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Job Description
Position Overview The International Engagement Support Subject Matter Expert (SME) provides expert event management, executive communications, and administrative support to the J3-I Support Branch at U.S. Special Operations Command (USSOCOM). This role is essential to the planning, coordination, and execution of the numerous high-profile bilateral and multilateral engagements, multinational conferences, and executive-level events the J3-I Division conducts each year in support of Commander USSOCOM's international partnership objectives. Beyond event execution, the SME provides unique lifecycle support to Allied and Partner Nation (A/PN) SOF personnel assigned to USSOCOM—from initial in-processing and onboarding through departure ceremonies—ensuring a world-class experience that strengthens relationships across the global SOF enterprise. The role demands exceptional organizational skills, polished executive writing ability, and the cultural awareness to engage effectively with senior military and civilian leaders from dozens of nations. Key Responsibilities Plan, coordinate, and execute all J3-I bilateral and multilateral key leader engagements, multinational conferences, and executive-level symposia, including preparation of invitations, agendas, and supporting logistics for events of 500 or more participants. Draft, review, and staff executive correspondence—including conference invitations, letters of congratulation, thank-you notes, and Command Group communications—ensuring accuracy, proper protocol, and error-free content in coordination with partner nation personnel. Capture meeting notes and prepare read-outs for multinational events; track and follow up on action items to ensure timely resolution across participating offices, commands, and nations. Maintain command-wide awareness of international engagements by monitoring and updating J3-I and Command calendars, the Engagement Tracker, Long Range Calendars, HQ Visit Tracker, and coordinating inputs with the Commander's Action Group (CAG). Research, develop, and maintain a directory of international SOF key leaders and contacts across the USSOCOM and global SOF enterprise to enable rapid and accurate information exchange. Track Partner Nation (PN) Foreign Visit Requests (FVR) and Headquarters Visit Requests (HQV) to support international personnel attendance at
USSOCOM HQ
conferences and events. Manage and maintain Annex A (Terms of Reference) and Annex B (Duty Descriptions) for international Exchange Officer (EXO) and Foreign Liaison Officer (FLO) positions; prepare leadership interview packets including bios, interview sheets, and corresponding annexes. Facilitate in-processing, onboarding, and ongoing support for PN SOF personnel and their families assigned to USSOCOM; manage efficiency reports, awards, decorations, and all out-processing actions including coordination of departure ceremonies. Provide briefing support and conference updates to internal and external meetings, including maintaining calendar entries, updating meeting slides, and developing other briefing materials as required. Perform close-out and escort duties in accordance with the Division's Security Procedures. Requirements & Qualifications Bachelor's degree in International Relations, Communications, or another social science field from an accredited university; minimum 5 years of experience applying written and oral communications skills to produce products for senior leaders at the General Officer, Flag Officer, or Senior Executive Service level, with demonstrated executive writing proficiency. Minimum 1 year of experience in a multinational environment (military, academic, business, non-governmental organization, or U.S. Government agency); proven ability to plan and execute complex, inter-governmental events for 500 or more participants at the executive level. Experience managing executive-level calendars, visit tracking systems, and coordination tools across multiple commands, offices, and countries; familiarity with DoD visit request processes (FVR/HQV) and engagement management platforms strongly preferred. Experience with social media analytic tools and digital communications platforms; basic language proficiency (1/1 conversation and writing) in a Romance or European language such as French, Spanish, or Italian is desired. Current DoD Secret clearance required; must be eligible for Secret access at time of hire.