Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security; within U.S. Customs and Border Protection; in the Office of Field Operations (OFO).
For more information about U.S. Customs and Border Protection, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/about.
Summary
Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security; within U.S. Customs and Border Protection; in the Office of Field Operations (OFO).
For more information about U.S. Customs and Border Protection, please visit https://www.cbp.gov/about.
As Director, National Vetting Center, you will be responsible for day-to-day operations of the National Vetting Center, communicating vetting requirements to the national vetting enterprise, and making vetting mission and resourcing recommendations to the National Vetting Governance Board. Interagency partners will assign resources to support the daily operations and functions of the National Vetting Center, including through the assignment of appropriate personnel.
You will address diverse threats and lead the National Vetting Center to provide a well-informed, agile, and seamless network that leverages advanced technology to share information, analyze trends, and enhance operational effectiveness that will target and coordinate enhanced examinations of high-risk international travelers, immigration applicants, and individuals seeking admittance at U.S. borders.
You will provide executive leadership, management, and oversight of the development and planning of the National Vetting Center strategy by leading diverse interagency teams that effectively contribute to a "whole of government" approach to combating terrorism. You will provide decision makers, adjudicators, and interagency partners, information and intelligence regarding: known and suspected terrorist and criminal actors, undetected passenger travel movements; and unclassified and classified information pertaining to terrorist and transnational criminal networks at and beyond the border.
For an overview of the diverse responsibilities CBP carries out within the Government, visit our website at cbp.gov.
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
File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
You may be required to obtain and maintain a 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.
Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information).
If you fail to meet the conditions of employment or any other pre-employment requirements, such as missing any of the scheduled appointments, the hiring agency may rescind their tentative offer of employment.
You must meet the qualification requirements of this position no later than the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.
Qualifications
As a basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the equivalent of the GS-14/15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state and local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed below. We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including results of your actions.
The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. YOUR RESUME MUST NOT EXCEED 2 PAGES. Any resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):
Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. Candidates must possess experience at the senior level (GS-14/15 level or equivalent) in the job-specific Technical Qualifications (TQs). The TQs measure the technical expertise required by this position and must be addressed within your 2-page resume. It is recommended that corresponding TQs be annotated in parenthesis within your 2-page resume.
TQ 1: Expertise in leading the collection and analyses of data in order to identify and prevent threats to the United States.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
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.
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 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.
FAILURE TO MEET OR FULLY ADDRESS EACH EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATION AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION IN THE RESUME WILL ELIMINATE A CANDIDATE FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.
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 must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Education
There is no education requirement for this position.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments and experience.
Your resume will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel, and highly qualified candidates may undergo an interview and a reference check. The U.S. Customs and Border Protection will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority. Unless you have already been certified by a Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by a QRB before an appointment can occur.
Additional information
Relocation or Recruitment Incentive:CBP may authorize a relocation or recruitment incentive (not to exceed 25% of basic pay) for an eligible selectee. A service agreement will be required.
Relocation Expenses: CBP may choose to pay your relocation expenses in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.
The Immigration Reform and Control Act of 1986: seeks to preserve jobs for those who are legally entitled to them: American citizens and aliens who are authorized to work in our country. This law requires employees to provide a document or documents that establish identity and employment eligibility.
Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
U.S. Customs and Border Protection:
is an equal employment employer. Selection for positions will be based solely on merit.
provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities. If you need reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify us. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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 Human Resources Office.
Selective Service: If you are a male and are hired, and if you were born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
Background Investigation: This position is a sensitive position and the tentative selectee must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation as a condition of placement/retention in the position. A security clearance is required.
Note: The Federal Government does not deny employment to individuals who are currently or who have been unemployed, nor does it deny employment to individuals who have had financial difficulties through no fault of their own.
Drug Testing: This position has been identified as a Testing Designated Position under the Customs and Border Protection, Drug-Free Workplace Program. Satisfactory completion of the drug test is a condition of placement and/or employment in the position and the incumbent(s) of this position is thereafter subject to Random Drug Testing.
Probationary Period: You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you will have to complete a Public Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days after appointment.
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.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. 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 (TQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
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/.
As an employee of CBP, you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees, and to CBP employees specifically, as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty, these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity, to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with the performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
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 the 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 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 an initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
Vacancy announcement number EXSER/26-13031081-CBP
Full name, e-mail and mailing addresses, and day and evening telephone numbers
If applicable, educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the U.S. Department of Education website.
Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including:
Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties and accomplishments
Employer's name and address
Supervisor's name and phone number
Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year)
Salary
Note: The Federal Government does not deny employment to individuals who are currently or
who have been unemployed, nor does it deny employment to individuals who have had financial difficulties through no fault of their own.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your specific SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), which documents conversion or appointment to your formal SES position, and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Must provide verification of your successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current or former Federal Civil Service employee.
NOTE:An SF-50 that does not indicate grade, pay band or level will not be accepted.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
NOTE: IF SELECTED, a Structured Interview will be used to certify the candidate by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB). If you are currently serving in a career SES appointment or are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, you WILL NOT need to participate in a Structured Interview.
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials, such as narratives addressing the ECQs and award certificates, will not be considered.
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 ET on the closing date 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 the 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. Human Resources 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.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please use the contact information below.
Your application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on 08/27/2026.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account and check your applicant profile dashboard, which will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US
Next steps
Our evaluation will be based on the information you supply. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information from reference checks and take that information into account in making employment offers.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A complete application includes the 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 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 an initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
Vacancy announcement number EXSER/26-13031081-CBP
Full name, e-mail and mailing addresses, and day and evening telephone numbers
If applicable, educational information, including the name, city and state of colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degree received. Report only attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For more information, you may refer to the U.S. Department of Education website.
Information about your paid and nonpaid work experience related to this position including:
Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties and accomplishments
Employer's name and address
Supervisor's name and phone number
Starting and ending dates of employment (month and year)
Salary
Note: The Federal Government does not deny employment to individuals who are currently or
who have been unemployed, nor does it deny employment to individuals who have had financial difficulties through no fault of their own.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your specific SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), which documents conversion or appointment to your formal SES position, and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Must provide verification of your successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT OR FORMER FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your SF-50 or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current or former Federal Civil Service employee.
NOTE:An SF-50 that does not indicate grade, pay band or level will not be accepted.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
NOTE: IF SELECTED, a Structured Interview will be used to certify the candidate by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB). If you are currently serving in a career SES appointment or are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, you WILL NOT need to participate in a Structured Interview.
DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials, such as narratives addressing the ECQs and award certificates, will not be considered.
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 ET on the closing date 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 the 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. Human Resources 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.
If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please use the contact information below.
Your application materials must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern on 08/27/2026.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account and check your applicant profile dashboard, which will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
Office of Field Operations
Please read entire announcement
Please apply online
Washington, DC 20229
US
Next steps
Our evaluation will be based on the information you supply. You should expect that we will verify performance, suitability, and security information from reference checks and take that information into account in making employment offers.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
