Launch Your Federal Career as a Program Manager with the DMDC

Are you a visionary leader with a passion for Information Technology and organizational success? The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is currently seeking a highly motivated Program Manager (GS-13/14) to join its elite team. This is a rare opportunity to play a pivotal role in the Department of Defense’s (DoD) human resources IT ecosystem. From identity management to large-scale infrastructure projects, you will ensure that the technology powering our national defense is efficient, secure, and innovative.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Manager, your daily responsibilities will shift depending on your specific grade level (GS-13 or GS-14), but both levels focus on high-stakes delivery:

Strategic Planning: Develop long-range work plans for complex IT portfolios.
Acquisition Management: Formulate acquisition strategies and oversee program execution from inception to retirement.
Stakeholder Advisement: Engage with senior military officials and executives to influence program direction and build consensus.
Risk Management: Identify potential bottlenecks in performance, cost, and schedule, and implement effective mitigation strategies.

Grade Level Comparison

Feature	GS-13 Requirements	GS-14 Requirements
Focus	Program implementation & project planning	Full lifecycle & investment strategy
Experience	Under supervision/guidance	Expert/independent leadership
Complexity	Project-based metrics	Strategic portfolio & policy formulation

Requirements

To be considered for this role, candidates must meet specific criteria:

Citizenship: U.S. Citizenship is mandatory.
Education & Experience: You must demonstrate one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level.
DAWIA Certification: Must achieve Level III certification in the IT career field within 24 months.
Resume: The most critical requirement is the two-page maximum resume limit.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive salary range corresponding to the General Schedule (GS) scale, ranging from $121,785 to $197,200 per year, depending on qualifications and location.

Benefits

Working for the federal government provides a robust suite of benefits, including:

Comprehensive healthcare insurance.
Federal retirement benefits (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan.
Flexible telework arrangements.
Generous paid leave including annual, sick, and federal holidays.

Application Tips

Format Matters: Do not exceed two pages for your resume. Use clear, legible fonts (Lato or Arial are recommended).
Quantify Results: When describing your experience, focus on metrics—how many projects did you manage? How much budget did you oversee?
Eligibility: If you are a military spouse or veteran, ensure your documentation is current and attached correctly.

Q: Is this an entry-level position?

A: No, this is a senior-level position requiring specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 or GS-13 level.

If you are ready to apply your program management expertise to the defense of our nation, the DMDC offers an unparalleled career path. Review the full announcement, prepare your application carefully, and take the next step toward a meaningful federal career.

Why This Program Manager Job Matters

Drive the future of defense IT at the Defense Manpower Data Center, where your leadership impacts the lives of millions of service members and their families.

Program Manager Job Overview

The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is seeking a highly skilled Program Manager to oversee critical, enterprise-wide IT portfolios. As a GS-13/14 professional, you will serve as a vital link between complex business requirements and cutting-edge IT solutions, providing strategic guidance to senior military and executive leadership. This role offers the unique opportunity to shape the landscape of human resource IT services while ensuring the security and efficiency of data assets that support our nation's heroes.

Requirements for Program Manager

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must meet DAWIA Level III certification requirements in Information Technology within 24 months of appointment.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-12 equivalent level (for GS-13) or GS-13 level (for GS-14).
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Resume must not exceed two pages; excessive pages will result in disqualification.
Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Manager

Experience managing the full lifecycle of complex IT portfolios.
Proven success in formulating acquisition strategies and long-range work plans.
Demonstrated ability to influence senior executives and build organizational consensus.
Expertise in DoD program, financial, and investment management policies.
Experience in risk mitigation for large-scale IT implementation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health insurance plans
✓Generous paid time off and federal holidays
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
✓Telework eligibility options
✓Professional development and training opportunities

💡 How to Apply Program Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Manager Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Review the specific requirements for your eligibility group.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Complete the online questionnaire via the provided link.
Upload all required supporting documentation (e.g., transcripts, SF-50, preference documents).
Submit your complete application package before the closing date.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit to avoid automatic removal from consideration.
Use standard, legible fonts like Lato, Arial, or Calibri at a minimum of 10-point size.
Ensure your resume clearly lists the hours worked per week and specific dates for all experience.
If claiming veteran or military spouse preference, ensure all supporting documentation is attached.
Verify your status using the link provided in the USAJOBS application portal periodically.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the resume length requirement for this position?

Your resume must not exceed two total pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

This position is telework-eligible but is not categorized as a fully remote position.

Are there specific certification requirements?

Yes, you must meet DAWIA Level III certification requirements in the Information Technology career field within 24 months of appointment.

Q: Can I submit a portfolio with my resume?

No, only include the required documents. Ensure your resume is in PDF format for the best results.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The DMDC acts as the enterprise-wide provider of HR IT services for the Department of Defense. Serving as a crucial component of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), the agency manages the data assets that support our service members, veterans, and their families. Joining this team means contributing to a mission that is as vital as it is rewarding, working in a data-driven environment that values excellence and innovation.