Principal Group Leader - Mission Operations Department (Intellig

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Within MITRE's Intelligence Center, the Mission Operations Department strengthens ODNI's ability to integrate analysis, align collection, identify mission seams, and provide strategic warning. We deliver analytic integration, operational coordination, and mission assurance support that enables ODNI to function as the intelligence enterprise integrator. Our vision is to help ODNI anticipate emerging threats, unify mission activities, and address complex national security challenges. The Department is accountable for programs supporting ODNI's mission integration, warning, and cross-enterprise coordination missions.

The Department seeks a collaborative, innovative, and mission-driven Principal Group Leader to empower staff in delivering high-impact analytic integration and operational support, advancing community-wide mission alignment, strengthening strategic warning efforts, and cultivating departmental talent. The Department directs technical and domain-specific work that enhances shared situational awareness, anticipates mission risks, and supports ODNI in shaping whole-of-government decisions.

The primary responsibilities of the position must be carried out in person in McLean, Virginia. Applicants will establish regular presence at ODNI and MITRE locations with staff supporting those organizations, as well as have availability to travel to those locations on short notice. This may entail frequent, flexible, or extended travel as mission and organizational needs dictate.

Roles & Responsibilities:

The Principal Group Leader is responsible for ensuring that all work produced by the department staff reflects the highest standards of analytic precision and technical rigor. Serving as an integral part of the department leadership team, the GL will guide staff development, strengthen core capabilities, and deepen program and sponsor relationships. The GL is expected to model MITRE's values and lead by example, fostering an inclusive, supportive environment where staff feel a sense of belonging and can grow skills aligned to their interests and the mission.

First Line Supervisor - Direct supervision of 10-12 staff, including performance management, development planning, and regular feedback.

Department and Staff Engagement - Mentor, advocate for, and recognize staff; coordinate with project leaders on performance; and support career growth and technical development.

Sponsor Engagement and Relations Management - Engage ODNI customers to understand mission needs, identify analytic and technical opportunities, and ensure alignment with departmental goals.

Technical Quality, Execution, and Capability Development - Support workforce shaping, hiring, and work program development; maintain awareness of mission integration efforts; and provide technical leadership across the portfolio.

Collaboration and Communication - Facilitate communication across projects, maintain awareness of cross-department opportunities, and serve as a liaison between staff, project leaders, and department leadership.

Individual Contributor - Actively contribute to analytic, technical, or foresight work in the department and NID portfolio.

Basic Qualifications:

• Typically requires 10 years of related experience with a bachelor's degree, or 8 years with a master's degree, or 5 years with a PhD, or an equivalent combination of education and experience.
• 6 years in a leadership role.
• Deep understanding of ODNI mission integration needs, analytic tradecraft, strategic warning, collection alignment, or cross-enterprise coordination.
• Familiarity with MITRE's work programs, culture, and Intelligence Center priorities.
• Greater than 50% direct to department work programs.
• Active TS/SCI with current CI Poly.
• This position has an on-site requirement of 5 days a week on-site.

Preferred Qualifications:

• Current or recent task leadership or experience managing staff in support of ODNI missions.
• Demonstrated ability to shape workforce skill mix, develop talent pipelines, and hire high-quality staff.
• Exceptional writing and analytic communication skills.
• Strong ability to lead in dynamic, collaborative environments that emphasize innovation and mission impact.

This requisition requires the candidate to have a minimum of the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI/Polygraph

This requisition requires the hired candidate to have or obtain, within one year from the date of hire, the following clearance(s):
Top Secret/SCI/Polygraph

Salary compensation range and midpoint:
$161,600 - $202,000 - $242,400 Annual

Work Location Type:
Onsite

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.

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