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Deputy Suitability Director

Office of Personnel Management
Suitability Executive Agent Programs

Summary

As the Deputy Director of Suitability Executive Agent Programs (SuitEA) you will serve as the principal advisor to the Suitability Director on government-wide personnel vetting policy, operations, and performance. You will oversee suitability programs that affect Executive Branch agencies nationwide, guide strategic planning and modernization initiatives, and provide executive-level leadership to ensure effective oversight of delegated vetting authorities.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
01/14/2026 to 01/20/2026
Salary
$152,963 to - $197,200 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 15
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Slippery Rock, PA
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
No
Travel Required
Not required
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Not Required
Drug test
No
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
26-RGJ-12866012-ICTAP
Control number
854491500

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Duties

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  • Serves as principal advisor to the Suitability Director on suitability operations, adjudications, policies, and regulatory requirements.

  • Oversees government-wide personnel vetting performance, including oversight of delegated functions and compliance with Executive Agent policy.

  • Leads strategic planning, program evaluation, and process improvement initiatives to support modernization of suitability and vetting operations.

  • Provides senior-level guidance to program managers and supervisors on program priorities, operational execution, and resource use.

  • Establishes and maintains working relationships with senior officials across OPM and other Federal agencies to coordinate policy and program activities.

  • Represents OPM in interagency forums, working groups, and meetings involving suitability and personnel vetting issues.

  • Supervises and evaluates subordinate managers and staff, including making selections, approving training, addressing performance issues, and resolving employee relations matters.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin
  • Complete the initial online assessment and USAHire Assessment, if required
  • This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit

Qualifications

Applicants must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level in the Federal service (or equivalent) that includes all of the following:

  • Managing or overseeing personnel suitability, credentialing, or vetting programs with government-wide or multi-organizational impact.

  • Developing, interpreting, or implementing policies or procedures related to personnel vetting, adjudications, or background investigation programs.

  • Providing executive-level advice or recommendations to senior leaders on program performance, compliance, or strategic direction.

  • Leading or supervising managers or professional staff responsible for program operations, evaluations, or oversight activities.



Applicants must meet applicable time-in-grade requirements to be considered eligible. One year at the GS-14 level is required to meet the time-in-grade requirements for the GS-15 level.

You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this 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. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Additional information

Relocation expenses will not be paid.

If you are unable to apply online and would like to request information about the Alternate Application process, please use the contact information at the bottom of this announcement.

This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM.

Veterans Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA): To be eligible for a VEOA appointment under Merit Promotion procedures, the veteran must be a preference eligible or a veteran separated after 3 years or more of continuous active service performed under honorable conditions.

Reasonable Accommodation Requests: If you believe you have a disability (i.e., physical or mental), covered by the Rehabilitation Act of 1973 as amended that would interfere with completing the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, you will be granted the opportunity to request a RA in your online application. Requests for RA for the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments and appropriate supporting documentation for RA must be received prior to starting the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments. Decisions on requests for RA are made on a case-by-case basis. If you meet the minimum qualifications of the position, after notification of the adjudication of your request, you will receive an email invitation to complete the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, based on your adjudication decision. You must complete all assessments within 48 hours of receiving the URL to access the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments, if you received the link after the close of the announcement. To determine if you need a RA, please review the Procedures for Requesting a Reasonable Accommodation for Online Assessments here: https://help.usastaffing.gov/Apply/index.php?title=Reasonable_Accommodations_for_USA_Hire

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period, or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:
- your performance and conduct;
- the needs and interests of the agency;
- whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
- whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period (or trial period) your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Career Transition Assistance Programs: These programs apply to employees who have been involuntarily separated from a Federal service position within the competitive service or Federal service employees whose positions have been deemed surplus or no longer needed. To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet CTAP or ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position (obtain a score of 85 or higher on assessments); and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your CTAP or ICTAP eligibility. For more information visit: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp.

You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement. Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. You will be assessed on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):

Accountability
Developing Others
Interpersonal Skills
Strategic Thinking

Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration. Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration.

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