Action Officer- Strategic Focus

Arlington, VA, United States

Overview

Systems Planning and Analysis, Inc. (SPA) delivers high-impact, technical solutions to complex national security issues. With over 50 years of business expertise and consistent growth, we are known for continuous innovation for our government customers, in both the US and abroad. Our exceptionally talented team is highly collaborative in spirit and practice, producing Results that Matter . Come work with the best! We offer opportunity, unique challenges, and clear-sighted commitment to the mission. SPA: Objective. Responsive. Trusted.

The Joint, Office of the Secretary of Defense, Interagency Division provides expert support services to a range of customers spanning across the Department of Defense, Federal Civilian, and international markets. JOID provides a diverse portfolio of analytical and programmatic capabilities to help our customers make informed decisions on their most challenging issues.

The Acquisition and Technology Analysis Group within JOID specializes in the application of multi-disciplinary analytic skills to support multiple clients within the Department of Defense (DoD). These clients include the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (OUSD(R&E)), Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition and Sustainment (OUSD(A&S)), DARPA, the Joint Staff, and USINDOPACOM. SPA provides critical decision support to enabling and executing a strategy of technological superiority and enabling the delivery and sustainment of secure, resilient, and preeminent capabilities to the warfighter quickly and cost effectively. Our team of experienced military, technical, and operations research analysts is skilled in evaluating military problems, identifying the driving factors, devising innovative approaches, collecting applicable data, developing necessary software tools, and performing thorough and timely assessments to inform technology and acquisition governance decisions to ensure U.S. military forces retain military superiority in the future.

SPA has an immediate need for an Action Officer with a Strategic Focus to provide onsite support in Arlington, VA.

Responsibilities

The Biological Technologies Office (BTO) at DARPA is seeking a highly motivated and skilled candidate for the position of Action Officer (Strategic). This role provides comprehensive and seamless support to the Office Director (OD) and Deputy Director (DD), focusing on long-term strategic initiatives and project management. The Action Officer will play a critical role in developing and executing the multi-year strategic plan for the BTO, ensuring alignment with DARPA’s mission and goals. Collaborate with the Office Director, Deputy Director, lead Technical SETA, and other senior leaders to develop and implement the BTO's long-term strategic plan, ensuring alignment with DARPA's overall mission and objectives. Identify and analyze emerging trends, opportunities, and challenges in the biological and technological domains to inform strategic decision-making. Translate the BTO's strategic vision into actionable plans and initiatives, and monitor their progress and effectiveness. Conduct in-depth analyses of complex scientific, technological, and programmatic issues in conjunction with the front office science team and intelligence analysts to inform strategic decision-making and provide recommendations to BTO leadership. Stay abreast of relevant policies, regulations, and governance frameworks that impact BTO's operations and research activities, and advise leadership on compliance and risk management strategies. Provide strategic guidance and oversight for BTO's high-impact projects, ensuring they align with the office's long-term objectives and priorities. Oversee the formation of BTO’s advisory council (BSAT) and run BSAT meetings. Collaborate with technical staff to develop and refine project strategies, milestones, and success metrics. Identify, cultivate, and manage strategic partnerships and collaborations with key external stakeholders, including other government agencies, academic institutions, industry partners, and international entities. Develop and oversee the implementation of BTO's strategic communications plan, ensuring effective and consistent messaging across all channels and audiences. Collaborate with the Tactical Action Officer and other staff to prepare high-level strategic documents, such as annual reports, strategic plans, and project summaries, for internal and external stakeholders. Engage with DARPA's Public Affairs Office to manage BTO's media relations and external communications, ensuring alignment with the office's strategic objectives and messaging.

Qualifications

Required:

Bachelor's Degree in a biological, chemical, or related field

Active Secret clearance and able to obtain TS/SCI

Willingness to be onsite at DARPA headquarters most of the time (anticipated travel 10%-20%)

Experience in strategy development in the commercial Science and Technology (S&T) sector, U.S. Government, or the armed forces

Experience working on Research and Development (R&D) or Science and Technology (S&T) portfolios

Exceptional team player with excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to multi-task and reprioritize continuously in a fast-paced environment

Desired:

Advanced degree

Active TS/SCI clearance

Demonstrated ability to work effectively with diverse teams and stakeholders

Proactive and self-motivated with a strong sense of ownership and responsibility