Liaison Officer

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.

SPAs NATO Allied Command Transformation Group within JOID provides capability development, portfolio management, program management, quality management, cost estimation analysis, standardization, reporting, software solutions and information management, and capability management support. We also provide an improved capability requirements capture process, including the generation, documentation and tracing of user requirements, with appropriate technical scrutiny, over the entire lifecycle of the requirements from capability definition through capability realization and capability usage. 

We have a near-term need for a U.S. Liaison Officer to Congress for NATO ACT to provide onsite support out of Washington, DC.

Responsibilities

The candidate will monitor and analyze the U.S. defense budget process from planning through execution, identifying key implications for NATO and Allied Command Transformation (ACT). Track Congressional defense reforms, legislative initiatives, hearings, and committee activities relevant to NATO while assessing the political dynamics surrounding defense-related legislation and identifying key influencers, priorities, and emerging agendas. Provide strategic analysis and reporting on Congressional debates and decisions concerning Ukraine and broader Euro-Atlantic security, as well as U.S. defense budget issues related to the U.S. troop presence in Europe and ongoing burden-sharing discussions. Develop and maintain relationships with Members of Congress and Congressional staff, providing tailored briefings on ACT and NATO priorities and planning informal engagements, meetings, and other outreach activities to enhance ACT visibility. Coordinate with U.S. executive agencies, NATO missions, and Allied embassies to promote consistent messaging and will produce regular reports for the Supreme Allied Commander Transformation (SACT) and Political Advisor (POLAD) on Congressional trends, risks, and opportunities. The candidate will also support ACT delegations, visits by SACT and Flag Officers, and engagements with Congress. Contribute to NATO's broader engagement with think tanks, academia, and the Washington policy community and facilitate ACT participation in hearings, conferences, and networking events. The position will perform additional duties as directed by the POLAD in support of NATO's Political-Military engagement and must be willing to travel within the United States and to NATO headquarters as required for up to 30 days per year.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Law, or a similar field with demonstrated Congressional staff experience.
• Proven experience of 2+ years working with or within the U.S. Congress, particularly on defense, appropriations, and foreign policy issues.
• Proven track record of success in a government relations position, with demonstrated ability to manage a legislative portfolio, understand and communicate complex policies, and successfully navigate the legislative process.
• Excellent communication skills, including the ability to interface effectively with elected officials, policymakers, and key Congressional and Federal staff verbally, in writing, and through professional interpersonal engagement to inform, educate, and persuade in support of ACT initiatives.
• Ability to work and communicate effectively with colleagues across departments to gather the resources, skills, and expertise necessary to convey NATO ACT's message on Capitol Hill and across administrations.
• Ability to represent NATO ACT and advocate the organization's policy positions to Congress, the Executive Branch, think tanks, and other relevant stakeholders.
• Ability to develop and implement long- and short-term action plans that support the accomplishment of NATO ACT initiatives related to innovation, capability development, and other assigned topics.
• Ability to establish and maintain positive working relationships with appropriate personnel in assigned Congressional and Federal administrative and regulatory agencies through regular engagement; remain current on rulings and rulemaking proceedings; and prepare analyses and/or statements on these matters.
• Strong expertise in defense policy, international security, and Political-Military affairs.
• In-depth knowledge of the U.S. Congressional process, including authorization and appropriations cycles.
• Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex political and budgetary information into actionable recommendations.
• U.S. nationality and fluency in English at C1 level or higher.
• Ability to operate autonomously in a fast-paced environment while contributing effectively to a team-oriented culture.
• Active U.S. or NATO Secret clearance.
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs. 

Desired:

• Master's degree or higher in Political Science, International Relations, Economics, Law, or a similar field.
• Familiarity with NATO structures, priorities, and transformation agenda.
• Previous experience in liaison, advisory, or diplomatic roles.
• Previous experience with the U.S. Department of State or the U.S. Department of Defense.
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Pay Range Information

At SPA, we strive to deliver a robust total compensation package that will attract and retain top talent. Elements of the compensation package include competitive base pay and variable compensation opportunities. SPA provides eligible employees with an opportunity to enroll in a variety of benefit programs, generally including health insurance, flexible spending accounts, health savings accounts, retirement savings plans, life and disability insurance programs, and a number of programs that provide for both paid and unpaid time away from work. The specific programs and options available to any given employee may vary depending on eligibility factors such as geographic location, date of hire, etc. Please note that the salary information shown below is a general guideline only. Salaries are commensurate with experience and qualifications, as well as market and business considerations. Virginia, Pay Transparency Salary range: USD $120,000.00/Yr. - USD $170,000.00/Yr.