Task Lead – Policy and Management Analyst

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 Industry and Security Analysis Group (ISAG) within JOID provides analytical, technical, and program support to promote, grow, and protect the U.S. industrial base. ISAG’s support spans the Department of Defense (DOD), Department of Commerce, and other agencies to deliver critical decision support to national security leaders. Our team informs policy decisions, enables execution of comprehensive strategies and monitors and reports on the effectiveness of implementation. This enables senior leaders to execute strategies for developing and sustaining a robust industrial base that meets our nation’s strategic resource objectives. From policy to practice, we are a team of economic and national security professionals providing innovative solutions for our Nation’s most pressing security challenges.

We have an immediate need for a Task Lead - Policy and Management Analyst to provide onsite support to the OSW Damage Assessment Management Office (DAMO) in Linthicum, MD, with the potential of working at alternative sites across the National Capital Region (e.g., Mark Center, Pentagon, etc.) based on client needs.

Responsibilities

This role supports the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research and Engineering’s (OUSW(R&E’s)) DAMO. The candidate will serve as a Policy and Management Analyst and Task Lead within the OUSW (R&E’s) Office of Science & Technology Program Protection. The role involves close collaboration with DoW and USG organizations, onsite USG clients, and DoW leadership at locations including the Mark Center and Pentagon. The Task Lead will oversee day‑to‑day execution of team tasking, ensure deliverable quality, manage timelines, and coordinate with government stakeholders. Responsibilities include managing task activities, ensuring alignment with government priorities, facilitating team coordination, and providing status reporting and requirements tracking for all assigned work. Support the development of draft policy and issuance documents establishing OSW damage and risk assessment policy and procedures for analyzing compromised technical information from Defense Industrial Base (DIB) unclassified networks. This work is conducted in coordination with the Military Departments (MilDeps), other OSW offices, Defense Agencies, and other appropriate DoW activities. Additional responsibilities include supporting OSW oversight of MilDep cyber incident damage assessments involving the DIB; coordinating cyber incident damage and risk assessments within OUSD(R&E) and with key stakeholders across OSW, the MilDeps, and other Federal agencies; and managing execution of cyber incident damage assessments, policy development, interagency coordination, and process development. Provide team leadership, operational guidance, and collaboration across interdisciplinary technical and policy experts.

Qualifications

Required:

• Bachelor's degree in political science, public policy, public administration, international relations, or a related discipline.
• Active TS/SCI clearance.
• 7+ years of experience.
• Experience conducting in-depth policy and program assessments related to defense capabilities and technologies.
• Experience working with an interdisciplinary team of experts that collectively recommends operational policy inputs and assists with management of day-to-day operations focused on protecting DoW controlled defense information.
• Experience leading tasks, coordinating workstreams, managing deliverables, or performing project or program oversight functions.
• Exceptional oral and written communication skills; excellent interpersonal and organizational skills.
• Proficiency with computers, search-functionality, databases, and Microsoft Office Suite.
• Able to work onsite full-time based on client needs.

Desired:

• Project Management Professional (PMP) Certification.
• Military experience or experience working in DoW.
• Experience working with the DoW Intelligence or Counterintelligence Communities.
• Demonstrated ability to work from high-level, limited, and evolving guidance to produce timely and effective results.
• Ability to work both independently and with personnel from multiple organizations.
• Familiarity with DoW cybersecurity, technology development and protection, and acquisition policies.
• Experience leading small teams, managing task execution, coordinating requirements, or supporting program/project management activities.