The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is the principal staff element of the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSD includes the Offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretaries of Defense, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel, and the Director of Administration.
Summary
The Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) is the principal staff element of the Secretary of Defense in the exercise of policy development, planning, resource management, and program evaluation responsibilities. OSD includes the Offices of the Secretary and Deputy Secretary of Defense, Under Secretaries of Defense, Assistant Secretaries of Defense, General Counsel, and the Director of Administration.
The Director, Strategic Deterrence and Capability (SDC) is responsible to the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Strategic, Space & Intelligence Portfolio Management (DASD(SSIPM)) for overseeing efforts to modernize and sustain the nuclear deterrent, which includes over $400B in nuclear delivery system total acquisition costs across multiple acquisition programs (e.g., Sentinel (Ground Based Strategic Deterrent), Long Range Standoff), assessments of nuclear sustainment systems, and leading DoD-wide portfolio and capability reviews (e.g., the Nuclear Posture Review). The Director is also responsible for ensuring DoD compliance, on behalf of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (USD(A&S), with respect to U.S. Government (USG) strategic arms control treaty obligations and for supporting international negotiations. Major duties and responsibilities include, but not limited to:
Directing the professional staff and overseeing the management of the activities of the Office of Director, SDC. Ensuring staff is individually trained and experienced such that they are recognized as the Department's primary Acquisition Corps authorities on the planning, management, system engineering, acquisition strategies, and technical content of major acquisition program portfolios. Working closely with relevant Program Executive Officers, Service Acquisition Executives, and/or Component Acquisition Executives to promote sound planning and management of assigned programs.
Collaborating with key executive staff members in the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Acquisition & Sustainment (USD(A&S)), other Office of the Secretary of Defense (OSD) offices and agencies, the Joint Staff (JS) and the Services, and the Intelligence Community on matters involving assigned SSIPM portfolios, including technical, cost, and schedule issues that might affect the availability of capabilities.
Leading the conduct of mission based portfolio analyses within the incumbent's assigned portfolios. Responsible for developing quantitative and qualitative measures of performance or effectiveness, tied to factors impacting operational mission success.
Serving as DASD(SSIPM)'s SDC portfolio manager. Overseeing and analyzing assigned capability portfolios across the Department to assess cost, schedule, and performance risks. Responsible for leveraging Department-wide data to identify capability gaps across Services and works with the JS, the Services, the Office of the Under Secretary of Defense for Research and Engineering (USD(R&E)), and other organizations to address these gaps.
Responsible for supporting the Department's strategic reviews as directed with analysis of assigned portfolios and programs capabilities and gaps. This includes recommendations on tradeoffs among programs in portfolios. Assessing performance of strategic deterrence and capability portfolios in support of the Office of the USD(A&S) participation in OSD Program and Budget Reviews and in support of Congressional reporting requirements.
Providing acquisition management direction and integration efforts across DoD components, and synchronizing critical information associated with a variety of different acquisition program types and efforts (e.g., Major Defense Acquisition Programs (MDAPs), MDAP-level Middle Tier Acquisitions, major software intensive systems, related non-program specific capabilities, tailored highly classified program management activities).
Leading and providing direction in support of strategic system reviews, nuclear modernization acquisition programs, and nuclear treaty compliance, including advising senior leadership on the full range of nuclear force platform and delivery system modernization and sustainment programs
Leading oversight activities to support USD(A&S) for nuclear system acquisition programs ("strategic systems") in the nuclear triad, including the Ground Based Strategic Deterrent (GBSD) Intercontinental Ballistic Missile (ICBM) program, the Long Range Standoff (LRSO) nuclear cruise missile, the B61-Tail-kit, and other ACAT 1C programs and activities that support a revitalized nuclear enterprise.
You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
All newly appointed Career SES leaders must sign the Reassignment Rights Obligations Agreement as a condition of appointment into the SES.
You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed into this position. Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
In order to qualify for this position, you must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 05/02/2022
The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
You will serve a two-year probationary period unless you have previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
Defense Acquisition Workforce Improvement Act (DAWIA) Level III certification in Program Management is required for this position. Must have or obtain Level III Program Management Certification within 24 months and maintain it. The incumbent is required to sign a Critical Acquisition Position (CAP) service agreement to remain assigned to the position for three years.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications, if applicable, listed below.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. You must address each ECQ separately, not to exceed 10 pages. You are required to respond to all ECQs. If you fail to do so will result in a rating of 'ineligible.' When responding to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the ECQs. Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts. You should limit your narrative to two pages per ECQ, and address each ECQ separately. OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf
Applicants must utilize the Challenge-Context-Action-Result (CCAR) Model when writing Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ). Use two examples of relevant experience for each ECQ being sure your experience matches the ECQ criteria. Challenge - Describe a specific problem or goal. Context - Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale). Action - Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge. Result - Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.
Each accomplishment should be clear, concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities; the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services you managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues you addressed; and the results of your actions. You should use action oriented leadership words to describe your experience and accomplishments (e.g., Led the development and implementation of....) and quantify your experience wherever possible to demonstrate your accomplishments (e.g., number of employees supervised; size of budget managed; amount of money saved, etc.).
ECQ 1 - Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
ECQ 3 - Results Driven: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Applicants that are either Career SES members, or graduates of the Office of Personnel Management Certified Development Program are not required to address the ECQs.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS: All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. You must address each technical qualification separately. You are required to respond to all of the technical qualifications. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as ineligible. Please limit your written statements to no more than two pages per technical qualification.
Demonstrated ability to analyze detailed, complex strategic deterrence and capability related issues in the context of portfolio management, resources, and acquisition programs and projects across a myriad of technical and managerial disciplines.
Demonstrated managerial competence and broad background in strategic deterrence and capability-related research development and acquisition matters.
Demonstrated knowledge of and ability to translate broad national security objectives/policies into specific programmatic guidance for the strategic deterrence capability portfolio; demonstrated knowledge of strategic arms control treaties and compliance is also desired.
DoD Joint Enterprise-Wide Experience Statement: In addition, DoD requires an Enterprise Perspective. This individual must have the ability to apply a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoD or government-wide strategic priorities is required. Executives must demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. A separate narrative statement is not required. This information should be embedded within the application package (Resume, Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications).
Education
There is no education requirement for this position.
Additional information
Veterans preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
Applications MUST be submitted through USAJobs.
Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 05/02/2022
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education. Your application will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel. Highly qualified candidates may undergo an interview and a reference check. The Office of the Secretary of Defense Executive Resources Board will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority. Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB), your ECQs must be certified by the OPM QRB before your appointment can occur.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
1. Resume - In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications, not to exceed five pages. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Vacancy Announcement number SES-11450195-22-KB
Full name, email and mailing address, and day and evening telephone numbers
Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://http://www.edu.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary
Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 05/02/2022~
2. Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs): A narrative statement specifically addressing each mandatory technical qualification. Statement should not exceed two pages per MTQ.
3. Mandatory ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligibles, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #4.
4. Copy of the Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50): Must submit most recent SF-50. Current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION THROUGH USAJOBS: In order to expedite the review of your application, you must submit a complete online application package to include the Resume, the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and the Executive Core Qualifications. To apply online, please select the 'Apply Online' button at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: your online resume may not be a complete application. Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted.
Office of the USD for Acquisition and Sustainment
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. The Executive Evaluation Panel will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and will generate a certificate of best qualified candidates for the selecting official. The selecting official may interview the best qualified candidates before making a selection. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume - In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualification(s), and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications, not to exceed five pages. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Vacancy Announcement number SES-11450195-22-KB
Full name, email and mailing address, and day and evening telephone numbers
Educational information including the name, city, and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the following U.S. Department of Education website: http://http://www.edu.gov/admins/finaid/accred/index.html
Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including: job title, duties and accomplishments, employer's name and address, duration of employment, and salary
Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 05/02/2022~
2. Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs): A narrative statement specifically addressing each mandatory technical qualification. Statement should not exceed two pages per MTQ.
3. Mandatory ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligibles, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #4.
4. Copy of the Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50): Must submit most recent SF-50. Current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50 showing their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.
TO SUBMIT AN APPLICATION THROUGH USAJOBS: In order to expedite the review of your application, you must submit a complete online application package to include the Resume, the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and the Executive Core Qualifications. To apply online, please select the 'Apply Online' button at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: your online resume may not be a complete application. Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted.
Office of the USD for Acquisition and Sustainment
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. The Executive Evaluation Panel will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and will generate a certificate of best qualified candidates for the selecting official. The selecting official may interview the best qualified candidates before making a selection. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.