The Under Secretary for Benefits is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision, and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
The Under Secretary for Benefits is a presidential appointee subject to Senate confirmation. Candidates for the Under Secretary position must be visionary leaders who have demonstrated an ability to conceptualize and implement the Secretary's vision, and are dynamic advocates who can move an ambitious agenda forward to meet the needs of our Nation's veterans.
The Under Secretary for Benefits (USB) provides leadership and direction for the Veterans Benefits Administration (VBA), one of three administrations comprising the Department of Veterans Affairs. The Under Secretary for Benefits reports directly to the Secretary of Veterans Affairs and serves as the principal advisor to the Secretary on non-medical Veterans benefits matters and is responsible for the delivery of services and benefits to Veterans and their beneficiaries. The Under Secretary serves as the Secretary's representative on matters relating to Veterans benefits programs and must be committed to the priorities, goals, and objectives of the Department.
The USB also formulates and articulates VBA policies to implement the overarching policies and programs of the Department and is charged with addressing specific challenges to improve VBA's benefits delivery services in all program areas. Specifically, these challenges include ensuring timely delivery of benefits to the increasing numbers of Veterans participating in VA education programs; home loan guaranty program in a changing economy and housing market; vocational rehabilitation and counseling to disabled Veterans seeking employment opportunities; conducting outreach, communications and engagement activities, and also supporting the seamless transition from military to civilian life, accelerating the economic empowerment and independence of Service members, Veterans and their families; and providing timely and accurate disability claims decisions as the volume of new claims and the complexity of those claims continue to steadily increase.
Major responsibilities also include oversight of the development of legislative initiatives, implementing policies, and providing direction for the application of innovative management techniques to increase organizational effectiveness and efficiency. The USB must possess the critical ability to successfully negotiate with stakeholders and partners at all levels and must also be able to effectively communicate VBA's major initiatives to a wide range of individuals and groups, including members of Congress, Veterans Service Organizations, other government entities, and the private sector.
By law, the Under Secretary for Benefits shall be appointed solely on the basis of:
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Step 1: Minimum qualifications.
Step 2: Screening by Executive Board to determine group of candidates to be considered by the Commission.
Step 3: The Commission interviews the most qualified candidates.
Step 4: The Commission recommends the final candidates for consideration by the Secretary and the President.
You will be evaluated based upon your resume, application or curriculum vitae, and an interview if invited to appear before the Commission.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Qualifications related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Qualifications.
A complete application for this position includes the following items: Resume or Curriculum Vitae
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.
Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date 01/29/2026 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin.
To begin click the Apply Online button and follow the prompts to register, complete the online questionnaire, and submit required documents. To return to your saved application, log in to your USAJOBS account at http://www.usajobs.opm.gov/ and click on "Application Status". Click on the position title and select Apply Online to continue.
The most qualified candidates will be invited to an interview with the Commission.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
