China Functional SME

Pay Rate:

The annual base salary range for this position is $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 - The Pentagon - On-Site

About the Role: We are seeking a highly qualified Regional Affairs Strategist - China Functional Expert to provide subject matter expertise (SME) to senior Air Force and Joint leaders. This position requires an in-depth understanding of China, with consultative knowledge spanning Southeast Asia and the Pacific region. The candidate will serve as a trusted advisor to support operational planning, analysis, and strategic policy development to address near-term (0-24 month) challenges associated with China and Southeast Asia.

This role requires demonstrated air operations planning expertise and the ability to operate at the highest levels of the Department of Defense and interagency community.

Additional Responsibilities Include, but are not Limited To:

• Serve as the Air Force's functional SME on China and Southeast Asia, providing expert advice to the CSAF, AF/A3, Air Component Commanders, and senior staffs.
• Develop, coordinate, and advise on policies related to air, space, and cyberspace power to counter current and emerging operational challenges.
• Participate in operational planning and analysis processes; advise Joint Staff and Combatant Commands on optimizing Air Force capabilities.
• Provide rapid reach-back support for contingency planning, operational planning activities, and exercise events.
• Deliver recommendations and assessments ensuring that planning inputs are strategically sound, operationally/logistically feasible, and resource informed.
• Monitor political-military issues and operational challenges associated with China and Southeast Asia; provide timely updates and recommendations to Department of the Air Force equities.
• Support Action Officers by gathering and synthesizing information for OSD, Joint Staff, USPACOM, and other stakeholders.
• Prepare and present high-level briefings and position papers to senior leaders (Colonels, General Officers, SES-level officials, and interagency counterparts).
• Participate in weekly directorate-level meetings and intra-organizational sessions to provide SME-level advice.
• Assist in the development, revision, and review of operational plans, policies, and mission objectives.
• Perform other duties, as assigned.

Experience Requirements:

• Minimum 10 years of combined Federal (DoD or DoS) experience, including 5 years at MAJCOM, HAF, or Joint Staff/CCMD (J2/J3/J5/J8) levels.
• Experience advising senior leadership at the OSD, Joint Staff, CCMD, or interagency level.
• Familiarity with U.S. national security strategy, Title authorities (10/22/32/50), and Indo-Pacific defense equities.

Education Requirements:

• Bachelor's degree from an accredited university or service academy.
  
  
  
  • Advanced degree (MA or PhD) in regional studies, history, international relations, or national security/policy highly desired.
  
  
  
  
• Formal coursework, certification, or significant work experience in China Security Studies.

Other Required Skills & Abilities:

• Multiple in-country assignments/experience dealing with China Pol-Mil issues with allies and/or partners in areas such as security cooperation, defense policy, alliance management, joint staff liaison, or force development.
• Demonstrated air operations planning experience (Tier 4 qualification).
• Proven ability to develop and present senior-level briefings, papers, and recommendations to senior leaders.
• 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 desired qualifications:
  
  
  
  • Advanced education with emphasis in China or Southeast Asian studies.
  • Experience advising senior leadership at the OSD, Joint Staff, CCMD, or interagency level.
  • Familiarity with U.S. national security strategy, Title authorities (10/22/32/50), and Indo-Pacific defense equities.
  
  
  
  

Security Clearance Requirements:

Top Secret/SCI Clearance

SAP/SAR Eligible

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.

Benefits at Sawdey Solution Services:

At Sawdey Solution Services, we offer an extensive benefits package. Our employee-focused benefits for full-time employees include:

• Vibrant Company Culture: Become an integral part of our positive, encouraging, and uplifting team culture; we are all on this mission together!
• Healthy Work-Life Balance: We place a strong emphasis on work-life balance; we don't just 'talk the talk' in terms of work-life balance, we 'walk the walk'! We not only support, but highly encourage, prioritizing your health and well-being.
• Competitive Compensation Package: Competitive rates with comprehensive medical, dental, and vision benefits for you, your spouse, and your dependents.
  
  
  
  • Health Saving Account (HSA) with employer contributions.
  • Dependent-care Flexible Spending Account (FSA).
  • Competitive Paid Time Off (PTO) and Federal Holiday Observance.
  • Immediately vested 401 (k) with employer matching.
  • Employee Assistance Program (EAP).
  • Employee Referral program with compensated referrals!
  • Additional benefits offered.
  
  
  
  
• Grow With Us: We offer a paid Training and Tuition reimbursement program to help you advance and excel in your career. We prioritize internal promotions and success.

Sawdey Solution Services firmly believes in our employees and advocates an environment to promote from within, which serves to boost morale while keeping high performers engaged and challenged. We also place the utmost importance on team building and collaboration in a remote environment. To promote these beliefs, you will also find additional benefits and programs that will enrich your career here at Sawdey Solution Services:

• Wellness Challenges.
• Focus on internal career advancement and growth.

• Mission-Critical Work: We play a vital role in ensuring the security of our nation's digital infrastructure.
• Professional Growth: Embrace the opportunity to take on diverse and dynamic roles that challenge and inspire you.
• Collaborative Culture: You are joining a unified team where your unique contributions are valued and celebrated.

• Hardworking Individuals: If you're someone who takes initiative, loves a challenge, and is committed to excellence, you'll feel right at home here.
• Talented Professionals: Whether you're an expert in your field or a rising star, we recognize your potential and support your effort toward success.
• Diverse Perspectives: Our strength lies in our diversity. We believe that a diverse team fosters creativity, innovation, and achievement.

This position is currently accepting applications.