The Executive Director, Strategic Solutions Office position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Headquarters, Management Directorate, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO). The OCPO is responsible for procurement and contracting operations and activities within DHS including initiating, formulating and implementing policies and procedures necessary to achieve and maintain an effective and efficient procurement and contracting program.
Summary
The Executive Director, Strategic Solutions Office position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Headquarters, Management Directorate, Office of the Chief Procurement Officer (OCPO). The OCPO is responsible for procurement and contracting operations and activities within DHS including initiating, formulating and implementing policies and procedures necessary to achieve and maintain an effective and efficient procurement and contracting program.
The Executive Director, Strategic Solutions Office serves as an expert business advisor in category management and strategic sourcing, providing expert advice and guidance to DHS leadership and component program management offices on strategic acquisition approaches to meet mission goals, and advising the Executive Director, Strategic Programs Division, the Chief Procurement Officer (CPO), and the Deputy Chief Procurement Officer (DCPO) on current and future Federal policies that affect DHS-wide acquisitions and solutions offerings.
Specific responsibilities include:
Provides executive leadership and direction for the DHS Strategic Sourcing and Category Management Programs, overseeing a team of senior program analysts in developing strategic acquisition approaches for major DHS mission-critical requirements and programs of national scope and impact.
Collaborates closely with DHS program offices and Heads of Contracting activities, private industry, and other federal agencies to analyze highly complex and sensitive programs, market data, and acquisition strategies that will significantly enhance the ability of DHS to meet its mission-critical requirements.
Devises flexible, innovative, strategically sourced solutions to resolve routine and critical issues, ensuring compliance with regulatory requirements and increasing efficiency and effectiveness for the Department.
Leads and contributes expert knowledge to the preparation and delivery of complex agency reports and other departmental presentations on DHS enterprise-wide program planning and evaluation for internal and external federal stakeholders, including the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Federal Procurement Policy (OFPP), General Services Administration (GSA), and the Government Accountability Office (GAO).
Leads the design and execution of comprehensive studies and in-depth analyses of complex program functions and processes related to category management and strategic planning.
Develops actionable recommendations that inform and influence category management strategies and decision-making across the Department.
Formulates and implements plans to improve strategic acquisition program policies, practices, methods, and organizational structure.
Provides senior leadership direction and guidance for major analytical studies involving the planning, developing, and implementing strategic acquisition programs.
Provides executive leadership in researching and analyzing complex program issues, delivering expert technical advice and authoritative recommendations that guide Department-wide and government-wide acquisition policy, long-range planning, and strategic direction.
Leads the analysis of proposed and published regulations affecting strategic sourcing and category management, developing recommended language and coordinating with appropriate OCPO policy officials on potential or proposed changes to Federal Acquisition Regulations (FAR) and/or Homeland Security Acquisition Manual.
Leads the development and review of confidential internal management documents, such as audits and other reports, documents, and correspondence pertaining to DHS-wide and federal-wide category management and strategic sourcing acquisition policies and procedures.
Directly coordinates with the Office of Management and Budget leadership on DHS' position on matters related to category management.
Provides guidance and support to DHS senior leadership on the impact of statutory requirements and OMB-issued guidance on DHS-wide acquisition programs regarding category management and strategic sourcing.
You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
Qualifications
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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, applicants must satisfy both (1) the Basic Qualifications and (2) demonstrate possession of the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) relevant to this position within their resume. Resumes must NOT EXCEED TWO PAGES; any content beyond the two-page limit will not be reviewed, and resumes exceeding this limit may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. If your resume does not provide clear evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
1. BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
Applicants must meet the requirements for the 1102 series as defined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Standards Manual for Positions which is available at: OPM Qualifications Standards 1102 Website and demonstrate that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Professional/Technical Qualifications (P/TQs) listed below.
Federal Acquisition Certification in Contracting (FAC-C) or equivalent certification is required. Documentation must be attached to the application package. Applicants seeking to meet the training requirements are required to provide a current FAC-C (Professional) certification, DoD Contracting Professional certification, or request a waiver. You must have completed a 4-year course of study leading to a bachelor's degree, that included or was supplemented by at least 24 semester hours in any combination of the following fields: accounting, business, finance, law, contracts, purchasing, economics, industrial management, marketing, quantitative methods, or organization and management; Guidance on Business Related Coursework for the 1102 Contracting Series.
OR - Occupied a GS-1102-14 position since at least January 1, 2000.
2.TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs) and EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). A sample 2-page resume that incorporates ECQs and TQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 16 - 17) Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and the Qualifications Review Board.
TQs REQUIREMENTS: Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that satisfy the technical qualifications as follows:
TQ 1: Demonstrated experience in leading a complex and multi-faceted acquisition operation that supports an agency. This includes experience in leading an operation implementing major acquisition initiatives across an organization and delivering tangible operational improvements and efficiencies.
TQ 2: Demonstrated experience and significant knowledge of laws, regulations and policies governing the Federal acquisition of services, equipment and supplies. Experience must reflect responsibility for developing business sourcing strategies, category management plans, and supplier relationship management strategies that enhance mission performance, improve acquisition efficiency, and generate savings.
ECQs REQUIREMENTS: In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
Current or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the DHS Headquarters Executive Services team.
Education
This position has an education requirement. You must submit a copy of your transcripts (or a list of your courses including titles, credit hours completed and grades). Unofficial transcripts will be accepted in the application package.
Official transcripts will be required from the selectee prior to receiving an official offer. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.
Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov).
Additional information
Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.
Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion.
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact Valerie Hopkins via email at VALERIE.HOPKINS@hq.dhs.gov .
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.
Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
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.
A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants:
1. Minimum requirements: Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. Your application must show that you meet all requirements including the education and/or experience required for this position. You may be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete, you may be found "ineligible".
2. Rating and Ranking: If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. A panel of subject matter experts will review your application and evaluate your qualifications for this position based on the information in your application. Your application will be rated, based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. Highly/Top Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
3. Referral: If you are among the higly/top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to a selecting official for consideration and a possible interview. The DHS Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review the results and make recommendations on final selections to the ERB Chair and appointing authority, where final interviews and reference checks may occur. Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.
Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.
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 complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. TRANSCRIPTS: Your transcripts must support your claim that you meet the education requirements for the position. Upload under "Transcript" document type in the agency application system.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: I am applying as someone that currently holds or has held a position in the federal civil service--the federal civil service is defined as positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches; it does not include positions in the uniformed services. I must submit:
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
Proof of holding of federal civil service position
If you work(ed) for an agency that does not provide an SF-50--for example, the United States Postal Service--provide documentation that confirms you currently hold or have held a position in the federal civil service.
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
CURRENT SES MEBERS: I am applying as a current career Senior Executive Service (SES) member. I must submit:
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
FORMER SES MEBERS:I am applying as a former career Senior Executive Service (SES) member that is reinstatement eligible. I am eligible for reinstatement to the SES because (1) I successfully completed the 1-year SES probationary period or am exempt because I was converted to the SES as a career appointee when the SES was first established, and (2) left the SES for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or less than fully successful performance, or resignation after receipt of a notice proposing or directing removal under any of the aforementioned conditions. I must submit:
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: I am applying as an SESCDP graduate. I must submit:
Certificate of Executive Qualifications
Upload under "Certificate of Executive Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date 08/14/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. DHS Headquarters Executive Services team will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US
Next steps
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the DHS Headquarters Executive Services team to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. TRANSCRIPTS: Your transcripts must support your claim that you meet the education requirements for the position. Upload under "Transcript" document type in the agency application system.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: I am applying as someone that currently holds or has held a position in the federal civil service--the federal civil service is defined as positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches; it does not include positions in the uniformed services. I must submit:
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
Proof of holding of federal civil service position
If you work(ed) for an agency that does not provide an SF-50--for example, the United States Postal Service--provide documentation that confirms you currently hold or have held a position in the federal civil service.
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
CURRENT SES MEBERS: I am applying as a current career Senior Executive Service (SES) member. I must submit:
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
FORMER SES MEBERS:I am applying as a former career Senior Executive Service (SES) member that is reinstatement eligible. I am eligible for reinstatement to the SES because (1) I successfully completed the 1-year SES probationary period or am exempt because I was converted to the SES as a career appointee when the SES was first established, and (2) left the SES for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or less than fully successful performance, or resignation after receipt of a notice proposing or directing removal under any of the aforementioned conditions. I must submit:
SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: I am applying as an SESCDP graduate. I must submit:
Certificate of Executive Qualifications
Upload under "Certificate of Executive Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date 08/14/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. DHS Headquarters Executive Services team will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
OCHCO/HRMS/MS #0170
6595 Springfield Center Drive
Springfield, VA 20598-0170
US
Next steps
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the DHS Headquarters Executive Services team to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.
