Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism & Threat Prevention

Full Time
Washington, DC
Posted
Job description

Duties

The Deputy Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism and Threat Prevention is responsible for the direction, development, and coordination of DHS threat prevention strategy, policy, plans and programs within the Department. The incubment oversees the work of divisions that address Counterterrorism, Countering Foreign Threat Actors, Emerging Threats, and Domestic Threat Prevention Programs.

Specific responsibilities include:

  • Leads teams to develop threat prevention policy, plans, and strategies that take into account all elements of DHS' authorities, tools, and capabilities and leverages the strengths, tools, and authorities of DHS' partners (federal agencies and the homeland security enterprise) to counter threats posed by foreign actors, homegrown violent extremists and domestic terrorists, and the crimes associated with hostile foreign actors and to understand and to mitigate weapons used by threat actors.
  • Trains the homeland security partnership enterprise (state, local, tribal, territorial governments, non-profits and the private sector) on the nature of these threats and how to prevent them (this includes advancing the Department's efforts to prevent radicalization of homegrown violent extremists, strengthening soft target security and strengthening school security).
  • Provides broad authority to coordinate DHS and Component goals and objectives impacting threat prevention practices among the interagency. Represents the Department on official policy coordinating bodies, such as National Security Council (NSC) and Domestic Policy Council (DPC) lnteragency Policy Committee meetings and other working groups.
  • Interfaces directly with senior members of the interagency (e.g., Department of State, Department of Justice, the intelligence community), members of Congress and their staffs, senior U.S. officials stationed at embassies and posts abroad, senior leadership from throughout DHS, and counterparts in foreign governments.
  • Advises the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Under Secretary for Strategy, Policy and Plans, Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, Threat Prevention, and Law Enforcement Policy and other DHS leadership on DHS counterterrorism and threat prevention policy, including a variety of controversial and often classified reports involving a substantial part of the DHS mission
  • Oversees the work of divisions that address Counterterrorism, Countering Foreign Threat Actors, Emerging Threats, and Domestic Threat Prevention Programs.
  • Evaluates intelligence assessments, component operational reporting and existing and planned international policies, programs, and initiatives, to make recommendations to the Deputy Assistant Secretary for Screening and Vetting and Assistant Secretary for Counterterrorism, Threat Prevention, and Law Enforcement Policy on adjustments that may be needed in the Department's targeting and enforcement programs.
The nature of all topics within the purview of the DAS requires extensive coordination with partners who often have the primary role to prevent attacks, therefore, the incumbent is required to perform in a highly collaborative manner, building trust and understanding among counterparts in other federal government agencies, as well as DHS' components and offices, and among the homeland security enterprise in order to advance counterterrorism and threat prevention efforts.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
  • Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
  • You may be required to undergo periodic drug testing.
  • You must be able to obtain/maintain a TOP SECRET/SCI security clearance.
  • Selectee will be required to complete form OGE-278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Form.
  • You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. As such, your resume should demonstrate that you have the knowledge, skills, and abilities to successfully fulfill responsibilities inherent in most SES positions such as:

  • Directing the work of an organizational unit;
  • Ensuring the success of one or more specific major programs or projects;
  • Monitoring progress toward strategic organizational goals, evaluating organizational performance and taking action to improve performance;
  • Supervising the work of employees; and
  • Exercising important policymaking, policy determining, or other executive functions.

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-BASED Method. The applicant must address the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within their resume. Resumes must not exceed five (5) pages.

We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the position. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.



EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):

YOUR RESUME MUST CLEARLY DOCUMENT AND DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs) EVIDENCE WITHIN YOUR RESUME NOT TO EXCEED FIVE PAGES:

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE . This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE . This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building.

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN . This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility.

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN . This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS . This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Leadership Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating.

Detailed information on each ECQ, the underlying and fundamental competencies, sample narratives and a tips sheet for writing effective ECQs are available in the "Guide To Senior Executive Service Qualifications" Senior Executive Service Executive Core Qualifications and Senior Executive Service Qualifications & Fundamental-Competencies.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ)s:

IN ADDITON, YOU WILL BE EVALUATED ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your responses to the TQs should be embedded/addressed within your resume not to exceed five pages.

TQ 1. Experience leading threat prevention policy development and implementation of crosscutting initiatives that have a direct and significant impact on national security operations, such as:
  • Countering threats posed by foreign actors, including terrorists and hostile foreign nation states
  • Countering threats posed by homegrown violent extremists (domestically located persons that are inspired by foreign terrorist ideology) and domestic terrorists
  • Countering the crimes associated with hostile foreign actors, including terrorist attacks, human trafficking, smuggling of illicit goods (weapons / drugs), malign foreign influence activities, and nation state attacks
  • Understanding and mitigating the weapons used by threat actors, including emerging threats and technology

TQ 2. Demonstrated experience developing and coordinating policies and strategies regarding complex national security matters with senior officials from all branches and levels of the U.S. government, with foreign partners, and other stakeholders.

NOTE: Your demonstrated leadership ability and the evidence of the ECQs and TQs must be clearly shown in your resume. A separate narrative statement will not be accepted.

A sample 5-page resume that incorporates ECQs and TQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 29 - 37) http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf.

YOU WILL BE ELIMINATED FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION IF YOU FAIL TO MEET OR FULLY ADDRESS EACH MANDATORY EXECUTIVE CORE AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND IF YOUR RESUME EXCEEDS FIVE (5) PAGES.

Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.

Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer 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, please indicate this in your resume. Serving in a Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES appointment WILL NOT eliminate you from consideration.

Education

There is no educational requirement for this position.

Additional information

Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid.

Recruitment/Relocation/Retention Incentive may be authorized at Management's discretion.

Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.

Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change.

Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result.

If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.

DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.


  • Benefits

    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.

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your resume with no more than five (5) numbered pages is recommended.

A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants:

1. Minimum requirements: Your application must show that you meet all requirements including the education and/or experience required for this position. You may be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete, you may be found "ineligible".

2. Rating and Ranking: A panel of subject matter experts will review your application and evaluate your qualifications for this position based on the information in your application. Your application will be rated, based on the extent and quality of your experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of this position. Interviews will be at the discretion of the panel and/or selecting official.

3. Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, your application will be referred to a selecting official for consideration and possible interview. The DHS Executive Resources Board (ERB) will review results and make recommendations on final selections to the appointing authority where final interviews and reference checks may occur. Only the selectee will be required to write Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) narratives.

Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.

The application process to recruit for this position is the RESUME BASED method. Separate written narratives addressing the ECQs and TQs will not be considered at this time. Evidence of your qualifications for the ECQs and TQs must be clearly demonstrated in your resume, no more than five (5) pages are recommended.

Unless you have already been certified by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) in the past, your ECQs must be certified by the QRB before appointment can occur.

  • Benefits

    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.

  • Required Documents

    As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.

    To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

    1. Resume

    • Please submit a resume which DOES NOT exceed 5 pages.
    • Your resume must show evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive-level management capability and directly related to the executive core qualifications and the technical qualifications listed in the Qualifications section in one document. Information exceeding 5 pages WILL NOT be considered.
    • Your resume should emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, and the results of your actions.
    • Your resume must show evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive-level management capability and directly related to the executive core qualifications and the technical qualifications.
    • Include start and end dates for each position (e.g., month and year; month, day, and year).
    • Your responses to the TQs should be embedded/addressed within your resume not to exceed five pages.
    ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (if applicable):

    I am applying as someone that currently holds or has held a position in the federal civil service-the federal civil service is defined as positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches; it does not include positions in the uniformed services. I must submit:
    • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
      • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
    • Proof of holding of federal civil service position
      • If you work(ed) for an agency that does not provide an SF-50-for example, the United States Postal Service-provide documentation that confirms you currently hold or have held a position in the federal civil service.
      • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.

    I am applying as a current career Senior Executive Service (SES) member. I must submit:
    • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
      • Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
      • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
    I am applying as a former career Senior Executive Service (SES) member that is reinstatement eligible. I am eligible for reinstatement to the SES because (1) I successfully completed the 1-year SES probationary period or am exempt because I was converted to the SES as a career appointee when the SES was first established, and (2) left the SES for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or less than fully successful performance, or resignation after receipt of a notice proposing or directing removal under any of the aforementioned conditions. I must submit:
    • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
      • Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
      • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
    I am applying as an SES Candidate Development Program graduate. I must submit:
    • Certificate of Executive Qualifications
      • Upload under "Certificate of Executive Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.

    IMPORTANT: Failure to meet or fully address each ECQs and TQs in the 5 page resume may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.
  • How to Apply

    To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section.

    The complete application package MUST be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 12/27/2022.

    To begin, click Apply Online to create a USAJOBS account or log in to your existing account. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents and complete the occupational questionnaire.

    Click the Submit My Answers button to submit your application package. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date.

    To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the more information link for this position. The Details page 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.

    To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.

    You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. Paper applications and information sent by mail WILL NOT be accepted. If you cannot apply online, you may submit a paper application and the required forms. If you are unable to apply online view the following link for information regarding an Alternate Application.

    DHS is an equal employment employer: Selection for positions will be based solely on merit without regard to race, color, religion, age, gender, national origin, political affiliation, disability, sexual orientation, marital or family status or other differences.

    DHS provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a 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.

    Agency contact information

    Quera Smith

    Phone

    202-875-0484

    Email

    quera.smith@hq.dhs.gov

    Address

    Department of Homeland Security Headquarters
    245 Murray Lane SW
    Washington, DC 20528
    US

    Next steps

    Once you submit your application, we will review your experience and qualifications to determine if you possess the required ECQs and TQs for the position based on the information submitted in your package. Those who meet the qualifications will be referred to a panel of SES members to determine the "best qualified" candidates who will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

    Once a selection has been made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB), unless the selectee is a noncompetitive candidate that has been successfully certified by the OPM QRB.

    We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.

    DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; telework; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers.

    DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Employee Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. (https://www.opm.gov/news/releases/2016/08/newly-established-leave-policy-gives-disabled-veterans-more-time-to-address-medical-issues-1/).

    Thank you for your employment interest in the Department of Homeland Security!

  • Fair and Transparent

    The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

    • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
    • Reasonable accommodation policy
    • Financial suitability
    • Selective Service
    • New employee probationary period
    • Signature and false statements
    • Privacy Act
    • Social security number request

Required Documents

To apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

1. Resume

  • Please submit a resume which DOES NOT exceed 5 pages.
  • Your resume must show evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive-level management capability and directly related to the executive core qualifications and the technical qualifications listed in the Qualifications section in one document. Information exceeding 5 pages WILL NOT be considered.
  • Your resume should emphasize your level of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives undertaken, and the results of your actions.
  • Your resume must show evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive-level management capability and directly related to the executive core qualifications and the technical qualifications.
  • Include start and end dates for each position (e.g., month and year; month, day, and year).
  • Your responses to the TQs should be embedded/addressed within your resume not to exceed five pages.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS (if applicable):

I am applying as someone that currently holds or has held a position in the federal civil service-the federal civil service is defined as positions in the executive, judicial, and legislative branches; it does not include positions in the uniformed services. I must submit:
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
  • Proof of holding of federal civil service position
    • If you work(ed) for an agency that does not provide an SF-50-for example, the United States Postal Service-provide documentation that confirms you currently hold or have held a position in the federal civil service.
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.

I am applying as a current career Senior Executive Service (SES) member. I must submit:
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
    • Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
I am applying as a former career Senior Executive Service (SES) member that is reinstatement eligible. I am eligible for reinstatement to the SES because (1) I successfully completed the 1-year SES probationary period or am exempt because I was converted to the SES as a career appointee when the SES was first established, and (2) left the SES for reasons other than misconduct, neglect of duty, malfeasance, or less than fully successful performance, or resignation after receipt of a notice proposing or directing removal under any of the aforementioned conditions. I must submit:
  • SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action
    • Block 5-B (Nature of Action) must identify SES career appointment.
    • Upload under "SF-50" document type in the agency application system.
I am applying as an SES Candidate Development Program graduate. I must submit:
  • Certificate of Executive Qualifications
    • Upload under "Certificate of Executive Qualifications" document type in the agency application system.

IMPORTANT: Failure to meet or fully address each ECQs and TQs in the 5 page resume may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted. Please do not submit any additional information not requested above.


Help

This job is open to

  • Federal employees - Competitive service

    Current or former competitive service federal employees.

  • Federal employees - Excepted service

    Current excepted service federal employees.

  • Senior executives

    Those who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

  • The public

    U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency

All groups of qualified individuals - ALL US CITIZENS

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