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Summary The Executive Director for Drones and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), DHS Headquarters, Science and Technology (S&T) Directorate, in the immediate Office of the Under Secretary for S&T. Responsibilities The Executive Director for Drones and Counter Unmanned Aircraft Systems provides high level advice and counsel on science and technology issues and critical matters pertaining to polices, priorities, and program direction of the Department and Directorate. Reviews and analyzes key emerging science and technology issues of direct and substantial interest and concern. Specific responsibilities include: Oversees the allocation and execution of resources to support DHS and other government agencies in monitoring drones and counter unmanned aircraft systems. Conducts comprehensive research and development on monitoring procedures for drones and CUAS to ensure compliance with established guidelines and participates in the formulation of departmental policies, directives, and procedures. Ensures these policies are consistent with legal requirements, administratively sound, efficient, and cost-effective. Provides oversight and expert guidance on drones, CUAS and related program areas, advising the Under Secretary for Science and Technology, and senior officials on issues impacting national security. Offers expert advice and input on monitoring procedures to ensure adherence to established guidelines, assessing legislative matters and their impact on departmental programs related to drones and CUAS. Provides recommendations on optimal approaches for equipping DHS components and other government agencies with requirements, capabilities, standards, systems analysis, systems engineering, technology readiness, and operational testing and evaluation. Advises senior officials on the development and planning of department-wide programs, ensuring continuity of operations and integrating drones and CUAS policies into business and government processes. Provides insights on emerging technologies such as 5G, augmented reality (AR), and computer vision, highlighting their potential to enhance drone communication, intelligence, and market growth. As drones and CUAS usage expands for personal and commercial purposes, refines and implements DHS rules and regulations based on government standards to address new security vulnerabilities and attack vectors introduced by drones and counter unmanned aircraft system. Develops policies and oversees compliance for drones and counter unmanned aircraft system based delivery applications, including the transportation of food, mail, and medicine, as companies experiment with these innovations. Manages advancements in drones and CUAS technology, including extended flight times, improved range through battery innovations, enhanced AI integrations, and the development of smaller, more capable drones and CUAS. Fosters formal relationships with senior officials in other executive departments regarding homeland security matters as it relates to drones and CUAS. Represents the Under Secretary and senior management in high-level meetings and conferences with private citizens, industry representatives, and federal, state, or local officials with vested interests in homeland security drones and CUAS. Prepares briefings for the Under Secretary and senior officials on critical issues and decisions, ensuring DHS positions as it pertains to drones and CUAS are effectively represented, and crosscutting issues are resolved promptly and efficiently. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications 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: Demonstrated extensive knowledge of drones and counter-unmanned aircraft systems (CUAS), as well as advanced management and organizational principles and practices. TQ 2: Demonstrated strong decision-making skills that deliver high-quality outcomes by leveraging technical expertise, analyzing complex problems, and assessing risks effectively. 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. Detailed information on each ECQs, the underlying and fundamental competencies, and informaton regarding the Structured Interview QRB (SIQRB) Process are available in the "Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and the Qualifications Review Board." 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. Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. Current or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the DHS Headquarters Executive Services team. Education There is no educational requirement for this position. Additional Information Permanent Change of Duty Station (PCS) Expenses will not be paid. Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx) If you are unable to apply online or need to fax a document you do not have in electronic form, please contact Muriel Williams via email at [email protected] . Background Investigation: To ensure the accomplishment of its mission, the Department of Homeland Security (DHS) requires each and every employee to be reliable and trustworthy. To meet those standards, all selected applicants must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation for Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartment Information clearance as a condition of placement in this Special Sensitive position. This review includes 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. Any offers of employment made pursuant to this announcement will be consistent with all applicable authorities, including Presidential Memoranda, Executive Orders, interpretive U. S. Office of Management and Budget (OMB) and U. S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) guidance, and Office of Management and Budget plans and policies concerning hiring. These authorities are subject to change. Pursuant to Executive Order 12654 and DHS policy, DHS is committed to maintaining a drug-free workplace and, therefore, conducts random and other drug testing of its employees in order to ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Headquarters personnel in safety- or security-sensitive positions are subject to random drug testing and all applicants tentatively selected for employment at DHS Headquarters are subject to drug testing resulting in a negative test result. 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. 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.