Department of Homeland Security

Deputy Chief of Staff

Washington, District of Columbia Full time

Deputy Chief of Staff

Department: Department of Homeland Security

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $167603 - $195200 Per Year

Job Summary: Organizational Location: This position is with the Department of Homeland Security, within U.S. Customs and Border Protection, Enterprise Services (ES) Immediate Office of the Executive Assistant Commissioner (EAC), located in Washington, DC

Major Duties:

  • Joining Customs & Border Protection (CBP), Executive Assistant Commissioner office, will allow you to utilize your expertise in advising the Executive Assistant Commissioner on a variety of policy issues of interest to DHS and CBP officials, as well as other Federal, state, local, and tribal agencies. This position starts at a salary of $167,603.00 (GS-15, Step 1) to $195,200.00 (GS-15, Step 10). Apply for this exciting opportunity to strengthen the Department's ability to perform homeland security functions by providing major policy guidance and exercising professional judgement, initiative, and executive leadership while directing, coordinating, molding, and representing CBP's programs and initiatives. In this Deputy Chief of Staff position you will become a key team member of Homeland Security professionals involved in directing a program, critical program segment, or key high level organization for which both the scope and impact of the program or organization directly are nationwide, agency wide, industry wide or government wide; directing the work of a complex organizational administrative program responsible for the regulatory, administrative, policy development, training, budget, manpower, and logistical/technical support and programs for a specific CBP program office; managing through subordinate supervisors and/or contractors; providing significant and extensive coordination and integration of a number of important projects or programs segments; making major recommendations; responsible for restructuring, reorientating, and recasting immediate and long-range goals, objectives, plans, and schedules; determining projects/programs to be initiated, dropped, or curtailed; and determining resources to devote to particular programs. Typical Work assignments include: Directing the collection and development of data from a wide variety of sources throughout CBP and providing advice and evaluate proposals, recommendations, and reports requiring the approval of the Chief of Staff, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner and Executive Assistant Commissioner. Supervising subordinate division chiefs in the establishment of goals and objectives, work planning and organization, work assignments, and personnel management responsibilities; directing the immediate staff within the Immediate Office of the EAC and supervising the development, implementation, and execution of administrative processes and procedures. Reviewing, amending, accepting, or rejecting subordinate division staff work submitted to the Chief of Staff, Deputy Executive Assistant Commissioner, Executive Assistant Commissioner, higher headquarters, or other Federal/public agencies. Presenting technically sound proposals and options for dealing with policy and highly sensitive operational issues.

Qualifications: Specialized Experience: You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Providing advice and evaluating proposals, recommendations, and reports requiring the approval of senior management. Collecting and developing data from a wide range of sources to assist in analysis for management decisions. Reviewing a variety of policy issues or changes from internal or external sources. Supervising immediate staff to establish goals and objectives and overseeing the execution of administrative process and procedures. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 11/07/2025. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

How to Apply: To begin your online application, click "Apply Online" to create a USAJOBS account and follow the prompts or log in to your existing account. Your application packet must include a completed assessment questionnaire, a resume, and any applicable and/or required supporting documentation. Please see the "Required Documents" section for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. Applications and supporting documentation will not be accepted by mail or email. The address below is for inquiries only. You may apply more than once, but the most recent application is the only one that will be used. You must submit your resume, your online questionnaire, and any supporting documents by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on 11/07/2025. It is your responsibility to verify that any information entered or uploaded is received and is accurate. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Determining your eligibility and qualifications is dependent on the supporting documentation and information provided, which may impact your referral for further consideration. If a document is not legible, you will not be able to view it in your application and you must again upload it by the closing date. Please upload your resume under the "Resume" document type. Any other relevant supporting documents should be uploaded under their appropriate document types as mentioned above. Only resumes up to a total of two pages will be accepted. Applicants with resumes exceeding two pages will be removed from consideration. Do not submit documents as a PDF Portfolios. Due weight will be given to performance appraisals and incentive awards in merit promotion selection decisions in accordance with 5 CFR 335.103(b)(3). DHS offers competitive salaries and an attractive benefits package, including: health, dental, vision, life, and long-term care insurance; retirement plan; Thrift Savings Plan [similar to a 401(k)]; Flexible Spending Account; Employee Assistance Program; personal leave days; and paid federal holidays. Other benefits may include: flexible work schedules; tuition reimbursement; transportation subsidies; uniform allowance; health and wellness programs; and fitness centers. DHS is committed to employee development and offers a variety of employee training and developmental opportunities. For more information, go to the DHS Careers website and select "Benefits." Disabled veteran leave will be available to any Federal employee hired on or after November 5, 2016, who is a veteran with a service-connected disability rating of 30 percent or more. Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions. The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to hc-recordsmgmt@cbp.dhs.gov. View common definitions of terms in this announcement.

Application Deadline: 2025-11-07