Operational Planning Support Specialist / Task Order Manager

By Light Professional IT Services LLC readies warfighters and federal agencies with technology and systems engineered to connect, protect, and prepare individuals and teams for whatever comes next. Headquartered in McLean, VA, By Light supports defense, civilian, and commercial IT customers worldwide.

We are seeking a seasoned Operational Planning Support Specialist to join our team supporting the Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA) J-5 Planning Directorate. This dual-role position combines high-level operational planning expertise with Task Order Management responsibilities. The ideal candidate will bring extensive experience with Joint and Adaptive Planning systems, cyber operations integration, and managing complex planning efforts across joint military environments.

Operational Planning Support

Provide expert-level support for strategic and operational planning aligned with the Joint Planning Process (JPP) and Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX).

• Assist in mission analysis, Course of Action (COA) development, campaign planning, and generation of operation orders.

• Engage with Joint Planning Groups (JPGs), Operational Planning Teams (OPTs), and Crisis Action Teams (CATs) in support of both steady-state and contingency operations.

• Support DISA's strategic integration efforts by incorporating cyberspace capabilities into joint operational plans.

• Identify and define mission-relevant terrain in cyberspace in collaboration with Combatant Commands and JFHQ-DODIN.

• Utilize planning tools such as JPES, JOPES, and GCCS-J for plan development and execution tracking.

Task Order Management

• Serve as the Task Order Manager for the contract, ensuring deliverables meet or exceed 95% quality and timeliness metrics per the Quality Assurance Surveillance Plan (QASP).

• Oversee day-to-day task execution, quality assurance, and deliverable compliance across all assigned task areas.

• Coordinate and submit monthly status reports, manage surge requirements, and ensure alignment with contractual milestones and strategic objectives.

• Lead cross-functional coordination to align operational planning with resource allocation and mission execution within the J3/J5/J7 enterprise.

• Minimum of 8 years' experience in joint military planning, operations, or strategy.

• Demonstrated expertise in developing and coordinating multi-unit operational plans.

• Strong background in Course of Action (COA) development and analysis.

• Proficient in the Military Adaptive Planning and Execution (APEX) process.

• Direct experience supporting Combatant Commands (CCMDs), USCYBERCOM, or JFHQ-DODIN.

• Hands-on experience with cyber operations planning and Cyber Protection Team (CPT) mission execution.

• Familiarity with planning tools: JPES, JOPES, GCCS-J.

• Currently holds a DoD 8570 certification at IAT or IAM Level I.

• Experience in a leadership or oversight role within a DoD planning environment.

• Proven ability to lead teams in a dynamic, time-sensitive mission environment.

• Familiarity with Joint Information Environment (JIE) initiatives and DODIN operations.

• PMP or equivalent program management certification.

This position requires a TS/SCI clearance at the time of application.

Salary Minimum:170,000.00

Salary Maximum:$185,000.00

The annual base salary provided is a guideline for this position and is not a guarantee of compensation or salary. When extending an offer, By Light also considers other variables such as (but not limited to) work experience, education, training, skill set, internal peer equity, clearance level, and market conditions. In addition, By Light provides an extensive selection of benefits and offerings to our employees.