Launch Your Federal IT Career with the Defense Manpower Data Center

In the rapidly evolving landscape of defense technology, the role of IT policy and planning has never been more critical. The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is currently seeking a highly skilled IT Specialist to bridge the gap between complex policy requirements and high-performance technical execution. If you are an experienced IT professional looking to make a lasting impact on Department of Defense (DoD) operations, this opportunity offers a unique platform to steer major technological investments.

Job Responsibilities

As an IT Specialist (Policy and Planning) at the GS-13/14 level, you will function as a strategic advisor and project lead. Your core responsibilities include:

Policy Framework Development: Establishing standards, plans, and architectures to govern IT policy and planning applications.
Strategic Roadmap Management: Leading the full product lifecycle from gathering requirements to final deployment.
Investment Oversight: Managing IT budgets and portfolios while evaluating total cost of ownership.
Technical Leadership: Directing cross-functional teams in complex environments involving system integration and cloud transitions.
Stakeholder Engagement: Communicating strategic technical directions to both technical staff and executive leadership.

Role Comparison: GS-13 vs. GS-14

Feature	GS-13 Level	GS-14 Level
Responsibility	Mid-level technical execution	Strategic oversight and leadership
Focus	Implementation of policy/SDLC	Development of organizational mission
Authority	Expert guidance for projects	Authoritative decision-making for multi-million dollar investments

Requirements

To be considered for this position, you must demonstrate IT-related experience that confirms your proficiency in four core competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving. Candidates must have at least one year of specialized experience at the grade level immediately below the target position.

Resume Requirement: Your resume must be two pages or fewer.
Security: A Secret security clearance is required.
Compliance: You must be registered with the Selective Service if applicable.

Salary Overview

This position offers a highly competitive federal salary range of $121,785 to $197,200 per year, commensurate with experience and grade level. Federal compensation is complemented by a robust benefits package that ensures long-term financial and personal well-being.

Benefits

Beyond a competitive salary, the federal government provides a comprehensive suite of benefits:

Retirement: Participation in FERS, including a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government contributions.
Health: Access to top-tier health insurance plans for employees and family members.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
Professional Development: Continuous learning opportunities and support for professional certifications.

Application Tips

Competition for high-level federal IT roles is significant. Ensure your application stands out by following these tips:

Customize Your Resume: Clearly delineate how your previous projects align with the specific IT lifecycle and investment control needs listed in the job announcement.
Formatting Matters: Keep your resume to two pages, use a clean 10-point font, and save the document as a PDF to ensure it maintains its integrity during the upload process.
Answer the Questionnaire Honestly: The online questionnaire is a critical part of your evaluation. Be prepared to provide specific examples of your problem-solving capabilities.

This position at the DMDC is an excellent opportunity for seasoned IT professionals to exert influence at the department level. By merging technical expertise with strategic policy management, the successful candidate will play a vital role in securing the future of our nation's defense human resources systems. Prepare your application carefully, highlight your successes, and apply today to join a team dedicated to excellence.

Why This It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job Matters

Shape the future of defense technology with the Defense Manpower Data Center—where your expertise in IT policy and strategic planning drives mission-critical solutions for the Department of Defense.

It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job Overview

The Defense Manpower Data Center (DMDC) is seeking a skilled IT Specialist to lead policy and planning initiatives. This role is pivotal in managing IT lifecycles, strategic investment control, and enterprise-wide technical direction. Working within the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA), you will guide complex IT projects, ensure security compliance, and collaborate with cross-functional teams to modernize digital infrastructure in a high-stakes federal environment.

Requirements for It Specialist (Policy And Planning)

One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-12 (for GS-13) or GS-13 (for GS-14) grade level.
Expert knowledge of public laws, regulations, and policies affecting IT lifecycle management and strategic planning.
Proven experience in IT investment control, risk management, and quality management.
Proficiency in enterprise IT infrastructure concepts, including cloud modernization and data management.
Ability to demonstrate four core competencies: Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Oral Communication, and Problem Solving.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Must meet Selective Service registration requirements for males born after 12/31/1959.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages.

Preferred Qualifications for It Specialist (Policy And Planning)

Experience defining product vision and strategic roadmaps using portfolio management methodologies.
Leadership experience guiding cross-functional teams through complex, multi-million-dollar technology lifecycles.
Expertise in interpreting data from systems such as the Risk Management Framework Repository.
Demonstrated ability to communicate technical architecture to non-technical executive leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching contributions.
✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Flexible telework opportunities.
✓Professional development and training programs.

💡 How to Apply It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for It Specialist (Policy And Planning) Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or fewer.
Complete the mandatory online application questionnaire.
Gather supporting documentation, such as DD214 or military spouse preference forms.
Upload all documents as PDFs to ensure proper formatting.
Submit your complete application package before the 11:59 PM EST closing date.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; excess pages will result in immediate disqualification.
Quantify your accomplishments—include specific project budgets and team sizes managed.
Clearly link your experience to the four core competencies listed in the job description.
Use standard, legible fonts like Lato, Arial, or Calibri to ensure readability.
Review your application status regularly via your USAJOBS profile to track progress.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?

No. The vacancy specifically mandates a maximum length of two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

Is this position eligible for remote work?

The role is telework-eligible, but it is not a fully remote position. You will be expected to support operations at the designated work sites.

What is the security clearance requirement?

This position requires a Secret level clearance. Candidates must be capable of obtaining and maintaining this level of access.

What is the primary mission of this role?

To guide IT policy, manage investment portfolios, and ensure secure infrastructure for the DMDC enterprise.

Are there travel requirements?

Travel requirements are classified as code 1, which implies occasional travel may be necessary for mission requirements.

Can I apply for both GS-13 and GS-14 levels?

Yes, provided you meet the specific specialized experience requirements for the grade level you are applying to.

Job from Defense Human Resources Activity

The Defense Manpower Data Center is a key component of the Defense Human Resources Activity (DHRA). It serves as the primary DoD enterprise human resource information source, providing secure, data-driven services that support the Department’s global mission. Working at DMDC means joining an organization that values a highly skilled workforce and technical excellence. Employees here are tasked with the mission of promoting core values while maintaining systems that provide essential personnel and readiness data.