The Policy & Capabilities Directorate ensures the IC is best postured for the threats and challenges of an uncertain future, through strategy, policy, and capabilities development. Comprised of 7 organizations, PC oversees IC Human Capital; Acquisition, Procurement & Facilities; Intelligence Advance Research Projects Activity; Science & Technology Group; Requirements, Cost & Effectiveness; Policy & Strategy; and Data and Partnership Interoperability.
Summary
The Policy & Capabilities Directorate ensures the IC is best postured for the threats and challenges of an uncertain future, through strategy, policy, and capabilities development. Comprised of 7 organizations, PC oversees IC Human Capital; Acquisition, Procurement & Facilities; Intelligence Advance Research Projects Activity; Science & Technology Group; Requirements, Cost & Effectiveness; Policy & Strategy; and Data and Partnership Interoperability.
Open to current and former Federal employees with competitive or excepted status; and all U.S. Citizens. Former members of the Peace Corps may be considered for ODNI employment only if five full years have elapsed since separation from the Peace Corps.
The Policy & Capabilities (PC) Directorate ensures the IC is best postured for the threats and challenges of an uncertain future, through strategy, policy, & capabilities development. PC is comprised of the Strategic Capabilities Office (SCO) & Policy Strategy and Accountability (PSA) Office.
The Policy, Strategy & Accountability (PSA) Office is at the forefront of developing, implementing, & evaluating the National Intelligence Strategy, to restore our clandestine technological dominance while ensuring the protection of American civil liberties. Key functions include strategy & prioritization management, the development of IC policy, IC strategy & guidance on science, technology, & data and net assessments & comparative analysis.
Lead, initiate, cultivate, and maintain productive working relationships with senior policymakers across the IC in order to coordinate strategy development activities and evolving requirements and promote the implementation of mission and enterprise objectives.
Lead, plan, and prepare briefings, reports, and presentations to organizational leadership, senior policymakers, and senior United States (U.S.) Government agencies USG officials in a manner that meets their specified requirements and provide expert analysis and recommendations that ensure IC strategic plans and programs align with strategic objectives.
Lead and oversee the planning, development, and evaluation of the related strategic planning documents in support of U.S. Government agencies' national security and foreign policy interests and programs.
Lead and oversee the planning, development, and production of strategic guidance for the allocation of resources and investment planning and programming staff elements and activities.
Develop near/mid/long term strategy documents that provide guidance to needs/requirements and resource/investment planning and programming staff elements and activities.
Lead and oversee efforts to engage senior IC leadership on strategic priorities, intelligence needs and gaps, and cross IC interdependencies in order to link resources to strategy.
Lead, plan, and oversee efforts to create a culture of strategic planning across the IC by promoting best practices in strategy development, execution, and evaluation and communicating priorities, activities, and impact of the strategy to the IC to promote shared vision, values, and goals.
Partner with ODNI staff, Functional, Mission, and Enterprise Managers, and IC elements to promote implementation of mission and enterprise objectives.
Lead, plan, and oversee the advancement of outreach activities within and beyond the IC to ensure long term strategy development is informed by the latest and best efforts across the U.S. Government, industry, and foreign partners.
Provide analysis and recommendations to ensure that ODNI and IC element plans and programs align with objectives of the strategic plan.
Lead and oversee the planning and completion of assessments to evaluate IC progress towards mission and enterprise objectives and determine how well the IC is postured for future environments.
Conduct assessments to capture IC progress towards mission and enterprise objectives and assess how well the IC is postured for future environments.
Manage to ensure full range of understanding of customer requirements related to assigned missions and ensuring these requirements have been conveyed to and coordinated with the ODNI and the IC.
Direct the setting of collection and analysis priorities for national intelligence related to assigned missions.
Lead the IC to meet mission and enterprise objectives of the National Intelligence Strategy (NIS).
Develop integrated collection strategies for respective mission areas. Conduct analysis and provide recommendations on "cross-target tradeoffs".
Advise and engage senior IC leadership on strategic priorities, opportunities, gaps, and interdependencies to link resources to strategy; lead and oversee the communication of emerging strategic issues and trends, independently evaluate against IC strategic elements, and make recommendations for improvements.
Lead efforts to determine the state of collection against assigned missions, identifying gaps against those missions, developing integrated, cross-intelligence collection strategies to fill gaps, tasking collection activity against their assigned missions, consistent with overall guidance from the Deputy Director of National Intelligence/Intelligence Integration (DDNI/II), and evaluating collector responsiveness and success in filling collection gaps and meeting mission requirements. Determine the state of analysis on assigned missions, identifying analytic gaps related to customer requirements, and tasking analysis related to those missions, ensuring that such tasking is consistent with the overall guidance from the Deputy Director of National Intelligence/Intelligence Integration (DDNI/II), and evaluating analysis responsiveness in filling analytic gaps.
Must be a U.S. Citizen residing in the United States
Appointment is subject to a suitability or fitness determination, as determined by a completed background investigation.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance based on an SBI with eligibility for sensitive compartmented information (SCI)
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must complete a Pre-Employment Certification Statement for Selective Service Registration.
A two-year trial period is required for all new permanent appointments to the ODNI.
Qualifications
FREE RESPONSE ESSAY QUESTIONS
All applicants must answer the following four short, free response essay questions. The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question. By submitting your responses to the following questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).
How has your commitment to the Constitution and the founding principles of the United States inspired you to pursue this role within the Federal government? Provide a concrete example from professional, academic, or personal experience.
In this role, how would you use your skills and experience to improve government efficiency and effectiveness? Provide specific examples where you improved processes, reduced costs, or improved outcomes.
How would you help advance the President's Executive Orders and policy priorities in this role? Identify one or two relevant Executive Orders or policy initiatives that are significant to you and explain how you would help implement them if hired.
How has a strong work ethic contributed to your professional, academic or personal achievements? Provide one or two specific examples and explain how those qualities would enable you to serve effectively in this position.
Extensive knowledge of IC and related U.S. Government policies, directives, and standard operating procedures and demonstrated ability to develop a broad range of IC-wide policies, processes, and guidelines.
Extensive knowledge of the U.S. Government and its IC components, missions, and interrelationships and experience working either with or in a major U.S. Government or IC organization; extensive understanding of the authorities, roles, and responsibilities of the organizations within the IC community.
Expert knowledge of IC organizations' missions in order to develop the national-level strategies and policies necessary to support U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.
Expert leadership experience and analytic expertise to support strategy and policy development, strategic planning and implementation efforts.
Superior ability to identify emerging trends and strategic issues and incorporate these in developing strategic plans for the organization.
Expert ability to evaluate strategic trends, strategy and implementation plans, results, and programmatic data, propose innovative solutions, and implement change.
Expert ability to conceptualize, organize, and draw inferences from incomplete data and present a compelling analysis of findings and issues; expert ability to identify, articulate, document, and mitigate knowledge gaps or alternatives
approaches.
Superior communication (written and verbal) skills to effectively and efficiently communicate organizational vision, mission, and plans.
Superior ability to communicate clearly, both orally and in written reports, and to logically analyze, synthesize, and evaluate multiple sources of information for their inclusion in briefings and written documents.
Expert organizational and interpersonal skills to facilitate forums, manage competing priorities, and advocate new ideas/concepts/processes.
Superior ability to exercise independent judgment on time-sensitive issues and work collaboratively across the IC.
Education
Bachelor's degree.
Additional information
JOB INTERVIEW TRAVEL
Candidates from outside the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA) may be selected for a telephone, teleconference, or in-person interview.
SALARY DETERMINATION
The ODNI uses a rank-in-person system in which rank is attached to GS employees on the basis of individual qualifications, experience, and performance. Individuals whose current GS grade is equivalent to the grade of the advertised position will retain their current grade and step. Individuals who transfer to the ODNI from a non-GS pay scale will have base pay converted to the appropriate GS grade and step as determined by the Chief of Human Resource Management.
In some cases when a current federal civilian employee applies for an ODNI position that is a lower grade than his or her personal grade, the candidate's personal grade will be downgraded to the grade of the advertised ODNI position and pay will be set at the step that is closest to, and not less than, the employee's current annual base rate of pay, not to exceed the maximum step rate of the GS grade to which assigned.
RELOCATION EXPENSES
For new ODNI employees, reimbursement for relocation is discretionary based on availability of funds.
REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS
The ODNI provides reasonable accommodations to qualified applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the Reasonable Accommodations Officer by email at DNI_DRA@dni.gov, by telephone at (703)275-3900 or by FAX at (703)275-1217. Your request for reasonable accommodations will be addressed on a case-by-case basis. PLEASE DO NOT SUBMIT YOUR APPLICATION TO THE REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION EMAIL ADDRESS. THIS EMAIL IS FOR REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION REQUESTS ONLY.
The ODNI is an equal opportunity employer and abides by applicable employment laws and regulations.
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.
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 must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. We will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. If you are among the best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview.
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.
a. RESUME: Resumes must be no longer than two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the vacancy announcement, particularly the MDRs, and construct their resume to highlight their most significant experience and qualifications relevant to this job opportunity. You must ensure the resume contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: job title; name of employer; beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), and hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. Additionally, include a detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills and responsibilities, to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable), and series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
b. ESSAY QUESTION RESPONSES: The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question (please see questions in the Requirements section above). By submitting your responses to these questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).
c. COVER LETTER: Applicants must submit a professional narrative as a supplement to the resume to elaborate on their qualifications and previous work performed.
d. CURRENT SF-50: Federal Government employees must provide your official most recent SF-50 (i.e., dated within the last 52 weeks from the closing date of this vacancy announcement). An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, is used to verify current federal status, position, title, grade, and organization of record. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.
e. POSITION NUMBER: Reference the announcement number in the subject line on each document submitted.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
We encourage you to read the entire announcement prior to submitting your application.
In order to be considered, you must apply via USAJOBS. The ODNI will not accept emailed applications. Your application must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be eligible for consideration. All attachments should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:
Classified or government sensitive information
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
POLICY AND STRATEGY
Director Of National Intelligence
Washington, DC 20511
US
Next steps
Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation.
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. Due to the large number of applications received, applicants will be contacted ONLY if they have been selected for an interview.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
a. RESUME: Resumes must be no longer than two (2) pages in length. Resumes longer than two (2) pages will be removed from consideration. Applicants are encouraged to carefully review the vacancy announcement, particularly the MDRs, and construct their resume to highlight their most significant experience and qualifications relevant to this job opportunity. You must ensure the resume contains all of the required information and you organize it so we can associate the following information for each experience/position: job title; name of employer; beginning and ending dates of employment (month/day/year format), and hours worked per week. We will assume full-time unless otherwise stated. Additionally, include a detailed description of job duties, accomplishments, related skills and responsibilities, to include any supervisory/managerial responsibilities and number of staff supervised (if applicable), and series and grade or equivalent (if a federal position).
b. ESSAY QUESTION RESPONSES: The responses cannot exceed 200 words per question (please see questions in the Requirements section above). By submitting your responses to these questions, you certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or AI (such as a large language model [LLM]).
c. COVER LETTER: Applicants must submit a professional narrative as a supplement to the resume to elaborate on their qualifications and previous work performed.
d. CURRENT SF-50: Federal Government employees must provide your official most recent SF-50 (i.e., dated within the last 52 weeks from the closing date of this vacancy announcement). An SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, is used to verify current federal status, position, title, grade, and organization of record. If your SF-50(s) does not provide the information needed to make a final determination for qualification, you will be found ineligible for the position.
e. POSITION NUMBER: Reference the announcement number in the subject line on each document submitted.
Failure to submit any of the above-mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
We encourage you to read the entire announcement prior to submitting your application.
In order to be considered, you must apply via USAJOBS. The ODNI will not accept emailed applications. Your application must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of this announcement. Applications received after the closing date will NOT be eligible for consideration. All attachments should be in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format.
Do not include the following types of information in your profile or resume:
Classified or government sensitive information
Social Security Number (SSN)
Photos of yourself
Personal information such as age, gender, religious affiliation, etc.
POLICY AND STRATEGY
Director Of National Intelligence
Washington, DC 20511
US
Next steps
Once you successfully complete the application process, you will receive an acknowledgement of receipt email. Please note that the acknowledgement email does not ensure completion of your application. You must ensure that you submit all required documentation.
The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 60 days of the closing date of this announcement. Due to the large number of applications received, applicants will be contacted ONLY if they have been selected for an interview.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
