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International Military Student Program Officer (IMSO)

Department of Defense
Defense Media Activity
Training and Education, PACS

Summary

This position is part of the Department of War Media Activity (WMA). The incumbent will be responsible for serving as the command's representative with full responsibility for all activities of the International Military Student Office (IMSO) and the Field Studies Program (FSP) for international students.

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
05/14/2026 to 05/28/2026
Salary
$121,785 - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Fort Meade, MD
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent
Work schedule
Full-time
Service
Competitive
Promotion potential
None
Supervisory status
No
Security clearance
Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Noncritical-Sensitive (NCS)/Moderate Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
No
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
WMA-26-12961196-MP
Control number
869279000

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

Current permanent DoW employees. VEOA eligible veterans, 30% or more, People with Disabilities Schedule A (PWD), Non-Competitive (Reassignment, CLG, Re-Promotion), Transfer Competitive & Non-Competitive, ICTAP (Must be in Commuting Area), Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoW Retained Grade Preference (RGP) PPP, DoW Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible, PPP Preference Eligible Tech Receiving Disability Retirement, PPP, DoW Military Spouse Preference (MSP).

Duties

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As a International Military Student Program Officer (IMSO) at the GS-0301-13 some of your typical work assignments may include:

  • Advises the Commandant on all policy and requirements concerning the Security Assistance Training Field Activity (SATFA) for international students, including training loads, student morale, welfare, discipline, and academic progress.
  • Plans and directs all operations of the International Military Student Office (IMSO) based on operational requirements, serving as the primary liaison with federal agencies, embassies, and military officials.
  • Administers the Field Studies Program (FSP) to ensure all objectives outlined in DoD directives are carried out, providing students with a balanced understanding of U.S. society, institutions, and ideals.
  • Oversees program financial plans and resource management, serving as the certifying officer and approving authority for funds associated with student travel, equipment, and supplies.
  • Provides comprehensive administrative and logistical support to international students, including managing arrival/departure transportation, billeting, and medical requirements.
  • Counsels and advises international students on cultural, disciplinary, and personal issues, acting as an advocate and mentor to resolve problems with law enforcement or civilian agencies.
  • Reviews and surveys curricula to ensure adequacy for international students and coordinates with the Defense Language Institute to support specialized English language training programs.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service
  • Resume and supporting documents (See How To Apply)
  • Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation
  • May be required to successfully complete a probationary period
  • Work Schedule: Full Time
  • Overtime: Occasionally
  • Tour of Duty: Set Schedule
  • Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized
  • Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA): Exempt
  • Financial Disclosure: Not Required
  • Telework Eligibility: This position is eligible for situational telework only.
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a Tier 3 Non-Critical Sensitive (SECRET) security clearance.
  • Must be able to pass a pre-employment drug screening test, and periodic testing thereafter (Testing Designated Position).
  • This position is Emergency-Essential (E-E). In the event of a crisis situation, the incumbent must continue to perform E-E duties until relieved by proper authority.
  • Incumbent serves as the Government Purchase Card (GPC) and Unit Travel Card (UTC) holder to ensure unit financial obligations are met under IMSO regulations.
  • Employees are expected to have a current or be able to obtain a government passport and receive Force Protection training should overseas travel be required.
  • Periods of travel, on military or commercial aircraft may be required (TDY).
  • Working knowledge of the DoD Public Affairs and Visual Information communities is desired.

Qualifications

You may qualify at the GS-13, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 grade level in the Federal service:

  • Monitors individual student academic progress and prepares final academic reports.
  • Managing program financial plans and serving as a certifying officer or approving authority for funds related to student travel, training, and equipment.
  • Coordinating logistical support for international students, including arrival/departure transportation, billeting, and medical administrative requirements.

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.

Education

Substitution of education may not be used in lieu of specialized experience for this grade level.

NOTE: All materials must be submitted by the closing date of the announcement.

Additional information

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.

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Programs: This program applies 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 ICTAP eligibility criteria; 2) be rated well-qualified for the position; Well qualified is defined as possessing the type and quality of experience that exceeds the positions minimum qualifications. and 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. For more information: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/workforce-restructuring/employee-guide-to-career-transition/.

Noncompetitive Appointment Authorities: For more information on noncompetitive appointment authority eligibility requirements:
Persons with Disabilities - Schedule A
Special Hiring Authority for Veterans
Special Hiring Authority for Certain Military Spouses
Other Special Appointment Authorities - Subpart F
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/register/)

The selecting official may choose to conduct interviews, and once the selection is made, you will receive a notification of the decision.

NOTE: Declining to be interviewed or failure to report for a scheduled interview will be considered as a declination for further consideration for employment against this vacancy.

Selective Service Requirement: Please visit http://www.sss.gov for more information.

For more information, please visit

https://www.dla.mil/Portals/104/Documents/Careers/downloads/DoDGenAppInfo%2012-1-2020.pdf?ver=ECNbdsHtGilTd3OENN4A0Q%3d%3d

Other Notes:

May be required to carry a Government Furnished Equipment (GFE) cellular device.

Because of the possibility of international travel, employees should understand and be respectful of cultural nuances and requirements, and brief participants accordingly.

Re-employed Annuitant: This position Does not meet criteria for re-employed annuitant. The DoD criteria for hiring Re-employed Annuitants can be found at: https://www.esd.whs.mil/Portals/54/Documents/DD/issuances/140025/140025_vol300.PDF?ver=LQ7feWw-8-5DI2tceUpmgA%3d%3d

This position is subject to an initial drug screening, and random testing thereafter. A negative drug test result must be received by HR within 30 calendar days after the EOD (i.e., start date). The selectee's inability successfully pass; or refusal to conduct the test may result in: 1) the tentative or FJO being withdrawn during the recruitment process; or 2) subsequently being removed from Federal service for failure to meet a condition of employment.

You may be required to sign a "Drug Test Statement of Understanding" if you are selected for this position.

Status candidates must meet time-in-grade requirements (52 weeks at the next lower grade level).

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.

Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications listed on this announcement. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your resume and supporting documentation will be compared to your responses on the Occupational Questionnaire. If you rate yourself higher than is supported by your application materials, your responses may be adjusted and/or you may be excluded from consideration for this job. If you are found to be among the top candidates, you will be referred to the selecting official for employment consideration. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities and other characteristics):

Competencies:

  • Financial Management
  • Interpersonal Skills
  • Program Management


Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP):This program applies 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 ICTAP eligibility criteria AND 2) be rated well-qualified for the position AND 3) submit the appropriate documentation to support your ICTAP eligibility. Well-qualified means you possess the type and quality of experience that exceeds the position's minimum qualifications.

Priority Placement Program (PPP) DoD Retained Grade Preference (RGP): To receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the (RGP) eligibility. If you are claiming RGP and are determined to be Well Qualified for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technician Eligible (PPP DoD MRNG):In order to receive this preference, you must choose the (PPP DoD MRNG) eligibility, and fill out and submit the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician PPP Self-Certification Checklist and copies of the appropriate documentation.

Priority Placement Program, DoD Military Spouse Preference (MSP) (PPP MSP): In order to receive this preference, you must choose to apply using the(MSP) (PPP MSP) eligibility. If you are claiming MSP (PPP MSP) and are determined to be Well Qualified (score of 85 or above) for the position, you will be referred to the hiring manager as a priority applicant.

Defense Media Activity

This position is located at the Defense Information School in the Department of War Media Activity (WMA), a Department of Defense Field Activity reporting to the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs) (ATSD (PA)). The WMA is a worldwide media organization charged with informing Department of War (DoW) audiences, managing the Department's visual information records, training the Department's public affairs and visual information workforce. Department of War Media Activity delivers modern DoW communication capabilities that support the warfighter, strengthen America's trust in the military, and deter adversaries.

Agency contact information

WMA Servicing Team
Phone
614-693-6200
Fax
215-516-6069
Email
DHRC-DDMAHR@dla.mil
Address
War Media Activity
6700 Taylor Ave
Ft. Meade, MD 20755
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at Defense Media Activity, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.dma.mil

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