Security Specialist (lead Industrial Security Operations Specialist)

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency; Quantico (VA); On-site; USD 110,000 - 150,000; Full time

Job summary

Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency's Industrial Security (IS) Operating Component seeks a Lead IS Operations Specialist to advise the Associate Director, IS, in a fast-paced front office environment. The role requires strong communication, collaboration, and customer service across internal and external agencies.

The position emphasizes advising on mission planning, organizational improvements, and operations, with coordination of tasks across DCSA, Department of War, and

Qualifications

• Specialized experience for GG-14 includes advising senior executives on mission planning, organizational improvements, and operations.
• Supporting senior leader engagements, staff functions, and cross-organizational planning.
• Coordinating with DCSA, Department of War, and Congressional Staffs to manage tasks and actions.
• Competencies evaluated: Change Management, Decision Making, Influencing/Negotiating, Planning & Evaluating, Strategic Thinking.

Responsibilities

• Advising Senior Executives and staff on mission planning, organizational improvements, and operations.
• Supporting senior leader engagements, staff functions, and planning cross-organizational actions.
• Coordinating with DCSA, Department of War, and Congressional Staffs to manage assigned tasks and actions.
• Proactively identifying operational challenges and providing recommendations or solutions.

Skills

Executive advising

Strategic thinking

Change management

Decision making

Planning & coordination

Job description

DCSA's Industrial Security (IS) Operating Component is seeking a highly motivated individual with knowledge and experience as a Lead IS Operations Specialist who will bring excellent communication, internal and external agency collaboration, and strong customer service skills. The position will serve as Advisor to the Associate Director, IS, in a fast-paced, dynamic front office environment.

The experience described in your resume will be evaluated and screened from the Office of Personnel Management's (OPMs) basic qualifications requirements. See: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/0000/security-administration-series-0080/ for OPM qualification standards, competencies and specialized experience needed to perform the duties of the position as described in the MAJOR DUTIES and QUALIFICATIONS sections of this announcement by 09/09/2026 Applicant must have directly applicable experience that demonstrates the possession of the knowledge, skills, abilities and competencies necessary for immediate success in the position. Qualifying experience may have been acquired in any public or private sector job, but will clearly demonstrate past experience in the application of the particular competencies/knowledge, skills and abilities necessary to successfully perform the duties of the position. You must have specialized experience sufficient to demonstrate that you have acquired all the competencies necessary to perform at a level equivalent in difficulty, responsibility, and complexity to the next lower grade (GS/GG-13) in the Federal service and are prepared to take on greater responsibility. Generally, this would include one year or more of such specialized experience. Specialized experience for this GG-14 position includes: Advising Senior Executives and staff on mission planning, organizational improvements, and operations. Supporting senior leader engagements, staff functions, and planning cross-organizational actions Managing large organizational projects, developing senior leader talking points and briefings, reviewing executive material, and tracking quick-turn actions. Coordinating with DCSA, Department of War, and Congressional Staffs to manage assigned tasks and actions. Proactively identifying operational challenges, providing recommendations and/or implementing solutions to resolve Specifically you will be evaluated on the following competencies: 1. Change Management- Knowledge of change management principles, strategies, and techniques required for effectively planning, implementing, and evaluating change in the organization. 2. Decision Making- Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change. 3. Influencing/Negotiating- Persuades others to accept recommendations, cooperate, or change their behavior; works with others towards an agreement; negotiates to find mutually acceptable solutions. 4. Planning and Evaluating- Organizes work, sets priorities, and determines resource requirements; determines short- or long-term goals and strategies to achieve them; coordinates with other organizations or parts of the organization to accomplish goals; monitors progress and evaluates outcomes. 5. Strategic Thinking- Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization in a global environment that takes into consideration the environment, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organization goals and values. Capitalizes on opportunities and manages risks and contingencies, recognizing the implications for the organization and stakeholders.