1

Strategic Studies Jobs in Virginia (NOW HIRING)

Strategic Process Subject Matter Expert

Arlington, VA · On-site

$160 - $175/hr

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Life

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's degree in national security, strategic studies, logistics, public policy, business, or a related field. Proposal‑Contingent Notice This position is being recruited in support of an ...

Strategic Process SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's Degree in strategic studies, national security, logistics management, or related field. * Active TS/SCI security clearance. * Experience with Marine Corps Force Design, Expeditionary ...

Strategic Process SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's Degree in strategic studies, national security, logistics management, or related field. * Active TS/SCI security clearance. * Experience with Marine Corps Force Design, Expeditionary ...

Strategic Process SME

Arlington, VA · On-site

  • Medical

  • Dental

  • Vision

  • Retirement

  • PTO

Master's Degree in strategic studies, national security, logistics management, or related field. * Active TS/SCI security clearance. * Experience with Marine Corps Force Design, Expeditionary ...

next page

Showing results 1-20

Strategic Studies information

See Virginia salary details

$45.1K

$98.6K

$131.9K

How much do strategic studies jobs pay per year?

As of Aug 19, 2026, the average yearly pay for strategic studies in Virginia is $98,574.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $84,300.00 and $120,000.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is a strategic studies?

A Strategic Studies job involves analyzing and developing policies related to defense, security, and international relations. Professionals in this field assess geopolitical risks, military strategies, and national security threats to provide recommendations for governments, think tanks, or private organizations. They often research global conflicts, alliances, and emerging security challenges to help shape long-term strategies. These roles may be found in government agencies, military institutions, intelligence organizations, or academic and research settings.

What are common career paths for someone in strategic studies?

Professionals in Strategic Studies often pursue careers in government agencies, think tanks, defense contractors, international organizations, or academia. Many start in research or analytic roles, and with experience, may advance to senior analyst, program manager, or policy advisory positions. Some move into specialized fields such as intelligence analysis, risk assessment, or global security consulting. The field values ongoing learning and cross-sector networking, so roles often offer plentiful opportunities for professional development and leadership growth. Collaboration with military, diplomatic, and private sector partners is common, providing a dynamic and impactful work environment.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in the strategic studies position, and why are they important?

To excel in a Strategic Studies role, you typically need strong analytical abilities, research skills, and a background in international relations, political science, or security studies, often supported by an advanced degree. Familiarity with data analysis software, qualitative and quantitative research tools, and experience with intelligence or policy databases are commonly required. Excellent written and verbal communication, critical thinking, and collaboration skills set top professionals apart in this field. These competencies are essential for producing insightful research, informing policy decisions, and effectively working within multidisciplinary teams addressing global security challenges.

What can you do with a master's in strategic studies?

A master's in strategic studies prepares individuals for roles in national security, defense analysis, intelligence, policy planning, and strategic consulting. Graduates often work for government agencies, think tanks, or military organizations, utilizing skills in research, analysis, and policy development.

What do you study in strategic studies?

Strategic studies is an interdisciplinary field that examines national security, defense policies, international relations, and military strategy. It involves analyzing geopolitical issues, understanding security threats, and developing strategic plans using tools like policy analysis and scenario planning. Professionals often study political science, security studies, and international affairs to prepare for roles in defense, government, or think tanks.
Infographic showing various Strategic Studies job openings in Virginia as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 75% Full Time, and 25% Part Time. Highlights an 100% In-person job distribution, with an average salary of $98,574 per year, or $47.4 per hour.

Strategic Planning and Deterrence Analyst, Senior

Booz Allen Hamilton

Arlington, VA • On-site

$86K - $198K/yr

Full-time

Medical, Life, Retirement, PTO

Posted 13 days ago


Booz Allen Hamilton rating

8.9

Company rating: 8.9 out of 10

Based on 49 frontline employees who took The Breakroom Quiz

9th of 72 rated business consultants


Job description

Strategic Planning and Deterrence Analyst, Senior

The Opportunity:

As a Senior Strategic Planning and Deterrence Analyst, you're passionate about developing and executing long-term plans for organizational or national objectives, aligning with the organization's mission and operational goals, including conducting scenario-based, adversary decision calculus, and course-of-action (COA) analysis to support deterrence planning, wargaming, and operational readiness. We need an experienced analyst with foresight, analytical rigor, and policy understanding to support strategic planning and deterrence mission-critical decision-making processes.

On our strategic plans and policy services support team, you'll leverage internal and external sources to analyze and integrate national-level strategic guidance into Air Force policy and planning for the deterrence mission. In this role, you'll use your passion for building strategic planning frameworks and deterrence analysis to develop insights that shape discussions and decision-making at the Air Force and Department of War (DoW) level to advance Air Force operations worldwide.

Join us. The world can't wait.

You Have:

  • 10+ years of experience supporting national security strategy, campaign planning, force planning, deterrence analysis, or defense policy development
  • Knowledge of defense strategy, strategic guidance documents, and national security priorities
  • Knowledge of participating in major strategic reviews such as a program budget review, nuclear posture review, joint strategic capabilities plan, and global force management allocation plan
  • Ability to clearly communicate complex solutions and insights to senior leaders through briefings, reports, and presentations
  • Ability to travel up to 25% of the time
  • TS/SCI clearance
  • Bachelor's degree in National Security Studies, International Relations, Strategic Studies, and Political Science

Nice If You Have:

  • Experience with the USAF, Joint Staff, and STRATCOM
  • Master's degree in National Security Studies, International Relations, Strategic Studies, and Political Science
  • JPME I or II Certification
  • Security Cooperation Workforce Certification 2.0
  • Completion of Strategy Courses and Advanced Campaign Planning Courses

Clearance:

Applicants selected will be subject to a security investigation and may need to meet eligibility requirements for access to classified information; TS/SCI clearance is required.

Compensation

At Booz Allen, we celebrate your contributions, provide you with opportunities and choices, and support your total well-being. Our offerings include health, life, disability, financial, and retirement benefits, as well as paid leave, professional development, tuition assistance, work-life programs, and dependent care. Our recognition awards program acknowledges employees for exceptional performance and superior demonstration of our values. Full-time and part-time employees working at least 20 hours a week on a regular basis are eligible to participate in Booz Allen's benefit programs. Individuals that do not meet the threshold are only eligible for select offerings, not inclusive of health benefits. We encourage you to learn more about our total benefits by visiting the Resource page on our Careers site and reviewing Our Employee Benefits page.

Salary at Booz Allen is determined by various factors, including but not limited to location, the individual's particular combination of education, knowledge, skills, competencies, and experience, as well as contract-specific affordability and organizational requirements. The projected compensation range for this position is $86,800.00 to $198,000.00 (annualized USD). The estimate displayed represents the typical salary range for this position and is just one component of Booz Allen's total compensation package for employees. This posting will close within 90 days from the Posting Date.

Identity Statement

As part of the hiring process, we will ask you to complete an identity verification process that leverages advanced biometrics and artificial intelligence to ensure authenticity and protect against identity fraud. You are expected to be on camera during interviews and assessments. We reserve the right to take your picture to verify your identity and prevent fraud.

Candidate AI Usage Policy

AI is a part of our daily work at Booz Allen, and we are committed to the responsible and ethical use of AI tools. However, we want to ensure a fair candidate process based on your own skills and knowledge. As part of this commitment, the use of artificial intelligence (AI) or other tools to assist with responses during interviews (whether in-person or virtual) is prohibited unless permission is explicitly provided.

Work Model
Our people-first culture prioritizes the benefits of collaboration, whether it occurs in person or virtually. To support engagement and effective communication, employees working virtually are generally expected to have their cameras on during meetings.

  • Remote: If this position is listed as remote, there may still be occasions when you are required to work in person at a Booz Allen or customer facility.

  • Hybrid: If this position is listed as hybrid, you will be expected to work from a Booz Allen facility frequently, in alignment with leadership expectations and the needs of the role. You may also be required to work from or visit a customer facility.

  • Onsite: If this position is listed as onsite, work will primarily be performed at a Booz Allen office or customer facility, where employees will collaborate directly with colleagues and customers as required by the role.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, local, or international law.


What Booz Allen Hamilton employees say

Pay

Benefits

Hours and flexibility

Workplace

Get the full story on Breakroom


Booz Allen Hamilton logo

About Booz Allen Hamilton

Sourced by ZipRecruiter

Booz Allen Hamilton is a leading provider of management and technology consulting services to the US government in defense, intelligence, and civil markets. Headquartered in McLean, Virginia, the firm also serves major corporations, institutions, and not-for-profit organizations. Founded in 1914 by Edwin G. Booz, the company has a long-standing tradition of helping clients achieve success by delivering a wide range of consulting services that include strategic planning, human capital and learning, communication, systems development, and others. The company's mission is to empower people to change the world, and it has a reputation for maintaining the highest standards of integrity and-excellence.

Industry

It services

Company size

10,000+ Employees

Headquarters location

McLean, VA, US

Year founded

1914