Senior Strategic Communications Planner - SOS International LLC - Reston, VA

SOS International LLC (SOSi) is seeking a Senior Strategic Communications Planner (SSCP) for a full-time position supporting our United States Government (USG) customer. The SSCP serves as a civilian counterpart to customers working with senior military personnel to plan for, develop and execute strategic communications plans. This position reports to the In-Country Program Manager in Kabul Afghanistan.

Essential Job Duties:

• Acts as a planner and advisor to U.S. and Coalition MISO and IO Officers * Assists in long term and short term planning of MISO and IO that support USG strategic objectives


• Provides research and insight to support target audience analysis and product development


• Incorporates assessments in MISO process


• Integrates pillars of IO within planning and execution


• Produces Operation Plans (OPLANs), Operation Orders (OPORDs), Fragmentation Orders (FRAGOs), white papers, and other military documents as required


• Prepares and presents briefs for senior USG and military officials, and Afghan Government leaders. Work products must be of General Officer or Senior Executive level quality


• Liaises with representatives from various governmental and non-governmental organizations


• As a liaison, synchronize, de-conflict between supported organization and other IO related agencies * Serves as continuity for supported organization

Minimum Requirements

• US citizenship with a valid, active DOD TOP SECRET with SCI eligibility security clearance


• Bachelor’s Degree and experience and familiarity with the Afghan and international media environment strongly preferred


• Minimum 10+ years of experience working in Strategic Communication/IO/PSYOP disciplines with the U.S. military, and have held the rank or equivalent of O-5/GS-14.


• Understanding of the PSYOP/MISO process


• Familiar with Military Decision Making Process (MDMP)


• Current or previous support to the USCENTCOM AOR desired


• Demonstrated knowledge and understanding of the culture, history, politics, economics and ethnographic makeup of Afghanistan


• Possess excellent written, oral, and interpersonal skills to liaise effectively with senior U.S. and Afghan Government leaders. Work products must be of General Officer or Senior Executive level quality.


• Must have working proficiency in Microsoft Office Power Point, Excel, and Word


• Proficient operating required computer and communications equipment, including standard word processing, graphic presentation, spreadsheet and email software


• Work cooperatively with the U.S. military, other U.S. governmental agencies, and their counterparts from the international community represented in Afghanistan


• Function effectively during heightened threat levels and extended periods of high stress and physical danger and discomfort


• Organize and properly prioritize work assignments and function well in an environment that requires constant multi-tasking – and often long hours


• Excellent written, oral, briefing, interpersonal and technical skillsAdditional Information

Work Environment:

• Live and work daily with Coalition Forces in austere conditions across Afghanistan. Function effectively and efficiently in a combat zone, during extended periods of high pressure and stress * Ability to wear up to 45 lbs of combat gear, including vest and helmet


• Travel outside secure compounds independent of Coalition Forces, as required


• Dari and/or Pashto language skills desired

Job Type: Full-time

Required experience:

• Strategic Communication/IO/PSYOP disciplines with the U.S. military, and have held the rank or equi: 10 years

Required license or certification:

• DOD TOP SECRET with SCI eligibility security clearance

Required education:

Required language:

• Dari and/or Pashto preferred