Director, Human Intelligence and Sensitive Activities Job in Pentagon, Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. DISES-13078678-26-KH Department Office of the Secretary of Defense
Salary $186,207.00 to $228,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 10/5/2026 Close Date 11/5/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Pentagon, Arlington, VA


Director, Human Intelligence and Sensitive Activities

Department of Defense
Office of the Secretary of Defense
Office of the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security

Summary

This position is in the Excepted Service under Title 10, Defense Civilian Intelligence Personnel System. Excepted Service includes all positions in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government which are specifically excepted from the competitive service by or pursuant to statute, by the President, or by the Office of Personnel Management, and which are not in the Senior Executive Service.

Duties

The Director, Human Intelligence (HUMINT) and Sensitive Activities (H&SA), serves as the manager for a workforce of experts on HUMINT, Defense Cover, and sensitive activities, providing technical expertise, policy, advance solutions, and recommendations to Director for Defense Intelligence,
Collections and Special Programs leadership on future initiatives and capabilities regarding these issues.

Major duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to:

  • Establishing and execution of multi-year program budgets for assigned programs as required in accordance with Department of War (DoW) Directives and Instructions.
  • Developing national policy and DoW positions on a variety of related issues. Representing the DoW, the Secretary of War, and Under Secretary of War for Intelligence and Security (USW(I&S) in matters assigned or as otherwise directed.
  • Developing authorities, missions, policy, oversight, and guidance to the DoW and Services for assigned duty areas.
  • Supervising staff of OUSW(I&S) cadres, Joint Duty Assignments, military, and contractor personnel to execute a broad portfolio of responsibilities.
  • Overseeing highly sensitive, high cost or high-risk programs to include actions such as policy approval, supplemental appropriations, legal reviews, and program plans necessary to ensure successful execution.
  • Maintains frequent direct contact with senior civilian and military offices in OSW, the Services, COCOMs, the IC, other Executive Branch entities, Congress, and foreign governments to ensure timely and responsive development and execution of programs in support of the mission.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
  • You must submit to a drug test and receive a negative drug test before you can be appointed. Designated and/or Random Drug Testing required.
  • In order to qualify for this position, you must be able to obtain a Top Secret security clearance and access to Sensitive Compartmented Information.
  • Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM EST on 11/05/2026
  • The individual selected will be required to file an 'Executive Branch Personnel Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration).
  • In accordance with the provisions of ICD 601, joint duty assignments will be a prerequisite for promotion to senior civilian rank. To qualify, please provide a copy of your completed Joint Duty assignment SF-50 or an adjudicated IC JD Claims form. More information regarding the Intelligence Community Civilian Joint Duty Program, can be found at:http://www.icjointduty.gov
  • Initial appointee to a DISES position must serve a one-year DISES trial period, which can be served concurrently with the two-year DCIPS trial period. Employees who have previously completed a trial period in the DCIPS position shall not serve another trial period upon acceptance of or reappointment to another DCIPS position. Current DCIPS employees who are in a DCIPS trial period and transfer to another DCIPS Component shall finish their trial period in the new DCIPS position.
NOTE: All Intelligence executive level positions require Joint Duty credit. Only those candidates who meet the Joint Duty Credit requirement will be eligible to compete/be considered for a senior executive position. Employees will receive joint duty credit for almost any rotational assignment to another Intelligence Community component and may also be eligible to receive credit for service outside the IC as long as the assignment was at the Band 3 (GS 11 to GS 13) level or above and it occurred on or after September 11, 2001. An external candidate will be required to immediately apply for Joint Duty Credit.

Employees without Joint Duty credit may apply for the position and can be considered. If selected a waiver would be required prior to final appointment. IC seniors without Joint Duty at the same tier level may lateral into the position if selected without requesting a waiver.

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, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ), and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be disqualified. Please see "Required Documents" section below for all resume formatting requirements.

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.

Do NOT submit a separate 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:

TQ 1: Mastery of enterprise strategic planning; Planning, Programming, Budgeting, and Execution processes; and capability modernization, with authoritative executive expertise directing and overseeing defense and national-level HUMINT programs, operational integration, and multiagency intelligence initiatives across the DoW and the broader IC.

TQ 2: Demonstrated ability to frame issues and prepare senior leaders for high-level DoW, IC, interagency meetings, and Congressional testimony, to improve tradecraft and integration across the DoW.


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.

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.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Knowledge of the American System of Government: Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of the American system of government, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the historical development of the American Nation.
      • Commitment to the Rule of Law: Upholds the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government. Ensures the law is applied fairly and consistently.
      • Civic-Mindedness: Stays up-to-date on important developments in American government and aligns organizational objectives and practices with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a 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.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Fiscal Responsibility: Strategically manages, allocates and monitors financial resources. Aligns priorities and initiatives to justify budget proposals. Monitors expenditures, cuts unnecessary costs, and uses cost-benefit analysis to set priorities.
      • Managing Resources: Manages resources efficiently and effectively based on current and projected organizational goals, skills, budget considerations, and staffing needs.
      • Leveraging Technology: Explores emerging technology and potential applications. Incorporates technology to enhance efficiency and achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems.
  • 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.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in his or her domain.
      • Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses the most pressing, high-priority problems.
      • Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, new information, and new conditions. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity.
  • 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.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Accountability: Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies in employees supervised. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
      • Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement in others. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Cultivates a dynamic environment in which employees are not afraid to make mistakes.
      • Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions and considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information where appropriate.
  • 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.
    • Sub-Competencies:
      • Operational Mindset: Effectively translates strategies into actionable steps and processes. Partners effectively with stakeholders to drive adoption and addresses blockers to ensure successful implementation.
      • Innovation: Applies creativity to improving products and processes, challenges convention, takes measured risks, and considers ways to simplify and remove unnecessary requirements.
      • Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization by evaluating conditions, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organizational goals and values.

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 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. See "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Education

There is no education requirement for this position.

Additional information

DoW Joint Enterprise-Wide Experience Statement: In addition, DoW requires an Enterprise Perspective. This individual must have the ability to apply a broad point of view and an awareness and understanding of individual or organizational responsibilities in relation to DoW or government-wide strategic priorities is required. Executives must demonstrate ability to work with internal and external partners to support national security objectives. This perspective is typically gained through a variety of diverse work experiences. This information should be embedded within the resume.

Veterans preference is not applicable to the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service.

Applications MUST be submitted through USAJobs.

Tiering: The Office of the Secretary of War structures its SES positions into tiers to determine the pay range for each position. The categories are based on the position scope, breadth, functions, and placement within the structure of organizational levels across the Department.

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

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

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.

Submit resume and all other required documents online by 11:59 PM Eastern Standard Time on 11/05/2026

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.

Review our 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 (MTQ) 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.

Required Documents

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 showing all relevant experience. Your resume must address your technical and executive core qualifications for the position, and it may not exceed two (2) pages. Your 2-page (or less) resume must be in PDF format, with no smaller than a 1" margin and no smaller than a 10-point font. If you submit a resume that exceeds the two-page limit and/or does not meet the margin or font limitations stated herein, you will immediately be deemed ineligible for this position and will receive no further consideration.PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

2. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

  • CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
  • SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
  • CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
3. Joint Duty Assignment documentation: To qualify, please provide a copy of your completed Joint Duty assignment SF-50 or an adjudicated IC JD claim form. For more information regarding the Intelligence Community Joint Duty Program, please refer to http://www.icjointduty.gov.

DO NOT SUBMIT ANY ADDITIONAL INFORMATION: Extraneous materials such as award certificates will not be considered.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

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.

How to Apply

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 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. 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.

Agency contact information

Senior Executive Services
Email
whs.pentagon.hrd.mbx.semo-job-application-assistant@mail.mil
Address
Office of the USD for Intelligence and Security
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
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 Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.

Office of the Secretary of Defense

The Office of the Under Secretary of War for Intelligence & Security works all oversight, guidance, policy, capability, and resources issues with the Office of the Secretary of Defense, the Director of National Intelligence, the Military Services, the Combatant Commands, and the Defense Intelligence and Security Agencies, on behalf of the Under Secretary.

This position is in the Defense Intelligence Senior Executive Service (DISES), a small elite group of top government leaders.

Agency contact information

Senior Executive Services
Email
whs.pentagon.hrd.mbx.semo-job-application-assistant@mail.mil
Address
Office of the USD for Intelligence and Security
Human Resources Directorate
4800 Mark Center Drive
Alexandria, VA 22350
US

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