Federal

Information Technology (IT) Cybersecurity Specialist

Department of State - Agency Wide ยท Department of State
๐Ÿ“ Arlington, Virginia GS-15 $169,279 - $197,200/yr
Posted: Feb 19, 2026 Deadline: Mar 4, 2026 (Closed days left)

About This Position

This position is located in the Office of the Chief Technology Officer (CTO), Office of the Executive Director (EX), Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS). DS/EX/CTO provides a broad range of essential Cybersecurity and Information Technology management functions in support of the Bureau's Information Technology (IT) program. For more information about the Bureau, visit: DS

Qualifications

Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying for the GS-15 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below: Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail; Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services; Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately; Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND Have at least 1 full year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 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 leading the planning and implementation of cybersecurity efforts during organizational transformations and system migrations. Experience advising on enterprise cybersecurity architecture, strategic planning, and modernization initiatives across various IT environments. Experience managing cybersecurity budgets to align resources to strategic risk priorities, mission impact, and enterprise resilience objectives.

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-15 position.

Major Duties

Leads the evaluation, implementation, and continuous improvement of security controls and risk management practices across diverse technological environments.

Provides authoritative technical assessment and strategic direction for the CTO's cybersecurity posture.

Oversees the analysis and evaluation of cybersecurity and IT programs, applying a range of analytical methods to assess effectiveness, efficiency, and productivity.

Serves as the principal technical liaison between IT operations, development divisions, and Departmental cybersecurity stakeholders to ensure seamless coordination of security initiatives and policies across the enterprise.

Education

Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Under the provisions of the Direct Hire Authority, veterans' preference and traditional rating and ranking of applications does not apply. For this announcement, all applicants will be forwarded to the selecting official for further consideration, and you may be subject to assessments during the selection process (e.g., technical writing sample or other work sample, structured interview, etc.). If you are selected, we will review your resume and required documents to determine if you meet the qualifications for this position, specifically the education, specialized experience, and knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) necessary to perform the work of the position.

Your resume limited to two pages serves as the basis for qualification determinations and must highlight your most relevant and significant work experience and education (if applicable) as it relates to this job opportunity. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further.

Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following KSAs and other characteristics that are relevant to the duties of this position and must be fully supported by information in your resume: Knowledge of cybersecurity theories, concepts, principles, standards, and practices. Knowledge of laws, regulations, policies, and rules governing the protection of IT resources. Skill in applying analytical methods and techniques.

Ability to formulate long range program plans and objectives. Ability to advise on information security initiatives and policies. Ability to liaise with a diverse group of partners and stakeholders. Agency and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (CTAP and ICTAP) candidates must be well qualified for the position to receive consideration for selection priority.

Candidates are considered well qualified if their knowledge, skills, and abilities (KSAs) exceed the minimum qualifications described in the announcement.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Additional Information

For reasonable accommodation at the U.S. Department of State, please contact the Office of Accessibility and Accommodations at (202) 663-3474 or [email protected]. 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.

How to Apply

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.

Required Documents

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.

  1. Other Qualification Documentation (e.g. certificates, certifications, etc.), if applicable. See the Qualification section of this announcement for more information.
  2. 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.

  1. 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.).

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Information Technology (IT) Cybersecurity Specialist position at Department of State - Agency Wide?
The salary range for this position is $169,279 - $197,200/yr. This is a GS-15 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Information Technology (IT) Cybersecurity Specialist job located?
This position is located in Arlington, Virginia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
Applicants must meet all the qualification requirements described below by the closing date of this announcement. Applicants applying for the GS-15 grade level must meet the following requirements: Have IT-related experience demonstrating EACH of the four competencies AND specialized experience listed below: Attention to Detail - Is thorough whe...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 4, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Top Secret clearance is required.
What does GS-15 mean?
GS-15 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.