See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position.
Provides management and leadership for the Head of Cybersecurity, under the purview of the Chief of Security & Resiliency. The incumbent is a liaison to external government organizations, as he/she provides information related to cybersecurity and intelligence, and the issues associated with it.
See DUTIES for additional responsibilities.
Summary
See QUALIFICATIONS for important information about this position.
Provides management and leadership for the Head of Cybersecurity, under the purview of the Chief of Security & Resiliency. The incumbent is a liaison to external government organizations, as he/she provides information related to cybersecurity and intelligence, and the issues associated with it.
Vacancy is open ONLY to applicants eligible under CTAP, ICTAP or VEOA. Your application documents must support your eligibility for this vacancy. The Official Duty Station (ODS) for this position is SSA, 500 North Orange Avenue, Orlando, Florida. To participate in telework, when authorized, you must reside within a 2-hour commute to the ODS. See specific eligibility requirements under ADDITIONAL INFORMATION.
Serves as SSA’s senior expert in the field of information security, provides authoritative advice and guidance to agency program managers and executives.
Serves as a senior expert and consultant to top agency management officials to advise on the current cyber threats impacting agency systems and infrastructure.
Working with external liaisons, identifies systems that are discovered to have been compromised and provides immediate recommendations to limit exposure and protect potential evidence.
Plans, develops and coordinates agency-level IT security infrastructure architectures and strategies. Serves as the final substantive analytical authority for cyber security and related intelligence.
Serves as the agency’s Senior Advisor for Cybersecurity, reporting to and assisting the Head of Cybersecurity. Supports the IT Security requirements of the agency.
Advises agency leadership on matters directly related to the collection, analysis and production of Cybersecurity intelligence activities and events that may impact the agency and the U.S. Government.
Proof of CTAP, ICTAP or VEOA eligibility is required. (CTAP and ICTAP-eligibles must be considered before VEOA-eligibles can be considered.)
U.S. Citizenship required. Selective Service Registration is required, if applicable (www.sss.gov).
Fingerprinting and background and/or security investigation may be required. Job offers are contingent on fingerprinting and background/security investigation results.
See QUALIFICATIONS, ADDITIONAL INFORMATION, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS sections for more information about this position.
You must submit a resume (2 page maximum) and supporting eligibility documents that clearly show all information required for HR to assess your eligibility and qualifications (see QUALIFICATIONS).
Qualifications
A resume is required for this vacancy. Your resume must clearly show the information required for HR to assess your eligibility and qualifications for this position (see QUALIFICATIONS).
To meet Minimum Qualifications for this GS-15 IT Cybersecurity Specialist position you must demonstrate (1) the IT Competencies for the federal 2210 series and (2) Specialized Experience at or above the GS-14 level.
(1) 2210 SERIES COMPETENCIES:
Attention to Detail: Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Customer Service: Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
Decision Making: Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
Information Management: Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
Interpersonal Skills: Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; may include effectively dealing with individuals who are difficult, hostile, or distressed; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations
Oral Communication: Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.
Problem Solving: Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Teamwork: Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
Technical Competence: Uses knowledge that is acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.
(2) Specialized Experience is work that primarily consists of duties related to the administration, management and strategic direction of agency-wide cybersecurity and intelligence programs, including leading cross-agency initiatives, advising senior leadership and representing an agency in interagency and external forums to advance information security and resiliency.
**If you have this experience, your resume must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that demonstrate it.**
Reviewers cannot assume you perform duties you don't describe.
SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
Specialized Experience can be demonstrated by:
(1) advising senior leadership on complex cybersecurity and/or intelligence issues that impact agency operations;
(2) planning and coordinating agency-wide IT security strategies and ensuring compliance with federal and/or agency policies;
(3) leading incident response efforts, such as analysis and/or containment of cyber threats and/or
(4) representing an organization at meetings with other government agencies and/or external partners on cybersecurity matters.
CTAP and ICTAP applicants must hold or have been RIF'd from a permanent position at or above GS-15.
Education
This position does not have an educational requirement.
Additional information
ONLY THE FOLLOWING ARE ELIGIBLES:
CTAP - applicants RIF'd from a position at SSA. Must be in the Competitive Service at or above GS-15 and in the local commuting area of the posted position. See RQUIRED DOCUMENTS for instructions on submitting proof.
ICTAP - applicants RIF'd from a position at another federal agency. Must be in the Competitive Service at or above GS-15 and in the local commuting area of the posted position. See RQUIRED DOCUMENTS for instructions on submitting proof.
VEOA -- Veterans Employment Opportunity Act -- must have Veterans Preference or have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service (including veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period.) See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for instructions on submitting proof.
Additional selections may be made for this vacancy six months from the closing date of this announcement.
If you are a male born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt under the Selective Service Law. See www.sss.gov .
If you are a federal contractor, do not identify yourself as a federal employee.
OTHER NOTES:
See QUALIFICATIONS for information on qualifying for this position.
See HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for information on applying for this position.
This is a non-bargaining unit position.
This position is on a full-time, flex-time schedule; Alternate Work Schedules (AWS) may be authorized.
Telework may be approved after all conditions for telework have been met.
Relocation expenses will not be paid; salary will be set in accordance with locality pay provisions.
Successful performance of work in this position and adherence to conditions of this position will be assessed during the 1-year probationary period served that may be served by new appointees (e.g., new to SSA and/or new to this series).
This is a non-critical sensitive / high-risk position. You may be required to complete Standard Form 86, Questionnaire for Sensitive Positions, to have the appropriate investigation conducted
Position is assigned to:
Security and Resiliency (SR)
Cybersecurity
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.
(1) CTAP and ICTAP applicants will be evaluated first (see REQUIRED DOCUMENTS)
(2) If eligible, you will receive a score based on your responses to the online experience questions.
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your resume.
(3) Your resume will be reviewed to determine if you demonstrate minimum qualifications for this position including the following as they relate to the Specialized Experience.
-- Knowledge of government information systems and infrastructure
-- Ability to lead complex projects
-- Ability to communicate orally and in writing
SEE REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for more resume requirements.
(4) Well-Qualified ICTAP-eligibles (those who demonstrate knowledge, skills and abilities that clearly exceed the minimum qualifications for the position) will be referred to the hiring manager and applicable documents will be forwarded for further review.
Well-Qualified CTAP and ICTAP eligibles who demonstrate Veterans' Preference will be placed ahead of CTAP and ICTAP-eligibles without veterans preference.
If there are no eligible/well-qualified CTAP or ICTAP applicants, VEOA applicants will be considered next, using the same evaluation criteria.
Your claimed knowledge, skills and abilities are subject to verification by the selecting official. You may be asked to provide specific examples or documentation or to verify a response by a practical demonstration of your claimed experience.
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.
RESUME (see resume requirements below)
RIF NOTICE* (see below)
RIF SF-50 (if RIF has already occurred)**
*If your RIF NOTICE does not include Performance Appraisal information, you must also submit your most recent Performance Appraisal.
*If your RIF Notice is for an upcoming date, also submit an SF-50 showing your grade, tenure, type of service and duty station for the position you currently hold.
**If your RIF NOTICE is for a previous date, also submit your RIF / Final SF-50 showing the date the RIF was effective and your grade, tenure, type of service and duty station at the time of the RIF.
VETERANS' DOCUMENTS -- To demonstrate VEOA-eligibility, submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 showing you were separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service. (Veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period may also be considered.)
To claim Veterans Preference based on a service-connected disability, submit DD-214, SF-15 and the documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
For derived preference submit completed SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
If you are a current active-duty member of the military seeking consideration under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date, type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
Your RESUME must show:
-- your name and contact information,
-- agency/employer, position title and geographic location
-- full TO and FROM dates (month/day/year) for each position you describe
-- grade held for each federal position and
-- a clear description of the duties you perform that demonstrate the required minimum qualifications
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement, a position description or the rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that demonstrate the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE required for this position.
Affirmative responses to the online questionnaire are not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
See QUALIFICATIONS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy.
(4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents.
(5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional)
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) August 20, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume that demonstrates your qualifications (see Required Documents)
(3) uploaded eligibility documents (see Required Documents)
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for eligibility and qualifications requirements that must be demonstrated.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your application documents.
See QUALIFICATIONS, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS before you submit your application.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1303 8841" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Security and Resiliency
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Well-Qualified ICTAP-Eligibles List will be issued and you will be notified of your status.
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
RESUME (see resume requirements below)
RIF NOTICE* (see below)
RIF SF-50 (if RIF has already occurred)**
*If your RIF NOTICE does not include Performance Appraisal information, you must also submit your most recent Performance Appraisal.
*If your RIF Notice is for an upcoming date, also submit an SF-50 showing your grade, tenure, type of service and duty station for the position you currently hold.
**If your RIF NOTICE is for a previous date, also submit your RIF / Final SF-50 showing the date the RIF was effective and your grade, tenure, type of service and duty station at the time of the RIF.
VETERANS' DOCUMENTS -- To demonstrate VEOA-eligibility, submit the Member 4 copy of your DD-214 showing you were separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after 3 or more years of continuous service. (Veterans who were separated shortly before completing the required 3-year period may also be considered.)
To claim Veterans Preference based on a service-connected disability, submit DD-214, SF-15 and the documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
For derived preference submit completed SF-15 and documents specified on the reverse of the SF-15.
If you are a current active-duty member of the military seeking consideration under the Veterans Opportunity to Work (VOW) Act, submit certification that you will be discharged under honorable conditions within 120 days of the certification date. Your letter must be signed by or under direction of the appropriate personnel office, unit commander or higher headquarters. Certifications must be on official letterhead from appropriate military branch and must include dates of service, expected discharge date, type of discharge, character of service, rank and date when terminal leave begins. Since service after Aug 31, 2010 is generally not qualifying for preference, include any qualifying campaign or expeditionary medals you received.
DOCUMENTS PREVIOUSLY UPLOADED TO YOUR USAJOBS ACCOUNT MAY BE OUTDATED AND CAN CAUSE YOU TO LOSE CONSIDERATION.
Your RESUME must show:
-- your name and contact information,
-- agency/employer, position title and geographic location
-- full TO and FROM dates (month/day/year) for each position you describe
-- grade held for each federal position and
-- a clear description of the duties you perform that demonstrate the required minimum qualifications
Information not specifically stated in your resume cannot be assumed. Information copied or restated from the announcement, a position description or the rating criteria will not be considered. If this occurs, you may be found ineligible.
Do not simply list projects on which you worked or describe experience in terms of accomplishments or achievements. You must describe, in your own words, the duties you perform that demonstrate the SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE required for this position.
Affirmative responses to the online questionnaire are not sufficient to demonstrate experience.
See QUALIFICATIONS and HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED for information on what your resume must demonstrate.
(1) Click APPLY to create a USAJobs Account or log into your existing account.
(2) Confirm that your USAJobs Biographic Information is correct.
(3) Confirm that your application documents show all information required for this vacancy.
(4) Follow prompts to complete the questionnaire and upload your application documents.
(5) Click Submit My Answers at the end of the process.
(6) "View/Print My Answers" to confirm you have answered every question as intended AND
(7) print a copy of the announcement for your reference if you are called for an interview (optional)
READ "NEXT STEPS" FOR IMPORTANT INFORMATION.
Applications must be received by 11:59 pm (EST) August 20, 2026 and must include:
(1) responses to online questionnaire
(2) uploaded resume that demonstrates your qualifications (see Required Documents)
(3) uploaded eligibility documents (see Required Documents)
See REQUIRED DOCUMENTS for eligibility and qualifications requirements that must be demonstrated.
The questionnaire takes about 15 minutes. Answer all questions and follow instructions. Your score will be based on your responses. Errors or omissions may affect your overall evaluation.
It is not sufficient to make claims in the questionnaire that are not supported in your application documents.
See QUALIFICATIONS, HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED and REQUIRED DOCUMENTS before you submit your application.
We cannot accept documents submitted via email, fax, or standard mail, but you may email inquiries about the position or How to Apply PRIOR TO the closing of the announcement.
Individuals with hearing or speech disabilities may use the listed email or 7-1-1 for TTY-based Telecommunications Relay Services to call the listed phone number. Additional Telecommunications Relay Services options are available in each state: https://www.fcc.gov/general/trs-state-and-territories
Notice Concerning Materially False, Fictitious or Fraudulent Statements -- Anything you claim in the occupational questionnaire, or your resume is subject to verification. By submitting your application, you are certifying that any statements you make are true, complete and correct to the best of your knowledge and belief and are made in good faith. Materially false, fictitious, or fraudulent statements or representations are subject to disciplinary action.
If you experience difficulties while applying, use the links on the USAJobs website to seek help. If you're still unable to complete your application, submit a USAJobs Help Desk ticket to resolve the issue. You must also email Careers@ssa.gov with the SUBJECT LINE: "T-7 APPLICATION ISSUE 1303 8841" and provide details of the difficulties you're experiencing (with screenshots if applicable). This email must be received before the announcement closes. Technical difficulties reported after the announcement closes cannot be addressed.
Security and Resiliency
6401 Security Blvd.
Woodlawn, MD 21235
US
Next steps
Incorrect information in your USAJobs Account means you may not receive important emails pertaining to this announcement. SSA/HR is not responsible if outdated information in your USAJobs Account causes you to miss emailed notifications or job offers.
No matter what information is provided on your resume, HR and USAStaffing can only contact you using the information in your USAJobs Account. Your Biographic Information for this vacancy cannot be changed once your application has been submitted.
If you applied correctly and provided a valid email address in your Biographic Information, you will receive an Acknowledgement of Occupational Questionnaire. This is not an indication that your application is complete. Follow the instructions in the "How to Apply" and "Required Documents" sections to ensure that you submit a complete application.
You are responsible for verifying that your application is complete and your documents have been properly submitted.
After applications are evaluated, a Well-Qualified ICTAP-Eligibles List will be issued and you will be notified of your status.
INTERVIEWS may or may not be conducted, but if an interview is desired, it will be scheduled by the hiring office and a representative from that office will contact you directly.
HR will not have information pertaining to the scheduling of interviews and cannot provide feedback pertaining to completed interviews.
For a status of your application, go to your USAJobs account. Select Application Status then More Information to see if updates are available.
Updates will not be available during the interview/selection process, which may take up to 90 days.
After selections have been completed, final notices will be sent to applicants who were referred to the selecting official. Applicants who are not referred will not receive a final notice.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
