International Military Student Officer (Naval Submarine School)

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.

SPA's AUKUS Portfolio provides timely, objective, analytic assessments that integrate technical, operational, programmatic, policy and business analysis to NAVSEA's AUKUS Integration and Acquisition (I&A) Program Office and associated partner organizations. Analysts and Engineers supporting AUKUS will continue SPA's decades of support to the undersea force and assist in developing a trilateral submarine force for the future. This is a high-profile, major international program of significant importance to the future of the U.S. Navy and its partners in an era of renewed strategic competition.

SPA has an immediate need for an International Military Student Officer (IMSO) at Naval Submarine School (NSS) in Groton, CT.

Responsibilities:

The International Military Student Officer (IMSO) plays a multifaceted role in supporting Australian students participating in the AUKUS submarine program within the United States. As the primary point of contact for these Royal Australian Navy (RAN) students at the Naval Submarine School located at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, Connecticut, the IMSO combines the roles of a host, administrator, counselor, expeditor, and diplomat. In essence, they represent the AUKUS I&A, ensuring that the international military students' needs in administration, academics, and general welfare are met throughout their stay in the United States. This includes coordinating with foreign partners, fostering strong relationships with the students, and providing support for both professional and technical training. A critical aspect of this role is the ability to address and manage urgent issues as they arise, requiring the IMSO to be prepared to respond swiftly to crises, communicate timely with appropriate agencies, and undertake travel at short notice. This dynamic position demands a proactive and resourceful approach to effectively cater to the diverse needs of international military students and geopolitical sensitivities to maintain the program's integrity and objectives.

Specific responsibilities:

Manage the support of Australian students studying in the United States, from arrival through assignment to their operational platforms
• Oversee the care of international students, including administration, academics, and general welfare, coordinating with foreign partners and addressing urgent matters as they arise
• Coordinate with financial institutions, property management teams, local law enforcement, and other organizations as required, in support of International Military Students (IMSs)
• Ensure administrative requirements are met prior to course start dates, including Common Access Card issuance, securing permanent accommodations, and obtaining driver's licenses, to enable students to focus on their studies
• Respond to sudden crises and be prepared to travel on short notice to provide support as needed
• Maintain communication with the AUKUS I&A International Team through weekly meetings with the International Programs Manager and the IMSO Team, along with detailed status reports to ensure coordinated support efforts and compliance with security cooperation requirements.
• Maintain strict accountability in accordance with Naval Submarine School policies and regulations and uphold core principles of the U.S. Navy, reflecting the high standards expected of all submarine officers and sailors.
• Be available to support RAN students at Naval Submarine School to the maximum extent possible.
• Administer and support Australian military students in the United States as part of the AUKUS submarine program.
• Act as a primary contact for International Military Students (IMSs) at the U.S. Naval Submarine Base New London, handling administration, academics, and welfare.
• Coordinate with foreign partners, build rapport with international students, support professional and technical training.
• Respond to emergencies and be available for sudden travel.

Client Location: Naval Submarine Base New London in Groton, CT.

Required Qualifications:

• Ability to communicate tactfully and sensitively with diverse cultures, sound judgment, and effective oral and written communication skills.
• At least 10 years' experience in submarine operations.
• Demonstrated ability in supporting senior military leader decision-making, with skills to analyze and provide actionable solutions to complex issues.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office (Word, PowerPoint) for effective communication with decision-makers.
• Current DoD security clearance (minimum Secret level), maintainable throughout employment.

Desired Qualifications:

• Previous role as an International Military Student Officer (IMSO).
• Prior experience as an instructor at the Naval Submarine School.
• Knowledge of the U.S. Navy IMSO Guide.