New

Cyber Exercise Planning Manager

Lafayette Group Inc.
$95,000 - $125,000 per year - LGI carefully considers various factors when determining salary, including but not limited to education and training, professional experience, knowledge, skills and competencies, licensure and certifications, contract-specifi
United States, Virginia, Arlington
Sep 05, 2025
Cyber Exercise Planning Manager Job Summary:?Lafayette Group is seeking qualified and team-oriented individuals to work with federal government organizations in support of national cybersecurity programs. The Cyber Exercise Planning Manager works on projects to enhance national cyber operational readiness through effective cyber crisis response, planning, and collaboration. This position works directly with Project Managers, Subject Matter Experts, and cleared Program Analysts on advanced cyber planning capabilities and exercises. Daily tasks may include developing detailed exercise plans, drafting exercise documents including scenarios and game environments, and facilitating workshops and exercises focused on topics related to cyber incident response, cyber threat analysis, cyber defense planning, and cyber risk reduction. The ideal candidate for this role is an experienced, collaborative team member with expertise in cybersecurity and defense operations, has an innate curiosity to learn and the drive to excel with a team of like-minded colleagues in a high-profile, fast-paced environment. Job Responsibilities: Support Project Managers, Subject Matter Experts, and Program Analysts to help clients solve nationally significant cybersecurity challenges. Assist in developing an annual exercise plan and/or approach covering multiple facets of cybersecurity and defense operations to achieve client objectives. Draft realistic and technically accurate exercise scenarios and documents aligned with key guidance (e.g., NIST, MITRE ATT&CK, ISO 27035). Facilitate exercises, including tabletops, functionals and full-scales, and hands-on technical games like red/blue/purple team, Capture the Flag (CTF), tournaments, etc. Work with the team to develop collaborative training environments with automation and AI agents to provide realistic training and exercise scenarios. Analyze operational information and perform qualitative and quantitative research and analysis to identify key themes and trends from complicated data sets (e.g., gaps and findings against existing doctrine/frameworks). Assist with client engagement and support including preparing for and leading meetings, facilitating planning and data gathering sessions, and developing recommendations for plans, documents, and reports to support client needs. Support the development of written work products within and across areas of responsibility including after-action reports and improvement plans, assessments, and presentations. Build strong relationships with clients and stakeholders; demonstrate that their needs are hear and understand their needs, value their feedback and are their partner in achieving their goals. Continue to deepen personal expertise in the field through ongoing engagement and continuous learning. Required Qualifications: Bachelor's Degree, Master's preferred 7-12 years experience in cybersecurity, cyber incident response, and/or information technology (e.g., domains of threat detection, analysis, and response, penetration testing, network defense, SOC operations/monitoring, etc.) Demonstrated ability to facilitate large exercises and events with multiple partners at different levels of technical expertise Possession of excellent oral and written communication skills; diplomatic and an excellent listener Possession of excellent analytical and critical thinking skills with the ability to remain open-minded, flexible and curious in problem-solving approach Ability to think conceptually and strategically and learn quickly Ability to manage time effectively to meet deadlines, adhere to project plans, and work on several projects simultaneously Ability to interact and network effectively with all levels of staff, including senior leadership, both internal and on the client site Ability to obtain a security clearance Proficient with Microsoft Office Suite Desired Qualifications: Homeland Security Exercise Evaluation Program (HSEEP) certification and/or Master Exercise Practitioner (MEP) Discipline-specific advanced training (e.g., CISSP, CISM, CISA, GCFA/FE, GCTI) Experience delivering cybersecurity exercises to both government and industry partners, including experience facilitating technical hands-on trainings such as use-case exercises, games, ethical hacking events, etc. Experience developing a cyber range Existing TS-SCI or Secret clearance or DHS Suitability Location: Arlington, VA Federal Contracts: This position involves working on federal contracts that require all workers on the contract to be U.S. Citizens. Additionally, some contracts may require the ability to obtain a security clearance. Salary Range: $95K - $125K per year Positions Available: 2 Expected Start Date: October 1, 2025 Contingent Hire: This position will be hired contingent upon winning the Federal contract work. LGI is committed to the full inclusion of all qualified individuals. As part of this commitment, we will ensure that persons with disabilities are provided reasonable accommodations for the hiring process. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact?talent@lafayettegroup.com. This email address is for accommodation requests only. Non-related messages will be disregarded.