevant prior work experience, specific skills, education and certifications. At SMX, one of our Core Values is to Invest in Our People so we offer a competitive mix of compensation, learning & development opportunities, and benefits. Some key components of our robust benefits include health insurance, paid leave, and retirement.
The proposed salary for this position is:
$165,000—$190,000 USD
At SMX®, we are a team of technical and domain experts dedicated to enabling your mission. From priority national security initiatives for the DoD to highly assured and compliant solutions for healthcare, we understand that digital transformation is key to your future success.
We share your vision for the future and strive to accelerate your impact on the world. We bring both cutting edge technology and an expansive view of what’s possible to every engagement. Our delivery model and unique approaches harness our deep technical and domain knowledge, providing forward-looking insights and practical solutions to power secure mission acceleration.
SMX is an Equal Opportunity employer including disabilities and veterans.
Selected applicant may be subject to a background investigation and/or education verification.
SMX does not sponsor a new applicant for employment authorization or immigration related support for this position (i.e. H1B, F-1 OPT, F-1 STEM OPT, F-1 CPT, J-1, TN, E-2, E-3, L-1 and O-1, or any EADs or other forms of work authorization that require immigration support from an employer).
