Associate Director for CISA Central

Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security AgencyArlington, Virginiausajobspublished 10/21/2026
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About the company

This position is located within the Cybersecurity and Infrastructure Security Agency (CISA), Integrated Operations Division (IOD), in Arlington, VA. IOD coordinates, collaborates, and executes CISA's operational activities to ensure seamless support and expedited response to critical needs.

Your tasks

The Associate Director for CISA Central serves as the executive agent related to the distribution and coordination of watch and warning functions for the agency. These duties include, but are not limited to, improving the nation's capability and capacity to detect, prevent, respond and mitigate disruptions to physical, cyber and communications infrastructure. Additional duties include, but are not limited to: Acquires necessary resources, including financial resources, to conduct an effective enterprise continuity of operations program. Advises senior management on cost/benefit analysis of information security programs, policies, processes, systems, and elements. Supervises or manages protective or corrective measures when a cybersecurity incident or vulnerability is discovered. Provides situational awareness through the collection, maintenance and sharing of information related to threats. Supports the Assistant Director for Integrated Operations in the development, implementation and management of the IOD strategic and annual operating plans. Assesses and guides efforts of supporting activities, including contractors and personnel detailed to Operations from other DHS organizations and other government agencies.

Requirements

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. 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). A sample 2-pages resume that incorporates ECQs and TQs can be viewed on this link (indexed at page 16 - 17) Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and the Qualifications Review Board.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

  • TQ 1: Ability to develop relationships and communicate effectively with senior leadership, government officials and stakeholder groups in a fast-paced environment.
  • TQ 2: Expert knowledge of and ability to plan, coordinate and participate in developing and implementing policies and procedures for a variety of complex business management programs to include budget, budget formulation (out year program development), financial, human capital, contracts, procurement and acquisition programs that are of major significance.

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.

Education may not be substituted for experience. You must meet the qualification requirements specified in the "Qualifications" section of this announcement.

You must be a U.S. citizen. Selective Service - Males born after 12/31/59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service see http://www.sss.gov/ All Federal employees are required to participate in Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer for salary payments. 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. This position has been identified as a drug testing designated position (TDP) for purposes of the CISA's Drug-Free Workplace Program. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illicit/illegal drug use prior to receiving a final offer of employment. A final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result. After appointment, you may be subject to periodic random drug testing. You must be able to obtain and maintain a security clearance suitable for Federal employment as determined by a background investigation. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs. One-year SES probationary period may be required. This position may be designated as essential personnel. Essential personnel must be able to serve during continuity of operation events without regard to declarations of liberal leave or government closures due to weather, protests, and acts of terrorism or lack of funding. Failure to report for or remain in this position may result in disciplinary or adverse action in accordance with applicable laws, rules, and regulations (5 U.S.C. 7501-7533 and 5 CFR Part 752, as applicable). You are required to file an Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) upon entering the position, as well as annually.