Hoplite Group · 2 days ago
Middle East Strategic Communication Planner
Tampa, FL
Full-time
Onsite
Senior Level
5+ years expHoplite Group is seeking a Middle East Strategic Communication Planner to support contracted services for the U.S. Central Command (CENTCOM) Public Affairs Directorate. The role involves executing communication strategies, ensuring accurate information dissemination, and supporting senior leader decision-making within the CENTCOM area of responsibility.
AdviceAnalyticsManagement ConsultingRisk ManagementTraining
No H1B
Security Clearance RequiredU.S. Citizen Only
Responsibilities
Maintain situational awareness of CENTCOM's current and future planning and exercise priorities
Develop and coordinate written Proposed Public Affairs Guidance (PPAG), talking points (TPs), and other communication products
Create Public Affairs and communication strategies, and supporting documentation for CENTCOM operational plans, including Annexes, FRAGOs, and EXORDs
Establish and maintain relationships with CENTCOM directorates (e.g., J3, J5) to develop supporting public affairs plans and products
Coordinate public affairs efforts with higher PA authorities and subordinate PA commands
Participate in CENTCOM’s Boards, Bureaus, Centers, Cells, and Working Groups (B2C2WG) as required
Collaborate with other information-related capabilities within CENTCOM, higher headquarters, and interagency partners
Ensure CCPA’s Public Affairs equities are accurately represented and integrated across directorates
Coordinate all plans and products with higher PA authorities, subordinate commands, and other Public Affairs entities within a whole-of-government communication approach
Brief CCPA leadership on B2C2WG participation and highlight how communication equities were represented in planning
Manage assigned accounts within the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR), rotating as needed to build expertise
Provide interagency expertise and regional knowledge of CENTCOM AOR demographics and cultures to evaluate communication products for effectiveness
Research English and non-English open-source information and coordinate with CCPA branches and staff sections to ensure plans reflect intended messaging
Write public readouts of senior leader engagements and coordinate with interagency and international partners
Support emergent 24/7 surge requirements during crises or contingency operations, as directed by CCPA leadership
Develop, plan, and participate in CENTCOM’s exercise planning conferences throughout the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC), including Initial Planning Conferences (IPC), Main Planning Conferences (MPC), and Final Planning Conferences (FPC). Provide daily reports during exercises and After-Action Reports (AARs) afterward
Provide public affairs support to CENTCOM crisis response and contingency operations as required
Review and manage requests such as FOIAs, DOPSRs, and TMTs, ensuring compliance with DoD Principles of Information, Public Affairs guidelines, and applicable regulations. Prepare Public Release determinations and coordinate with directorates for review processes
Information Gathering: search and collect data from diverse sources, including online platforms, databases, publications, and reports. Analysis: analyze the collected information to identify trends, patterns, and insights that may be valuable for the organization. This will involve data analysis, content analysis, or other analytical techniques
Assessment of Credibility: evaluate the credibility and reliability of the information gathered to ensure that accurate and trustworthy data is used for decision-making
Reporting: prepare reports, summaries, or presentations based on analysis to communicate findings to relevant stakeholders within the organization
Monitoring and Alerting: continuously monitor sources for new information relevant to the organization and set up alerts or notifications to ensure timely awareness of important developments
Risk Assessment: assess potential risks and opportunities based on the information gathered, helping the organization to make informed decisions and mitigate potential threats
Collaboration: collaborate with other Specialists or departments within the organization to share insights and coordinate responses to emerging issues
Tool and Technology Utilization: stay updated on tools and technologies used for information gathering and analysis, such as data mining software, social media monitoring tools, and analytical platforms
Stakeholder Engagement: engage with external stakeholders to exchange information, collaborate on analysis efforts, and build partnerships for mutual benefit
Legal and Ethical Compliance: ensure compliance with legal and ethical standards governing the collection and use of publicly and commercially available information, including privacy laws and intellectual property rights
Training and Development: provide training to colleagues on effective methods for gathering and analyzing publicly and commercially available information or contribute to the development of best practices within the organization
Crisis Response: During crisis situations or emergencies, provide real-time updates and analysis to support decision-making and response efforts
Quality Assurance: ensure the accuracy, relevance, and reliability of the information analyzed, employing rigorous quality assurance processes to maintain high standards of data integrity
Strategic Planning: participate in strategic planning processes by providing insights and recommendations based on the analysis of publicly and commercially available information, helping to shape the organization's goals and priorities
Qualification
Required
Minimum 5–7 years of experience in strategic communications, public affairs, or government/military planning
Prior experience supporting U.S. military operations, combatant commands, or interagency communication efforts in the CENTCOM Area of Responsibility (AOR)
In-depth knowledge of Middle Eastern demographics, cultures, politics, and regional dynamics
Experience integrating cultural and demographic considerations into communication strategies
Familiarity with interagency coordination and Partner Nation communication sensitivities
Proven ability to develop and synchronize Public Affairs Guidance (PPAG), talking points, annexes, and communication strategies to support operational plans
Skilled in drafting strategic messaging, media products, and after-action reports under tight deadlines
Strong research skills, including use of English and non-English open-source information
Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite and collaboration tools; familiarity with media monitoring platforms
Exceptional written and oral communication skills with the ability to brief senior leaders confidently
Experience engaging with U.S. government agencies, military leadership, and international partners
Ability to represent CENTCOM equities in high-level boards, bureaus, working groups, and joint planning conferences
Willingness to work in the Middle East and travel within the CENTCOM AOR as required
Flexibility to support 24/7 operations, surge requirements, and crisis/contingency responses
Experience participating in the Joint Exercise Life Cycle (JELC) planning process
Minimum 3–5 years of professional experience in public affairs, media relations, or military communication support
Prior experience supporting U.S. military operations, government agencies, or working in high-pressure media environments
Strong knowledge of media relations, news cycles, and crisis communication strategies
Proven ability to draft press releases, talking points, official statements, and briefing materials under tight deadlines
Skilled in real-time media monitoring, open-source intelligence gathering, and producing analytical media reports
Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and media monitoring/analysis tools
Excellent oral and written communication skills; confident public speaker and briefer
Ability to engage with senior military leaders, government officials, and journalists with professionalism and discretion
Strong judgment and decision-making skills, especially in crisis or contingency situations
Willingness and ability to support 24/7 operations, including nights, weekends, and surge requirements during crises
Ability to relocate or travel on short notice in support of the CENTCOM Continuity of Operations (COOP) plan and temporary duty (TDY) assignments
Experience coordinating media embeds, press briefings, and executive-level engagements
Top Secret/Secure Classified Information (TS/SCI) Security Clearance Required
Bachelor's degree in Communications, Journalism, Public Affairs, International Relations, or related field (Master's preferred)
Company
Hoplite Group
Hoplite Group is a management consulting agency that provides analytical products and services to government organizations.
11-50 employees
Funding
Current Stage
Early StageLeadership Team
Ioannis Koskinas
CEO
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