Public Affairs Planner

Description: Public Affairs Planner

The Ascendancy Group’s Mission To be the unequaled provider of special operations forces (SOF) and Intelligence Community focused technical, service, and training-based solutions.

Overview The Public Affairs Planner position is a full-time position conducting fact based and American Audience focused influence operations, and narrative integration planning.as part of Operations in the Information Environment (OIE). This role directly supports joint force and interagency planning teams by integrating public affairs equities into OIE campaign design, ensuring synchronization with MISO, MILDEC, OPSEC, Cyber, CA and information activities.

This position is contingent upon contract award.

Security Requirement: TS/SCI or TS w/SCI Eligibility

Roles and Responsibilities:

• Integrates Public Affairs (PA) equities into joint OIE campaign plans, narrative development, and influence operations planning.
• Develops public messaging themes, synchronize narratives, and draft PA input for operational-level OIE plans.
• Coordinates PA planning with MISO, MILDEC, OPSEC, CA and Cyber planners to ensure deconfliction and message alignment.
• Advises OIE planners on likely adversary and partner reactions to public messaging in support of influence operations.
• Conducts media environment assessments to inform messaging strategies across global and regional platforms.
• Tracks foreign media narratives, adversary propaganda, and foreign malign influence operations.
• Supports the Information Joint Function by providing PA assessments of the Information Environment’s Human Aspects and Informational Aspects.
• Develops PA estimates, talking points, media analysis products, and messaging recommendations for operational planning.
• Collaborates with interagency public affairs elements, multinational partners, and Combatant Command PA teams.

Required Qualifications:

• Degree in Strategic Communication, Public Affairs, National Security, or Information Environment Operations or equivalent operational experience
• Experience in public affairs, strategic communication, or information environment planning
• Direct experience supporting OIE campaign planning or integration of public affairs into multi-domain operations
• Demonstrated understanding of Information Joint Function, Operations in the Information Environment (OIE), and informational capabilities synchronization
• Experience conducting media assessments, foreign influence tracking, and public narrative analysis
• Proficiency with open-source media monitoring tools (e.g., Babel Street, Meltwater, Talkwalker, CrowdTangle, Echosec)
• Familiarity with MISO, MILDEC, OPSEC, and Cyber operations to ensure public affairs integration and deconfliction

Preferred Qualifications:

• Defense Information School (DINFOS) training or Joint PAO Planning Certification
• Foreign language skills aligned to AORs (Arabic, Mandarin, Russian, Farsi)
• Experience supporting USSOCOM, CENTCOM, INDOPACOM, or J39 organizations
• Experience supporting joint force OIE planning cells or Combatant Command PA staffs
• Familiarity with foreign malign influence, disinformation tactics, and narrative countermeasures

The Ascendancy Group (TAG) was founded on and thrives based on relationships, reputation, and trust. We are passionate about everything we do. One hundred percent of our government-focused teammates are former members of the Department of Defense or the Intelligence Community who still believe in supporting our nation. We offer like-minded individuals the opportunity to continue working in small teams on unique and challenging problem sets that further our nation's security. To expedite your application, provide the following information when you apply:

• Do you have an active TS/SCI Clearance? If not, are you eligible for one?
• Total number of years professional experience
• List the highest degree earned and the field of study
• List the second highest degree earned and the field of study
• Provide your experience as it relates to this role. Please be specific.

If you possess the experience, qualifications and drive required for this position, please APPLY NOW for consideration!

Requirements: