Wargaming Event Planner

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 (JOID) 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.

SPA's 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 Wargaming Event Planner to provide onsite support out of Norfolk, VA.

The candidate will coordinate, manage, and supervise all administrative, information technology (IT), security, facility, transportation, catering, and real-life support requirements for all events related to wargame planning, development, execution, and post-event activities. This includes, but is not limited to: the primary wargame event(s), planning conferences and workshops, wargame rehearsals and playtests, briefings to sponsors and distinguished visitors (DVs), and after action reviews and lessons identified sessions. Will serve as the central point-of-contact for event management, liaising with facility owners, NCIA for IT services, NATO security staff, catering providers, transport coordinators, and accommodation services. Develop, maintain, and distribute all event-related documentation, including calling messages (formal invitations), administrative instructions, contact lists, participant rosters, and security access rosters. Ensure that venue requirements (rooms, seating, IT infrastructure) are surveyed, booked, and configured to meet the needs of each wargame event. This includes drafting venue floor plans and managing contingency plans. Manage participant registration, check-in, access control, and coordination of security clearances in close cooperation with host facilities and NATO security offices. Oversee logistical arrangements, including transportation between lodging and venues, catering, social functions (icebreakers, DV day), and the secure transport of sensitive materials and equipment. Document lessons identified from each event management cycle to continuously improve support for future events. Contribute event management annexes to final wargame reports. Support after-action reviews (AAR) and follow-on refinement of event procedures, integrating lessons learned. Provide proactive updates to the Project Manager/Game Director on event status, issues, and recommended adjustments to maintain schedule and quality. Perform additional tasks related to event planning/wargame.

Required:

• Citizenship of one of the NATO member countries
• Bachelor's degree
• 5+ years of experience, with prior experience coordinating or managing events at the operational and/or strategic level, including administrative and logistical support
• Demonstrated professional event coordination and management experience in the pastfive (5) years for events hosting at least 50 people
• Demonstrated experience working in multinational teams
• Demonstrated experience in stakeholder management
• Demonstrated understanding of all elements of event management, including facilities, transportation, administrative tasks, security, IT, and logistics
• Demonstrated familiarity with the nuances of coordinating events in Europe
• NATO Secret Security Clearance or national equivalent
• Demonstrated proficiency in English as defined in STANAG 6001 (SLP 4444) or equivalent
• Demonstrated proficiency in the use of the Microsoft Office Tool suite and collaborative software
• Experience contributing to after-action reviews and writing event management annexes or related sections of final reports
• Able to work fully onsite based on client needs