Department of Veterans Affairs

Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations

Washington, District of Columbia Full time

Deputy Chief of Staff, Operations

Department: Department of Veterans Affairs

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $151661 - $218800 Per Year

Job Summary: The Deputy Chief of Staff (DCOS), Operations, VBA reports to the Chief of Staff and provides executive leadership, guidance and direction to all the organizations throughout VBA. Serves as the full deputy to the Chief of Staff and serves as an advisor to the Under Secretary for Benefits and the Principal Deputy Under Secretary for Benefits on the development and implementation of VA/VBA-wide policies, programs, and the internal management and operations of VBA.

Major Duties:

  • The position is located in the Office of the Under Secretary for Benefits, Veterans Benefits Administration's (VBA)and reports to the Chief of Staff (COS). The responsibilities include, but are not limited to: 1) Ensuring efficient execution of all functional programs organizationally aligned to the VBA. 2) Assisting the Chief of Staff in the implementation of all policies, practices, and management and operational approaches. 3) Initiating, overseeing or conducting special or confidential studies and prepares authoritative recommendations for changes in broad Administration policies or operations. 4) Explaining and clarifying VBA and departmental policies and procedures and independently resolves difficult issues. 5) Providing executive management, evaluation, and leadership over the Directors of: Office of Mission Support; Office of Executive Review; Office of Program Integrity & Internal Controls. 6) Maintaining critical awareness of sensitive program developments and issues and advises the Chief of Staff, Under Secretary, and Principal Deputy Under Secretary of the viability of available options.

Qualifications: 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 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 Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ1: Demonstrated experience in successfully developing and overseeing the implementation of strategic goals, legislation, regulations, policies and procedures to enhance organization's performance and efficiency; as well as providing guidance to Senior Leaders on high-level topics and projects. Experience must reflect substantial knowledge of claims processing workflows and benefits delivery operations. 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. 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 or have been certified through successful participation in an 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 (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

How to Apply: Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date, 01/26/2026 in order for you to be considered. Please read all instructions before you begin. 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.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-26