VEO Functional Expert "Air Power Strategist"

Pay Rate:

The annual base salary range for this position $114,800 - $155,800. Please note that the salary information is a general guideline only. At Sawdey Solution Services, we recognize that attracting the best talent is key to our strategy and success as a company. We will consider several factors when extending an offer to an applicant. These factors include (but are not limited to) the position, associated responsibilities, work experience, education, related training, and related skills.

Position Location: Arlington, VA

Telework/Work-from-Home Authorized:

No

About the Role:

We are seeking a highly experienced Violent Extremist Organizations (VEOs) Functional Expert with dual responsibilities as an Air Power Strategist. The candidate will advise on operational, political-military (Pol-Mil), and strategic challenges associated with countering VEOs while delivering expert analysis and recommendations on air power projection.

The candidate will operate in a dynamic, joint/coalition environment, offering rapid, high-level advice to senior DoD and interagency stakeholders. This role requires strategic vision, operational acumen, and subject matter depth in counterterrorism, regional security, and air power application.

Additional Responsibilities Include, but are not Limited To:

VEO Functional Expertise

• Serve as the Air Force’s consultable SME on VEO and C-VEO operations (near-term horizon: 0–24 months).
• Advise the Joint Staff and Combatant Commanders on optimizing Air Force capabilities against VEO threats.
• Provide assessments ensuring VEO planning inputs are operationally feasible, resource-informed, and aligned with Title 10/22/32/50 authorities.
• Deliver rapid reach-back support to CCDRs, JFACCs, and JTF staffs for planning, contingencies, and exercises.
• Maintain situational awareness of Pol-Mil issues impacting AF equities in counterterrorism efforts.
• Support interactions with OSD, JS, MAJCOMs, C-NAFs, CCMDs, interagency, and allied/partner stakeholders.
• Draft position papers, prepare senior-level briefings, and contribute to operational plan development related to VEOs.
• Evaluate requirements, identify resourcing gaps, and recommend changes to organizational priorities related to VEO missions.

Air Power Strategist Functions

• Assess USAF air power projection strategies including force structure, deployment, and multi-domain integration.
• Lead or participate in Operational Planning Teams (OPTs) to shape joint and coalition strategies.
• Provide expert recommendations on advanced capabilities (e.g., hypersonics, fifth-generation platforms, unmanned systems, space/cyber integration).
• Deliver strategic briefings and white papers for General Officers and SES leadership.
• Ensure compliance with CMMC standards for safeguarding Controlled Unclassified Information (CUI).
• Analyze global air power trends, adversary capabilities, and implications for USAF modernization.
• Mentor junior staff and support professional development in air power strategy.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years federal experience (DoD/DoS), with at least 5 years at MAJCOM, HAF, or JS/CCMD (J2/3/5/8).
• Experience preparing Flag/General Officers for Congressional testimony related to counter-VEO or counterterrorism.
• Demonstrated experience advising senior leaders on air power strategy and joint force integration.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited institution (required).
• Advanced degree (MA/PhD) in regional studies, history, international affairs, national security, or related field preferred.

Other Required Skills & Abilities:

• In-depth knowledge of Air Staff and Joint administrative procedures, including PPBE, planning, policy, and operational implications.
• Formal education/training in VEO or counterterrorism Security Studies.
• Multiple in-country assignments related to VEO/CT issues with allies/partners in security cooperation, defense policy, or alliance management.
• Expertise in operational planning, policy development, and air power projection in joint/coalition environments.
• Strong analytical skills to assess strategic, operational, and logistical feasibility of counter-VEO operations.
• Excellent written/oral communication skills for preparing senior-level testimony, briefings, and policy documents.
• Familiarity with DoD cybersecurity and CMMC standards.
• Must be able to effectively communicate with customers and fulfill all duties and responsibilities as listed in the contract.
• Must be proficient in Microsoft Office suite including, but not limited to: Word, PowerPoint, Excel, and Outlook.

Additional Preferred Qualifications:

• Graduate-level PME (e.g., Air War College, SAASS).
• Experience in force modernization, PPBE, or acquisition processes.
• Background in emerging domains such as space, cyber, or autonomous systems.
• Prior Pentagon or senior-level interagency assignment.

Security Clearance Requirements:

Top Secret Clearance

Other: T.S. with SCI and SAP/SAR

US Citizenship Requirements:

This position supports a U.S. Government Contract whose terms require Sawdey Solution Services to staff it only with U.S. Citizens.