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Subject Matter Expert – OSD (Research & Engineering) Action Officer, TS/SCI

Arlington, VA

We are seeking a highly skilled and experienced Subject Matter Expert (SME) – Action Officer to support the Department of Defense (DoD) by providing specialized expertise, analytical support, and operational assistance to senior executive leadership. This role requires a strong technical foundation, subject matter expertise, and the ability to contribute to high-priority initiatives and activities across the DoD enterprise.

Key Responsibilities

Subject Matter Expertise

    • Provide expertise in at least one of the following domains:
      • Cybersecurity
      • Cyberspace operations
      • Electromagnetic spectrum operations
      • Department of Defense science and technology enterprise and processes

Strategic and Analytical Support

    • Synthesize complex data into actionable insights for senior executive strategic planning.
    • Prepare high-quality memoranda, letters, presentations, and talking points for executive-level stakeholders.
    • Maintain situational awareness of ongoing research and development efforts.
    • Assist with inputs to critical processes, including Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE); Joint Requirements Oversight Council (JROC); and Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS).
    • Contribute to program budget development in support of the President’s Budget submission.
    • Analyze and refine processes to enhance organizational efficiency.

Documentation and Review

    • Assist in the preparation and review of:
      • Strategic research plans
      • Statements of work (SOWs) and memoranda of agreement
      • Information papers and responses to Requests for Information (RFIs)
      • Reports and presentations, including Quarterly Portfolio Reviews and Weekly Activity Reports
    • Support the collection of data for funding documents and other technical needs.

Portfolio and Action Management

    • Develop monthly quantitative reports on projects and activities.
    • Track, document, and distribute action items across the portfolio.
    • Coordinate meetings and correspondence with senior DoD personnel to align technical objectives and priorities.
    • Record and disseminate meeting minutes and action items, ensuring follow-through on pending tasks.
    • Provide executive-level guidance on upcoming milestones and deliverables.

Stakeholder Engagement

    • Represent executive priorities and objectives in engagements with internal and external stakeholders.
    • Plan, coordinate, and lead portfolio activities, conferences, and events.
    • Support executive-level speaking engagements by preparing or coordinating necessary materials.
    • Assist with building relationships and improving portfolio visibility and alignment with stakeholder objectives.

Task Management

    • Coordinate and track RFIs, Questions for Records (QFRs), and task responses.
    • Manage taskers and deliver regular status updates to executives.
    • Ensure responses are technically accurate, properly coordinated, and aligned with stakeholder guidance.

Event and Travel Coordination

    • Arrange and support CONUS and OCONUS engagements for executives.
    • Attend events and travel as needed to support strategic objectives.
    • Prepare engagement agendas, document minutes, and manage follow-up action items.
    • Draft comprehensive trip reports for review.

Qualifications

  • Education:
    • Minimum: Bachelor’s degree in a relevant field (e.g., Cybersecurity, Engineering, Computer Science, or related disciplines).
    • Preferred: Master’s degree or higher in a relevant field.
  • Experience:
    • OSD, Joint Staff or relevant military experience
    • Minimum: 10 years of professional experience, including expertise in one or more of the specified domains.
    • Preferred: 15 years of professional experience, with demonstrated leadership in relevant areas.
  • Additional Qualifications:
    • Proven ability to provide high-level analytical and operational support to senior executives.
    • Familiarity with Department of Defense processes, including PPBE, JROC, and JCIDS.
    • Strong interpersonal, communication, and stakeholder engagement skills.
    • Expertise in utilizing tools such as task management systems and data analysis platforms.
    • Ability to manage and prioritize multiple responsibilities in a fast-paced, technical environment.
    • TS/SCI Clearance

Blue Sky Innovators, Inc. is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to sex, race, color, religion, national origin, disability, protected Veteran status, age, or any other characteristic protected by law. If you are a qualified job seeker with a disability or a disabled veteran, you have the right to request an accommodation if you are unable or limited in your ability to use or access http://www.blueskyinnovators.com as a result of your disability. To request an accommodation, please email us at careers@blueskyinnovators.com and provide your name and contact information. Please note: this is only for job seekers with disabilities requesting an accommodation.

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