Department of Homeland Security

Assistant Administrator for Security Capabilities

Springfield, Virginia Full time

Assistant Administrator for Security Capabilities

Department: Department of Homeland Security

Location(s): Springfield, Virginia

Salary Range: $151661 - $228000 Per Year

Job Summary: Security Capabilities is responsible for overseeing TSA and DHS-designated acquisition programs and strengthening TSA's operational capabilities by analyzing risks, identifying capability gaps, developing requirements, and driving innovation to meet TSA and DHS mission objectives.

Major Duties:

  • The Assistant Administrator (AA), Security Capabilities (SC), leads TSA's end-to-end efforts to rapidly identify, evaluate, deploy, and maintain technologies to meet TSA and DHS mission objectives; strengthens TSA's operational capabilities by analyzing risks, identifying capability gaps, developing requirements, and driving innovation to meet TSA and DHS mission objectives; and oversees TSA and DHS acquisition programs, ensuring cost, schedule, and performance goals are met. The AA, SC: Leads innovation and emerging capability efforts, collaborating with stakeholders, industry, academia, and international partners. Supports operational risk assessments, requirements development, and system testing to ensure mission needs are met. Provides strategic direction and oversight, aligning program priorities with agency goals and resolving complex acquisition issues. Leads and manages TSA acquisition programs across their lifecycle, including budget formulation, resource allocation, and policy development. Acts as TSA's Component Acquisition Executive, implementing acquisition workforce guidance and managing all acquisition programs. Develops and implements strategies to improve operational procedures, technologies, and training. Manages TSA's Research and Development requirements and coordinates with DHS Science and Technology Directorate. Supervises staff, manages acquisition documentation, and maintains TSA acquisition-related policy.

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. As a basic requirement, applicants must demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications listed below. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the equivalent of the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state and local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) related to this position within your resume. Your resume MAY NOT EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will be deemed ineligible and will not receive further consideration. 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 Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-BASED. Therefore, evidence of each ECQ and TQ must be CLEARLY REFLECTED in your resume. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the following technical qualifications. Experience delivering innovative products and services, effectively aligning diverse stakeholders to achieve unified mission objectives. Expertise in the acquisition lifecycle framework and relevant federal laws/regulations, with proven leadership or oversight of acquisition programs and workforce development. Strong collaboration and communication skills with senior leaders, industry, and stakeholders in operational risk, technology requirements, and capability development. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES)/Transportation Security Executive Service (TSES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect the the ECQs and TQs, you will 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. NOTE: If you are a member of the SES/TSES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES/TSES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES/TSES. FAILURE TO MEET OR FULLY ADDRESS EACH EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATION AND TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS IN THE RESUME WILL ELIMINATE A CANDIDATE FROM FURTHER CONSIDERATION.

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. If needed, applicants may request a religious accommodation as part of the hiring process from the designated contact noted in the vacancy announcement (for contact information please see 'Agency Contact Information' listed within the 'How to Apply' section of this job announcement).

Application Deadline: 2026-05-15