This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/581650900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
This position is located in the U.S. Department of Education, Office of the Chief Information Officer (OCIO). It is established to develop and interpret IT policies and standards; manage or perform work necessary to plan, document, implement or modify systems for solving problems or accomplishing work processes; and overseeing OCIO's audit related matters including, but not limited to, Federal Information Security Modernization Act, Financial Statement, and A-123 Internal Control.
10/14/2020 to 10/15/2020
$102,663 - $157,709 per year
GS 13 - 14
1 vacancy in the following location:
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Occasional travel - Occasional travel may be required
No
Permanent
Full-time
Competitive
14
No
No
OCIO-2021-0001
581650900
This announcement is open to all U.S. Citizens. This position may be filled through the Direct Hire Authority for IT Specialist (PLCYPLN/INFOSEC) positions. All applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration. Category Rating, Veterans Preference, Schedule A and traditional rating and ranking of applicants does not apply to this vacancy.
APPLICATION LIMIT: This vacancy announcement is limited to the first 50 applications received and will close at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the day that we receive the 50th application, or at 11:59PM Eastern Time on the listed closing date, whichever occurs first.
We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application.
As an Information Technology Specialist (PLCYPLN/INFOSEC), GS-2210-13, you will be responsible for:
Tracking and referring to information security directives, orders and governance to organize and structure processes and supporting procedures to meet strategic goals and objectives.
Assisting with reviewing and developing improvements to business practices and organization features and structures in order to recommend the elimination or reduction of barriers to accomplish and achieve optimal use of all resources.
Assisting in identifying key OCIO strategic objectives and developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating internal and external communication plans to actively engage employees and external stakeholders in the achievement of those organizational objectives.
Ensuring consistent application of laws, regulations, and policies to OCIO’s budget planning and responses to data calls and inquiries; ensuring consistency and quality across OCIO’s numerous responses to data calls and inquiries.
Assisting with analyzing information and knowledge management requirements for OCIO by recommending new processes, systems, and requirements to ensure policy responses and customer service both within OCIO and all of ED.
Ensuring policies, plans of actions and milestones or remediation plans are in place to reduce or eliminate IT security vulnerabilities and comply with IT security regulations and policies.
Assisting in the implementation and functionality of security requirements and appropriate information technology policies and procedures by assessing their impact on the organization’s IT plans and proposals.
Preparing and presenting briefings to senior management officials on complex and controversial issues.
As an Information Technology Specialist (PLCYPLN/INFOSEC), GS-2210-14, you will be responsible for:
Defining OCIO’s strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives as well as related anticipated targets.
Reviewing communications for consistency and accuracy, engaging with all stakeholders as needed. Alerting senior leadership to any oversights, concerns, or challenges that would impede OCIO’s execution of high-quality programs.
Reviewing and developing improvements of business practices and organizational features and structures to eliminate or reduce barriers to accomplishment of work and achieve optimal use of all resources.
Identifying key OCIO strategic objectives and developing, implementing, managing, and evaluating internal and external communication plans to actively engage employees and external stakeholders in the achievement of those organizational objectives.
Collaborating with stakeholders to develop, analyze, and evaluate new or modified program/management policies, regulations, goals, or objectives to address OCIO’s internal governance needs and requirements, including budget and acquisition management and knowledge management.
Analyzing information and knowledge management requirements for OCIO; developing new processes, systems, and requirements as needed to improve tracking of policy responses and improve customer service both within OCIO and all of ED.
Monitoring the rigorous application of information security policies, principles, and practices in the delivery of planning and management services.
Developing long-range plans and policies to minimize security risks and incorporates risk management principles and best practices into strategic planning considerations, core missions and business processes.
Ensuring policies, plans of actions and milestones or remediation plans are in place for vulnerabilities identified during risk assessments, audits, and business continuity.
Establishing a structure, processes, and guidance to ensure the effective and efficient management of information, including OCIO policies and responses to data calls, audit findings, and all other inquiries. The incumbent ensures consistent application of laws, regulations, and policies as well as consistency and quality across responses.
Producing clear, logical, and concise products that are targeted to and meet the needs of diverse audiences with different perspectives and objectives, and identifying issues, and developing process improvements.
You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement.
Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.
Basic Requirement
You must possess IT related experience (paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (e.g., IT certification), as appropriate) demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below.
1. Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
2. Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (i.e., any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
3. Oral Communication - Expresses information (e.g., ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (e.g., technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
4. Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
AND
Minimum Qualification Requirements:
One year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in federal service that has equipped you with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position (see description below).
Specialized Experience for the GS-13
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-12 performing all three (3) of the following duties or work assignments:
1. Experience in collaborating across functional teams and with external partners to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
2. Experience with supporting and participating in IT audit and compliance related activities, to include coordination with subject matter experts and the development of corrective action plans, also referred to as plan of actions and milestones.
3. Experience with formulating, both orally and through written communications, individual and organizational positions and recommendations.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).
1. Knowledge of strategic planning principles and methods to develop and provide oversight for organizational strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives.
2. Knowledge of and ability to apply IT and cybersecurity principles and methods to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities and risks, and to develop corrective actions necessary to achieve organizational goals.
3. Skill in oral and written communication techniques to develop strategic relationships, resolve issues, develop and present briefings, prepare correspondence, participate in meetings and be persuasive in advocating program, policy and/or procedural changes and/or technical solutions.
4. Knowledge of and ability to apply quantitative and qualitative analytical methods to evaluate and assess requirements, identify gaps, and determine effectiveness of policies, programs, and processes.
Specialized Experience for the GS-14
One year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 performing all three (3) of the following duties or work assignments:
1. Experience in establishing strategic relationships across functional teams and with external partners, and leading cross-functional teams to achieve organizational goals and objectives.
2. Experience leading organizational IT audit and compliance related activities, to include liaising with auditors, coordination with subject matter experts, and the development of corrective action plans, also referred to as plan of actions and milestones.
3. Experience with formulating, both orally and through written communications, individual and organizational positions, recommendations, and negotiating with stakeholders to achieve desired outcomes.
Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs)
The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement).
1. Knowledge of strategic planning principles and methods to develop and provide oversight for organizational strategic goals, objectives, and initiatives.
2. Knowledge of and ability to apply IT and cybersecurity principles and methods to identify and mitigate security vulnerabilities and risks, and to develop corrective actions necessary to achieve organizational goals.
3. Skill in oral and written communication techniques to develop strategic relationships, resolve issues, develop and present briefings, prepare correspondence, participate in meetings and be persuasive in advocating program, policy and/or procedural changes and/or technical solutions.
4. Knowledge of and ability to apply quantitative and qualitative analytical methods to evaluate and assess requirements, identify gaps, and determine effectiveness of policies, programs, and processes.
5. Knowledge of and ability to apply project management principles to plan for and lead the implementation of IT projects.
Veterans’ Career Counseling: If you are a veteran interested in receiving tips on preparing a Federal resume and/or how to prepare for an interview, you may email sro_recruiting@ed.gov to schedule a session with a career counselor (“Veterans Counseling Session” should be placed in the subject line of the email).
Student Loan Default: If selected for this position, we will verify that you have not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education. If you are found to be in default, we will contact you to make arrangements for repayment prior to making an official offer of employment.
Suitability and Investigation: If selected for this position, you will be required to complete the Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306) to determine your suitability for federal employment and successfully complete a pre-appointment investigation/background check.
Essential/Non-Essential: This position is considered non-essential for purposes of reporting to work during federal government closures.
Telework: This position telework eligible. At the discretion of the supervisor, generally employees may be authorized to telework one day per week if they are on regular 8-hour work schedule. Teleworkers may participate in some Alternative Work Schedules (AWS) in combination with a Telework Agreement. However, all employees must work from the official worksite location a minimum of four (4) days per work week.
Bargaining Unit: This position is not in the bargaining unit.
Selections: Agencies have broad authority under law to hire from any appropriate source of eligibles and may fill a vacancy in the competitive service by any method authorized. We may make additional selections from this vacancy announcement within 90 days from the date the selection certificates are issued, should vacancies occur. We may also share selection certificates amongst program offices across the agency.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
We use a multi-step process to review and evaluate applicants:
Eligibility and Minimum Qualifications
Once the vacancy announcement closes, we will review your submitted resume and documents to determine if you meet the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, including any required education, experience, and/or selective placement factors. You will be rated as ineligible if you do not meet U.S. Citizenship requirements or your application is missing any required documents. You will be rated as not qualified if you do not possess the minimum qualification requirements.
If you are found to meet both the eligibility and minimum qualification requirements, we will assess the quality of your experience and the extent to which you possess the required KSAs by comparing your submitted resume and documents against your responses to the occupational questionnaire. (The occupational questionnaire is the list of questions in the automated system that you will have an opportunity to answer once you apply for the position).
If your responses to the occupational questionnaire are not substantiated by your submitted resume, you may be eliminated from receiving further consideration.
If you are found to be a qualified applicant, you will be referred to the selecting official. As part of the assessment and selection process, the selecting official may invite you to participate in a structured interview, check your references, and/or request that you submit a writing sample or complete a written assessment or exercise to further evaluate your qualifications for this position
You must submit (REQUIRED FOR ALL APPLICANTS):
• A resume demonstrating your education, experience, training, and accomplishments as it relates to the qualifications for this position and substantiating your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
If you are claiming Veterans’ Preference, you must submit:
• A copy of your DD-214 that shows active service and character of discharge, member copy 4 (Separated Members only); OR
• A certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions within 120 days from the date of application (Current Active Duty Members only); AND/OR
• The Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference (SF-15) AND all documents indicated on the form as proof of type of preference; AND/OR
• Proof of Sole Survivorship Preference (e.g., certificate of death or 100% disability as a result of serving in the armed forces).
If you are claiming selection priority under Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) and Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), please visit:
CTAP: http://www.ed.gov/about/jobs/open/edhires/ctap.html
ICTAP: http://www.ed.gov/about/jobs/open/edhires/ictap.html
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
Step 1: Create a USAJOBS account (if you do not already have one) at www.usajobs.gov.
Step 2: Create a resume using the USAJOBS resume builder. Ensure that your resume demonstrates your education, experience, training, and accomplishments as it relates to the qualifications for this position and substantiates your responses to the occupational questionnaire.
Step 3: Upload any required documents into your USAJOBS account (must be less than 3MB and in one of the following document formats: GIF, JPG, JPEG, PNG, RTF, PDF, or Word (DOC or DOCX)).
Step 4: Click "Apply Online" and follow the prompts to complete the occupational questionnaire and attach any required documents. Verify that uploaded documents from USAJOBS transfer into the agency's hiring system. You will have the opportunity to upload any additional required documents in the agency's hiring system. Click “Finish” to submit your application.
NOTE: You may update your application or required documents at any time while the announcement is open by logging into your USAJOBS account, clicking on "Application Status," clicking on the position title, clicking "Update Application,” and following the prompts.
In order to receive consideration for this position, you must submit your complete application, including all required documents, by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. If the vacancy announcement has an application limit, we recommend that you submit your complete application at the time of initial application. We will not accept any required documentation after the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
As an applicant, you may check your application status through your USAJOBS account at any time. We will also notify you via email of your application status at three key stages in the recruitment process.
1. Once the vacancy announcement closes, we will inform you that your application has been received.
2. After we review your submitted resume and supporting documentation, we will inform you if you are eligible and qualified, if your application was referred to a subject matter expert or panel of subject matter experts for further evaluation, and if you were amongst the most highly qualified candidates referred to the selecting official.
3. Finally, we will inform you of your final disposition for this announcement (e.g., if/when a selection is made, if/when the announcement is cancelled).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
This job originated on www.usajobs.gov. For the full announcement and to apply, visit www.usajobs.gov/job/581650900. Only resumes submitted according to the instructions on the job announcement listed at www.usajobs.gov will be considered.
Learn more about
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is looking for the best and brightest to ensure equal access and to promote educational excellence throughout the nation. If you are a highly motivated individual who would like to work for an agency that establishes policies on federal financial aid for education, distributes as well as monitors those funds; collects data on America's schools and disseminates research; focuses national attention on key educational issues; and prohibits discrimination and ensures equal access to education, ED is the place for you!
o Provides national leadership on key educational issues.
o Awards more than $47 billion annually in grants, mainly to state education agencies, local educational agencies, and institutions of higher education.
o Manages a federal student loan portfolio of over $1.5 trillion, held by over 40 million borrowers.
o Makes available over $120 billion annually in student aid to help over 10 million students and their families afford college.
o Enforces the nation’s civil rights laws pertaining to education.
o Supports programs of research, statistics, and evaluation of education in order to identify effective instructional practices, track student achievement, and measure the impact of educational reform.
o Enforces federal educational laws regarding privacy.
o Employs approximately 3,600 individuals divided between its Washington, D.C. headquarters, 11 regional offices, and 13 field offices.