Cherokee Federal

Job Description

Battlespace Awareness (BA) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Washington, DC, United States (On-site)

Job Title: Battlespace Awareness (BA) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Subject Matter Expert (SME)

Job Code: ADM992

Location: Washington, DC

Reports to: Program Manager

FLSA Status: Exempt

Supervisory: No supervisory/management authority

Prepared Date: 9/30/2026

A government contract requires that this position be restricted to U.S. citizens or legal permanent residents. You must provide documentation that you are a U.S. citizen or legal permanent resident to qualify.

This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Counterintelligence polygraph. Candidates holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance without the polygraph may be selected; the ability to obtain the required Counterintelligence polygraph is a condition of the position and will be completed as part of the hiring process.

Position Summary:

Supporting Joint Chiefs of Staff / J2F8 and Deputy Directorate for Battlespace Awareness (BA) missions to provide Secretary of Defense (SecDef), Chairman, Joint Chiefs of Staff (CJCS), Combatant Commanders, Department of Defense (DOD) Components, Services, and the Joint Staff (JS) with national-level military intelligence products and future capability development analysis. Scopes problems as well as identifies and analyzes strategic challenges, opportunities, gaps, requirements, program challenges, risks, dependencies, and fiscal guidance impacts. Capitalizing on intelligence, surveillance, and reconnaissance (ISR) experience and expertise, ensure current and future Department of Defense (DoD) and Intelligence Community (IC) capabilities support warfighter BA requirements. Provide the BA Functional Capabilities Board (BA FCB) with subject matter expertise to enable J2F8 and the BA FCB to accomplish assigned missions. Among the CPM personnel, the PPBE SME brings expertise in analyzing programming implications, from National and Military Intelligence Programs, to better inform CPM of the overall BA portfolio and future programming decision recommendations.

Compensation & Benefits:

Starting Salary Range for Battlespace Awareness (BA) Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) Subject Matter Expert (SME): $150,000 – $170,000

Benefits That Set Us Apart

When considering your next opportunity, compensation is only part of the picture. We offer a benefits package designed to invest in your future and support your life outside of work.

Highlights include:

• Up to a 6% 401(k) company match to help you build long-term financial security
• Paid time off as part of our comprehensive benefits package, so you have the flexibility to rest, recharge, and enjoy what matters most
• Medical, dental, and vision insurance, plus prescription drug coverage
• Basic life and AD&D insurance, with supplemental life options
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage
• Paid holidays
• Employee Assistance Program (EAP)
• Flexible Spending Account (FSA) and Health Savings Account (HSA) options
• Professional development, training, and certification support
• Voluntary benefits including accident, critical illness, and identity theft protection

Because taking care of our employees isn’t just a promise, it’s part of who we are.

Benefits are subject to change and eligibility requirements apply.

Essential Functions, Duties & Responsibilities:

Includes the following:

• Provide technical expertise to JS J2F BA capability portfolio management (CPM) analysis and recommendation.
• Provide advice and expertise on execution/evaluation processes of the National and Military Intelligence Programs as required.
• Review and analyze Service program builds and change/decision documents for BA portfolio assessment.
• Execute database and knowledge management functions to support BA portfolio management.
• Review congressional actions and assist in strategic-level programmatic guidance development.
• Evaluate PPBE submissions to ensure incorporation of approved capabilities.
• Analyze ISR capability and make validation recommendations to the JROC.
• Analyze and integrate DoD information systems with IC and DIE systems.
• Review JCIDS, acquisition, and PPBE documentation and provide recommendations.
• Assess capability requirements and recommend courses of action to address gaps.
• Perform other job-related duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities:

No supervisory/management authority

Basic Qualifications:

Leadership & Team Development:

• Possess ten years PPBE-related experience working on either IC or DoD staffs.
• • Proficiency using Windows-based desktop computers and MS Professional Suite of applications, specifically, Excel, Word, PowerPoint, SharePoint, and Teams, etc.
• • Note: PPBE Support Personnel must sign non-disclosure agreements before gaining access to PPBE data.

Reporting & Analysis:

• • Experienced in executive level staff writing, coordinating, and publishing reports and assessments related to PPBE topics.
• • Proficient in performing program and budget impact analysis on capability requirements and preparing products in a manner consistent with established reporting procedures.
• • Proficiency researching available DoD and IC PPBE-related databases and analyzing data for impacts to programs transiting the JCIDS system.
• • Understanding of the Capability Gap Assessment process.
• • Proficient in executive-level briefing, multi-level coordination, and preparing and publishing reports and assessments related to capability requirements development and the PPBE process.

Financial & Budget Management:

• • Knowledge of the Defense Acquisition System (DAS) and the Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution (PPBE) processes.
• • Past applicable job experience may include, but is not limited to: Defense Budget Analyst, Military Financial Planner, and Program Budget Specialist.

Additional Responsibilities:

• •Bachelor's degree
• • U.S. Citizenship or Permanent Resident status required.
• • Ability to successfully pass a drug screening test and federal background check.
• • Possess knowledge of Chairman of the Joint Chiefs of Staff instruction (CJCSI) 5123.01, JROC Charter and of the Joint Capabilities Integration and Development System (JCIDS).
• • Must be able to travel within continental U.S. (CONUS) and/or outside continental U.S. (OCONUS), as requested by client.
• • Possess an understanding of DoD and IC ISR policies, plans, programs, and processes.
• Must be a US Citizen.
• This position requires an active Top Secret/SCI clearance with a Counterintelligence polygraph. Candidates holding an active Top Secret/SCI clearance without the polygraph may be selected; the ability to obtain the required Counterintelligence polygraph is a condition of the position and will be completed as part of the hiring process.
• Prolonged periods of sitting at a desk and working on a computer; may occasionally require standing or moving about the office for extended periods.
• Must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Master's/MBA or Government Policy preferred.

Work Environment:

Work is performed primarily in a climate-controlled environment.

Company Information:

Behind every government mission stands skilled, mission-driven talent: people whose expertise and dedication turn complex challenges into successful outcomes. Cherokee Nation Strategic Programs, part of Cherokee Federal, the federal contracting division of Cherokee Nation Businesses, is that team. We modernize aging systems, deliver care where it’s needed most, and keep missions supplied, staffed, and moving across defense, intelligence, and civilian agencies. For more than 60 federal clients, we take on the work others won’t, and deliver where it counts. If that’s the kind of work you’re looking for, you’ve found your team. Learn more at cherokee-federal.com.

#CherokeeFederal #LI-RM1 #IntelCareers

Cherokee Federal is a military friendly employer. Veterans and active military transitioning to civilian status are encouraged to apply.

Legal Disclaimer: All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to protected veteran status, disability or any other status protected under applicable federal, state or local law.

Many of our job openings require access to government buildings or military installations. Candidates must pass pre-employment qualifications of Cherokee Federal.

In compliance with Washington D.C.’s Wage Transparency Act, the estimated annual salary range for this position is $150,000 – $170,000. Actual compensation is based on qualifications and experience.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Statement

Cherokee Federal is a federal contractor subject to the Vietnam Era Veterans’ Readjustment Assistance Act (VEVRAA). As required by VEVRAA, we take affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified protected veterans. Protected veterans are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Cherokee Federal takes affirmative action to employ and advance in employment qualified individuals with disabilities in compliance with Section 503 of the Rehabilitation Act. Qualified individuals with disabilities are encouraged to self-identify during the application process.

Reasonable accommodations are available to qualified individuals with disabilities or those with sincerely held religious beliefs. To request an accommodation in the application or interview process, please contact Human Resources at careers@cherokee-federal.com.

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