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Deputy Assistant Director, Homeland Security Investigations

Department of Homeland Security
Immigration and Customs Enforcement
Homeland Security Investigations

Summary

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill ES-1811 Deputy Assistant Director positions within U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Homeland Security Investigations, in the National Capital Region. Management retains the authority to make selection decisions based on agency needs, location priorities, and available talent.

Overview

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Open date: 11/09/2026
Close date: 11/23/2026
Location
Few vacancies in the following locations:
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Remote job
No
Relocation expenses reimbursed
Yes—You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy.
Salary
$151,661 - $228,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Promotion potential
None
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Work schedule
Full-time
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Supervisory status
Yes
Federal service type
This job is in the Senior Executive Service
Represented by a union
No
Drug test
Yes
Security clearance
Sensitive Compartmented Information
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
ICESES-27-13073602
Control number
890841200

This job is open to

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Clarification from the agency

All qualified current Federal civil service employees may apply. Additionally, current career SES members, graduates of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program who have received OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification, and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility may be considered noncompetitively, subject to applicable qualification and eligibility requirements. This announcement is not open to the general public.

Duties

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Homeland Security Investigations (HSI) is the principal investigative component of the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). HSI is responsible for investigating, disrupting, and dismantling transnational criminal organizations and terrorist networks that threaten or seek to exploit U.S. customs and immigration laws.

The Deputy Assistant Director (DAD) serves as the primary focal point for all functional programs and oversees a division within the HSI Headquarters structure. The division covers a wide range of domestic and international investigative areas, including national security, terrorism, fraud, financial crimes, alien smuggling, human rights protection, transnational organized crime, human trafficking, border security, investigative services, public safety, undercover operations, cybercrimes, global trade, technical support, forensics, and mission support.

The DAD is responsible for developing, implementing, overseeing, and reviewing policies and procedures related to investigative activities within the division; guiding field assets and advising the division's Assistant Director and other HSI leadership on significant criminal trends and developments; and serving as an advisor to the Executive Associate Director and Deputy Executive Associate Director on criminal and civil proceedings related to violations under HSI program authority. The DAD serves as the subject matter expert for the division and represents HSI in high-level meetings with Federal, state, and local law enforcement partners and other stakeholders.

Additionally, the DAD:

  • Serves as the primary point of contact for all investigative activities under the program's purview while exercising overall responsibility and delegated authority for HSI oversight and administration.
  • Coordinates investigative activities that transcend the geographic limitations of HSI field assets and mediates and resolves intra- and interagency conflicts related to investigative matters.
  • Develops short- and long-term strategic and operational plans and initiatives for investigative activities and coordinates and integrates these operations with other HSI, ICE, and DHS programs, where feasible.
  • Monitors the personnel, budgetary, and logistical needs of HSI field assets; advises leadership of actual or anticipated shortfalls; and ensures the effective and efficient use of personnel, facilities, and resources, including appropriated funds.
  • Reviews HSI's organizational structure and functional responsibilities; authorizes and implements realignments, staffing adjustments, and delegated authority levels; and proposes cost-saving initiatives and detailed justifications for major expenditures to enhance efficiency and support overall fund allocation.
  • Advises investigative field assets on the conduct of criminal and civil investigations to ensure compliance with applicable laws and regulations and provides guidance on methods and techniques to achieve program goals and objectives.
  • Provides expert guidance in resolving disputes regarding program priorities and direction; advises on trends and activities in key investigative areas; provides testimony before congressional committees, when necessary; and supports HSI leadership in formulating and administering policies affecting the agency's mission.
  • Implements, administers, and oversees the application of relevant policies, procedures, guidelines, and directives; develops, evaluates, and adjusts agency-wide investigative programs and strategies; and provides executive-level direction for planning and evaluating long- and short-term activities to ensure alignment with the evolving agency mission.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen.
  • Must successfully complete a one-year probationary period, unless previously completed.
  • Must complete a Declaration for Federal Employment, when requested, to determine suitability for Federal employment.
  • Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify registration with the Selective Service System or exemption from registration.
  • May be subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
  • Must file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
  • May be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance before entering on duty. Failure to obtain or maintain the required clearance may result in withdrawal of a job offer or removal from the position.
  • Must have experience in a primary law enforcement position or equivalent non-Federal law enforcement experience.
  • Must be authorized to carry a firearm. Under 18 U.S.C. § 922(g)(9), individuals convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence may not lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition.

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the federal government, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualifications requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified.

Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the ECQs or TQs.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):
Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the TQs.

  • TQ 1: Demonstrated mastery of operational and investigative functions within ICE and federal law enforcement, with proven ability to provide innovative and adaptive leadership in response to evolving challenges.
  • TQ 2: Demonstrated expertise in the full spectrum of ICE/HSI operational disciplines, with particular emphasis on investigative functions and their strategic interrelationships within and outside the organization.
  • TQ 3: Demonstrated expert knowledge of law enforcement principles and techniques, including the scope, application, and interpretation of laws and regulations relevant to ICE/HSI jurisdiction.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the TQs 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 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.

???????If you are a member of the SES, have been certified through successful participation in an Office of Personnel Management (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 of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES, such as an SF-50 or certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position.

Additional information

This position is in the Senior Executive Service (SES). Applicants must meet the Executive Core Qualifications and the technical qualifications identified in this announcement. Selectees who are not currently serving in a career SES position must be certified by an Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment, unless they have previously received QRB certification.

Additionally, OPM must authorize any employment offer made to a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, or noncareer SES employee in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the past five years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office.


Rights and Obligations: There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:


Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

Selective Service: Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx).

Law Enforcement Retirement: This position carries secondary law enforcement coverage as provided by 5 U.S.C. § 8336(c) and § 8412(d) for eligible law enforcement employees, which does not carry mandatory retirement. However, some employees may be subject to mandatory separation depending on their individual status.

Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: 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.

Federal Annuitants: The selection and reemployment of a former career SES appointee who retired from federal service is subject to applicable laws, regulations, and agency policy regarding annuitant reemployment, including any required approvals, salary and annuity offset requirements, pay limitations, and appointment limitations.

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.

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 ECQs and TQs listed above. The ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your 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(s) selected must have their executive qualifications certified by the OPM SES QRB before appointment. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, 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/.

Immigration and Customs Enforcement

The mission of U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement (ICE) is to protect America from cross-border crime and illegal immigration that threaten national security and public safety. To carry out that mission, ICE focuses on smart immigration enforcement, preventing terrorism, and combating transnational criminal threats.

ICE was created in 2003 through a merger of the investigative and interior enforcement elements of the former U.S. Customs Service and the Immigration and Naturalization Service to more effectively enforce our immigration and customs laws and protect the United States against terrorist attacks. ICE now has more than 20,000 law enforcement and support personnel in more than 400 offices in the United States and around the world.

ICE has an annual budget of approximately $8 billion, primarily devoted to three operational directorates: Homeland Security Investigations, Enforcement and Removal Operations, and the Office of the Principal Legal Advisor. A fourth directorate, Management and Administration, supports the three operational branches to advance the ICE mission.

For more information, visit ice.gov.

Agency contact information

Justin Sams-Terrazas
Email
Justin.Sams-Terrazas@ice.dhs.gov
Address
OHC EXECUTIVE SERVICES UNIT
500 12th Street SW
Washington, DC 20536
US

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