Enforcement Programs Manager (Chief of Staff)
About This Position
View Common Definitions of terms found in this announcement. Organizational Location: This position is located in the Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Immigration and Customs Enforcement, Enforcement and Removal Operations, in Washington, District of Columbia. This is a non-bargaining unit position.
Qualifications
Please limit your resume to 2 pages. If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. IN DESCRIBING YOUR EXPERIENCE, PLEASE BE CLEAR AND SPECIFIC.
WE WILL NOT MAKE ASSUMPTIONS REGARDING YOUR EXPERIENCE. Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. You qualify for the GS-15 grade level if you possess one (1) year of specialized experience at the GS-14 grade level or equivalent performing duties such as: Overseeing program and administrative policies and requirements for nationwide enforcement programs; Providing expert budgeting and financial management advice; and Maintaining and developing enforcement and immigration laws and regulations.
Qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement. Qualification claims will be subject to verification. National Service Experience (i.e., volunteer experience): 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. Current or Former Political Appointees: 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.
The Department of Homeland Security encourages persons with disabilities to apply, to include persons with intellectual, severe physical or psychiatric disabilities, as defined by 5 CFR 213.3102(u), and/or Disabled Veterans with a compensable service-connected disability of 30 percent or more as defined by 5 CFR 315.707. Veterans, Peace Corps, VISTA volunteers, and persons with disabilities possess a wealth of unique talents, experiences, and competencies that can be invaluable to the DHS mission. If you are a member of one of these groups, you may not have to compete with the public for federal jobs.
To determine your eligibility for non-competitive appointment and to understand the required documentation, click on the links above or contact the Servicing Human Resources Office listed at the bottom of this announcement. Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO): This position may require substantial amounts of irregular or occasional overtime.
You will be required to work on an unscheduled basis in excess of the 40-hour workweek.
You must be readily available to perform this unscheduled overtime on a continual basis. To compensate you for this irregular and occasional overtime, you may receive premium pay in the form of Administratively Uncontrollable Overtime (AUO). AUO is currently authorized for this position.
However, authorization for AUO is dependent upon the incumbent meeting certain regulatory criteria and is subject to change. Secondary Law Enforcement: The Detention and Deportation Officer (DDO) position is an approved Secondary Law Enforcement position under 5 USC 8331 (20) and 5 USC 8401 (17). Previous experience in a primary (AKA rigorous) law enforcement position (or equivalent outside the Federal Government) is a prerequisite.
Retirement Coverage: This position is an approved Secondary Law Enforcement position under 5 USC 8331 (20) and 5 USC 8401 (17). Law Enforcement retirement coverage (special law enforcement provisions) is extended only if this position immediately follows service in a law enforcement position. FERS applicants must have completed three (3) years of service in a rigorous (AKA primary) position and transfer directly from a covered position in order to continue Law Enforcement retirement coverage upon selection. (Note: Applicants may meet position qualification requirements, but not meet the special Law Enforcement retirement coverage eligibility.
If such an applicant is selected, he/she will be placed in the regular retirement code. Completion of Training: You must have successfully completed Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training in accordance with 8 CFR 287.1(g) and other applicable agency policy. This includes successful completion of the Immigration & Customs Enforcement (ICE) Basic Immigration Enforcement Training Program (BIETP); ICE Detention & Removal Operations (DRO) Basic Immigration Law Enforcement Training Program (ICE_D); the legacy Immigration Officer Basic Training Course (IOBTC); the Border Patrol Academy; the combination of both the legacy Basic Immigration Detention Enforcement Officer Training Course and the ICE DRO Equivalency Training Program (ETP); the ICE Special Agent Training Program; the combination of FLETC Criminal Investigator Training Program and the DRO Equivalency Training Program for Special Agents (ETPSA) and for legacy US Customs Special Agents, the ICE / Customs Special Agent Cross Training Program.
Due to regulatory requirements, no other training will be accepted. (Note: Completion of training is subject to verification).
Note: If you have previously completed one of the basic immigration law enforcement training courses as listed above, but have had a significant break of three years or more from a position that initially required this training, you will be required to attend and successfully complete a new ICE basic law enforcement training course as a condition of your employment. Failure to successfully complete the academy will result in your removal from this position. Deportation Officer Transition Program (DOTP): Selectees who have not previously held a position as a Deportation Officer, Detention and Deportation Officer, Supervisory Deportation Officer, or Supervisory Detention and Deportation Officer and have not previously attended the six-week DOTP will be required to do so after entrance on duty.
Successful completion of this course is mandatory per agency policy. Failure to successfully complete the academy will result in your removal from this position. Motor Vehicle Operation: This position requires a valid state driver's license and the ability to operate an automobile.
Firearm Requirement: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition [Title 18, U.S.C., Section 922(g)(9)]. A "misdemeanor crime of domestic violence" is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force, or the threatened use of a deadly weapon, committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian.
The term "convicted", as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned or any person whose civil rights have been restored unless the pardon, expungement or restoration of civil rights expressly prohibits the possession of firearms or ammunition. Candidates who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statute are not qualified for this position. Candidates under consideration will be required to certify whether they have ever been convicted of such an offense.
False or fraudulent information provided by candidates is criminally punishable by fine or imprisonment [Title 18, U.S.C., Section 1001].
Major Duties
As a Enforcement Programs Manager (Chief of Staff), you will perform the following duties: Analyze, plan and direct national law enforcement programs that impact multiple organizations and are of significant interest to the public and or affects large numbers of people on a long-term or continuing basis. Provide expert analysis and advice on agency-wide programs or issues of national impact. Provide authoritative guidance in the resolution of complex problems or issues impacting major agency programs.
Develop, coordinate and implement strategic plans to include mission goals, objectives, and implementation strategies. Prepare and contribute to investigative reports and other presentations on program planning and evaluation.
How You Will Be Evaluated
You will be evaluated based on how well you meet the qualifications listed in this vacancy announcement.
Your qualifications will be evaluated based on your application materials (e.g., resume, supporting documents), your responses on the application questionnaire, and your responses to all assessments required for this position. Applicants' two-page resumes will first be evaluated for specialized experience as described in the Qualifications section of this announcement. Applicants demonstrating that experience will be further evaluated for possession of the competencies listed below using a structured resume review, a structured interview, or a combination of these two assessment methods.
The competencies needed to perform this job are: External Awareness Managing and Organizing Information Planning and Evaluating Problem Solving/Decision Making Technical Competence Results of the competency evaluation will be used to determine the final pass/fail status of each applicant. Passing applicants must demonstrate possession of all competencies listed above. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application materials or application questionnaire may result in your removal from consideration.
Cheating on an assessment may also result in your removal from consideration. If you are best qualified, you may be referred to the hiring manager for consideration and may be called for an interview. Interviews may be required for this position.
Failure to complete the interview may result in removal from further consideration. 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). Federal Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP,ICTAP,RPL) Eligibles: If you have never worked for the federal government, you are not CTAP,ICTAP,RPL eligible.
View information about Eligibility on OPM's Career Transition Resources website. In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. To be considered well qualified under CTAP, ICTAP, RPL you must be rated at a minimum score of 85 for this position.
In addition, you must submit the supporting documents listed under the required documents section of this announcement. Pursuant to Executive Order 12564, and the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan, ICE is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions (testing designated positions) are subject to random drug testing. Moreover, other drug testing of employees (e.g., reasonable suspicion drug test) may be conducted in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment.
All applicants tentatively selected for employment at ICE are subject to pre-employment drug testing and a final offer of employment is contingent upon a negative drug test result.
Additional Information
Promotion Potential: This position is at the full performance level. E-Verify: 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.
Suitability: If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Financial Disclosure: If you are hired, you may be required to complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) within 30 days after appointment.
Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of our mission, DHS requires every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet these standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully obtain and maintain a background investigation for Top Secret Clearance as a condition of placement into this position. This may include a credit check, a review of financial issues such as delinquency in the payment of debts, child support and/or tax obligations, as well as certain criminal offenses and illegal use or possession of drugs.
Benefits: 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; telework; 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.
How to Apply
To apply and be considered for this position, you must complete the Occupational Questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12884993, and assessment and submit all the required documentation as specified in he HOW TO APPLY and the REQUIRED DOCUMENTS section.
The complete initial Application must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on 03/13/2026. The vacancy questionnaire includes four short, free-response essay questions. This provides an opportunity for you to highlight your dedication to public service for the hiring manager and agency leadership (or designee(s)). While your responses are not required and will not be scored, we encourage you to thoughtfully address each question. Please provide a response of 200 words or less to each question.
You will be asked to certify that you are using your own words and did not use a consultant or artificial intelligence (AI) such as a large language model (LLM) like ChatGPT or Copilot. PLEASE
NOTE: If your materials are not received by the closing date, your application will be evaluated solely on the information available and you may not receive full consideration or may not be considered eligible. Also, if you do not provide a valid email address, you may not be notified of the outcome of your application. 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 below for additional information. All application materials, including transcripts, must be in English. We encourage you to apply online. 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 standard time on 03/13/2026. 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. One or more positions may be filled using this vacancy announcement.
Applying to this announcement certifies that you give permission for DHS to share your application with others in DHS for similar positions.
Required Documents
2-Page Resume showing relevant experience, education and training. Work experience must include: job title, duties, employer's name, employer's telephone number, employer's address, starting and ending dates (MM/YY), hours worked per week, and indicate whether or not we may contact your current supervisor. Please limit your resume to 2 pages.
If more than 2 pages are submitted, only the first 2 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. In describing your experience on your resume, please be clear and specific. We will not make assumption regarding your experience.
Do not copy and paste the duties, specialized experience, or occupational assessment questionnaire from this announcement into your resume as that will not be considered a demonstration of your qualifications for this position. (for more information, see the How do I write a resume for a federal Job-Two-Page Resume Limit). Are you a current ICE employee? Submit a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action that demonstrates your eligibility for consideration, e.g., length of time you have been in your current grade; your highest grade held; your current promotion potential and proof of permanent appointment if applying based on an interchange agreement.
Examples of appropriate SF-50s include promotions, within-grade increases, and accessions. Are you a current or former political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee? Submit a copy of your applicable SF-50, along with a statement that provides the following information regarding your most recent political appointment: Position title, type of appointment (Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES, or Presidential Appointee), agency and beginning and ending dates of appointment.
You may be asked to provide a copy of your recent performance appraisal and/or incentive awards. Failure to submit required documents will result in disqualification for this vacancy.