This position is located in the Cyber Threat Analysis Division (CTAD), Office of Cyber Threat and Investigations (CTI), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS).
This serves as public notice for the use of OPM's Direct Hire Authority. Applicants who meet the qualification requirements will be forwarded to the selecting official for consideration. We may select from this announcement or any other source to fill one or more vacancies.
For more information about this Bureau, visit: DS.
Learn more about this agency
U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
This public notice is to gather applications that may or may not result in a referral or selection.
- Responsible for planning and conducting comprehensive analysis, assessment, and reporting of global cybersecurity threats affecting the Department's critical IT infrastructure including highly sensitive networks, systems, and data.
- Ensures the dissemination of cyber threat information through the publication of timely threat assessment and analysis reports on both a regular schedule and on an ad hoc basis as dictated by the cyber threat environment.
- Plans and conducts development of new methods for protecting critical IT infrastructure from global cybersecurity threats, leveraging threat modeling techniques.
- Alerts management to active threats and provides detailed assessments of the impact and severity of such threats and recommends appropriate actions.
- Provides technical advice and recommendations on how to mitigate cyber threats, coordinating across interagency and partners to inform defenses. Maintains liaison with counterparts in other intelligence and law enforcement agencies.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Incumbent will be subject to random drug testing.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Obtain/maintain eligibility to access Sensitive Compartmented Information
- Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit: www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants applying for the GS-13 grade level must meet the following requirements:
Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below:
1. Attention to Detail - Incumbent demonstrates a high level of attention to detail by applying personal knowledge and ability to provide expert technical analysis and consultation focused on current global cyber threat environment and associated risks in order to mitigate cybersecurity vulnerabilities and risks.
2. Customer Service - Incumbent demonstrates a high level of ability to serve customers by responding to inquiries in a timely fashion and providing expert guidance on complex and controversial cybersecurity issues which have long term impact on IT infrastructure security.
3. Oral Communication - Incumbent demonstrates a high level of skill in communicating in order to provide expert advice and guidance, exchange information, brief senior officials, plan and coordinate activities, recommend new methods and approaches, and resolve problems.
4. Problem Solving - Incumbent clearly demonstrates the ability to solve and prioritize problems by determining the most appropriate principles to apply and resolving a wide range of technical issues related to cybersecurity.
AND
Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal service which provided you with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to perform the duties of the position
Qualifying specialized experience must demonstrate the following:
- Experience writing and reviewing all-source, analytical intelligence reporting on global cybersecurity threats.
- Experience developing and implementing proactive measures to detect, mitigate, and prevent cyber threats and intrusions to an organization’s critical IT infrastructure.
- Experience providing recommendations on new cyber threat analysis tools and technologies.
NOTE: In order to qualify for this position, your experience MUST be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.
There is no substitute of education for specialized experience for the GS-13 position.
The evaluation process consists of the ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments and a crediting plan for which applicants will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. A resume review by subject matter experts will be conducted for the top qualified candidates based on the combined total score.
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
This position is currently eligible to apply for the Cybersecurity Skills Incentive Program (Cybersecurity SIP) after completing one year of continuous and qualifying service, as well as other skills-based program requirements. The Cybersecurity SIP may approve a retention incentive up to 25 percent of basic salary.
To request a reasonable accommodation for additional time on the timed sections of the assessment, please submit your request using the “Request a Reasonable Accommodation” button within the Assessment Application.
For all other reasonable accommodations at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations (OAA) at [email protected].
OAA is responsible for reviewing and adjudicating reasonable accommodation (RA) requests for the Assessment Battery being used for this announcement. The following applies to all RA requests:
Applicants submitting a RA request MUST attach supporting medical documentation signed by a licensed, treating medical provider. The documentation should describe the nature, severity, and expected duration of the condition, identify the relevant medical condition or diagnosis, and explain the basis for the requested extension. RA requests that do not contain supporting medical documentation attachments at the time of initial request may be subject to further review.
Note: the following documents do not, on their own, qualify for automatic approval of the RA request: Schedule A letters, VA benefits letters, or SSA letters.
- If eligible, situational telework agreements may be permitted with supervisory approval.
- Multiple positions may be filled from this announcement. If eligible, applicants to this announcement may be referred to other similar positions in other Bureaus/Offices in the Department for up to 240 days. Telework eligibility and security clearance requirements may vary for such similar positions.
- Under the provisions of the Direct-Hire Authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply.
- Agency & Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP & ICTAP): View OPM’s CTAP & ICTAP eligibility website for more information. You must be rated in the Well-Qualified category and submit supporting documents under the required documents section of this announcement to receive selection priority consideration. To be considered Well-Qualified applicants must: score an 85 or above, meet Minimum Qualifications, and demonstrate proficiency in some, but not all major aspects of the position.
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.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
The evaluation process consists of the ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments and a crediting plan for which applicants will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. A resume review by subject matter experts will be conducted for the top qualified candidates based on the combined total score. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. Responses to questions that are not fully supported by your resume may result in a rating adjustment.
All applications that meet the required qualifications and the cutoff score will be referred to the selecting official in the order in which the applications were received.
You will be assessed on the following job-related competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics):
Non-Supervisory: Oral Communication, Writing, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Teamwork, Technology Orientation, Customer Service, Attention to Detail and Self-Management.
Set aside at least 2 hours to take the external assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. There are timed sections that must be completed within the allotted timeframe.
Your score from the external assessment (i.e., Non-supervisory)will remain on file for 180 days, allowing you to apply for multiple DOS-announced positions without the need to retake the assessments.
Top applicants may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and assessment. The assessment is a measure of the degree in which your background matches the competencies and KSAs required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies:
- Knowledge of the principles, concepts, and methods used to collect and analyze data used in the assessment and mitigation of cyber security threats.
- Knowledge of structured analytical techniques and information technology security theories, tools, principles, and practices.
- Ability to promote the integration of cyber threat analysis and assessment activities with intelligence research, analysis, and reporting activities.
- Skill in identifying, assessing, reporting, and responding to cybersecurity threats affecting an organization's IT infrastructure.
- Ability to communicate effectively, both orally and in writing, to provide advice and guidance, prepare and present reports and briefings, defend recommendations, implement and interpret policies and guidelines, promote information sharing, and represent the program’s interests in a variety of forums.
Resume review: Subject matter experts (SMEs) will review your resume to determine your qualifications for this position based on the required specialized experience. Your resume should demonstrate how you meet all aspects of the specialized experience statement. SMEs will not review additional information beyond your resume (e.g., links embedded in your resume will not be opened.). If meeting basic qualifications through education only or a combination of education and experience, applicants will not be referred to the SME panel but will be reviewed by the HR Specialist for referral.
In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application may result in your removal from consideration.
You may preview questions for this vacancy.
All required documents listed below, that are applicable to you, must be submitted to our automated system by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement.
1. Resume limited to two pages showing relevant work/volunteer experience, education and training. Include the start and end dates (from month/year to month/year) and the number of hours per week worked/volunteered. Your resume serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must support your answers to the completed online assessment questions. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.
2. Other Qualification Documentation (e.g. certificates, certifications, etc.), if applicable. See the Qualification section of this announcement for more information.
3. Veterans' Preference Documentation, if applicable. Veterans’ preference does not apply to this vacancy. Any supporting documentation received from veterans will be retained to document veteran’s status for appointment purposes, if selected.
- To claim 5-point preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty.
- To claim 10-point preference, submit all required documentation outlined on the SF-15 (Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference) to support your claim (e.g., DD-214, official statement from the Department of Veterans Affairs, etc.). If we cannot verify your 10-point preference claim, your application will be reviewed for 5-point preference.
- To claim 10-point derived preference (i.e., spouses, widows, widowers or mothers of veterans), submit a completed SF-15 and all required documentation listed on the SF-15 to support your claim.
- To claim 0-point Sole Survivorship preference, submit a copy of your DD-214 or another form of official documentation showing that your discharge or release from active duty occurred on or after August 29, 2008 and was based on a sole survivorship discharge.
- For all preference claims:
- DD-214 Member 4 copies are preferred and must show the dates of service, type of discharge, and any qualifying service campaign medals.
- For more veterans’ preference information, visit the USAJOBS Help Center.
4. ICTAP/CTAP documentation,if applicable (e.g., reduction-in-force (RIF) notice, RIF separation SF-50 personnel action, certification of expected separation, etc.). In addition, submit a copy of your current (or last) performance rating of record which must be at least fully successful or equivalent and submit all required documents listed above that apply to you (e.g., resume, transcripts, etc.).
Prepare your application in USAJOBS
To start your application, click Apply and we’ll walk you through the process to attach a resume and any required documents.
During the application process you can review, edit, delete, and update your information. We’ll automatically save your progress as you go, so you won’t lose any changes. You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
STEP 1: Select the "Apply" button and follow the instructions to register or sign into USAJOBS.
STEP 2: Submit your resume. Please see the Required Documents section for specific information that should be outlined in your resume.
STEP 3: Complete the online assessment questions.
STEP 4: Submit all required documentation applicable to you, as listed in the Required Documents section.
To learn how to view the status of your submitted supporting documentation and application, visit the Application Instructions section of our agency’s Civil Service selection process site.
Technical assistance with your on-line application is available through the Help Desk at [email protected] or by calling (866) 656-6830 between the hours of 7:00 a.m. and 7:00 p.m. ET
Alternate Application Procedures
If applying online poses an extreme hardship, you may request alternate application procedures to submit your application package. Contact the Human Resources office listed on the announcement between the business hours of 8:15 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. ET at least 2 working days prior to the closing date of this announcement. The application package for alternate application procedures must be submitted and received in the Human Resources office no later than 11:59 p.m. ET on the closing date of this announcement. Paper applications and information sent by mail will not be accepted.
Brianna D. Skinner
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
Address
U.S. Department of State
Not accepting applications by Mail
Charleston, South Carolina 29405
United States
Once the online application package is received, you will be notified through USAJOBS of your qualification status and referral or non-referral to the hiring official for further consideration. If further evaluation or interviews are required, you will be contacted. If a tentative job offer is made, the Department of State will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.
You will be notified up to four times during the hiring process:
1. Upon receipt of your application.
2. Upon minimum qualification determinations.
3. After the list of eligibles is issued.
4. After final selection is made.
Accepting applications
Posted this week · Apply by 07/27/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 27, 2026
This job will close when we have received 100 applications which may be sooner than the closing date. Learn more
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible
Yes—as determined by the agency policy.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$121,785 - $158,322 per year
Pay scale & grade
GS 13
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - 10% of travel may be required for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
- 2210 Information Technology Management
Federal service type
This job is in the Competitive Service
Security clearance
Top Secret
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
- Credentialing
- Suitability/Fitness
- National security
Announcement number
M/DS-DHA-2026-0005
