Become a Security Cooperation Division Chief: A Strategic Role with USSOUTHCOM

Are you a high-level leader with a passion for national security? The Department of the Army is seeking a highly qualified Security Cooperation Division Chief to join the Strategy, Policy, and Plans Directorate at USSOUTHCOM in Miami, Florida. This is a rare opportunity to influence major strategic objectives and lead teams that drive global defense cooperation.

Job Responsibilities

As the Division Chief, you will perform high-stakes duties that directly impact international and domestic security initiatives:

Strategic Policy Integration: Provide expert guidance on national security policies to ensure organizational alignment.
Resource Management: Synchronize funding streams across budget cycles to meet critical mission objectives.
Team Leadership: Manage a diverse staff, including civilian, military, and contract personnel, providing performance feedback and career development.
Consensus Building: Collaborate with high-level international and domestic stakeholders to advance theater strategic goals.
Analysis: Identify emerging issues and conduct comprehensive analysis to develop alternative courses of action.

Requirements

To be successful, candidates must demonstrate the following:

Specialized Experience: One year of experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level, including interagency leadership and strategic policy analysis.
Professional Documentation: A resume of two pages or less, clearly illustrating relevant work experience.
Security Requirements: Ability to hold a Top Secret clearance and consent to drug testing.

Comparison of Qualifications

Requirement Type	Detail
Experience Level	GS-15 (Specialized)
Education Substitution	Not Allowed
Citizenship	Mandatory U.S. Citizenship
Security Clearance	Top Secret (SS/High Risk)

Salary Overview

The salary range for this position is $157,563 to $197,200 annually, depending on experience and locality pay adjustments. This competitive salary is designed to attract top-tier leadership candidates who bring specialized experience to the government.

Benefits

Employees of the Department of the Army benefit from a robust federal compensation package, including:

Participation in the FERS pension system.
Comprehensive health insurance and dental/vision options.
Generous annual and sick leave accrual.
Clear promotional pathways and professional training.
Potential relocation assistance for eligible candidates.

Application Tips

Focus on Quality, Not Length: Your resume is your first impression. Keep it under two pages to avoid immediate disqualification.
Be Specific: Use clear language to detail your experience in managing budgets and interagency working groups.
Stay Alert: If invited to complete the USA Hire assessment, ensure you finish it within the 48-hour window.

Serving as a Security Cooperation Division Chief is a challenging and rewarding career path. If you possess the leadership skills, analytical rigor, and commitment to national security required, we encourage you to apply by the closing date of August 31, 2026.

Why This Security Cooperation Division Chief Job Matters

Shape national security strategy at the highest levels as the Security Cooperation Division Chief with USSOUTHCOM.

Security Cooperation Division Chief Job Overview

Join the Department of the Army as a Security Cooperation Division Chief in Miami, Florida. In this mission-critical role, you will lead strategic initiatives, manage high-level interagency partnerships, and oversee the synchronization of major funding streams to support Theater Strategic Objectives. This role is essential for ensuring organizational compliance with national security policies and providing leadership to a diverse team of civilian, military, and contractor personnel.

Requirements for Security Cooperation Division Chief

Must be a U.S. citizen.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Completion of a one-year probationary period is required.
Must complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE450).
Must have 52 weeks of federal service at the GS-14 level if applying as a current federal employee.
Must meet specialized experience requirements related to national security policy integration and resource management.
Submission of a resume not exceeding two pages is mandatory.

Preferred Qualifications for Security Cooperation Division Chief

Demonstrated experience in leading interagency working groups for major program funding.
Proven ability to identify and analyze the impact of complex issues on strategic organizational goals.
Strong background in supervising multi-disciplinary teams (civilian, military, and contractor).
Expertise in coordinating budget planning cycles with executive-level resource managers.
Proven consensus-building skills with domestic and international stakeholders.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive salary within the GS-15 pay scale.
✓Potential for recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives.
✓Access to comprehensive federal health and life insurance programs.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
✓Opportunities for professional growth and career advancement within the Department of the Army.
✓Paid federal holidays, annual leave, and sick leave.

💡 How to Apply Security Cooperation Division Chief Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Security Cooperation Division Chief Job

Review the full job announcement on the official portal.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, focusing on specialized experience.
Submit your online application and complete all required questionnaires.
Provide necessary documentation for eligibility, including SF-50s if applicable.
Complete the USA Hire Assessments within the designated 48-hour window if notified.
Monitor your application status via the online dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume concise; any resume over two pages will be disqualified.
Use plain language and avoid internal acronyms when describing your work history.
Clearly state hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year) for all listed experience.
Ensure you verify your eligibility category, such as Veteran or Military Spouse, before applying.
Check your email frequently, as assessment links are time-sensitive.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, this position requires experience alone. Substitution of education for experience is not permitted.

What is the maximum resume length?

Your resume must be two pages or less. Resumes exceeding this limit will be removed from consideration.

What level of security clearance is required?

This position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is classified as Special-Sensitive (High Risk).

Can I update my application after submission?

*A: Yes, you can update your materials via your USAJOBS account as long as the announcement is still open.*

Are there travel requirements?

*A: Yes, this position may require travel as part of its operational responsibilities.*

Job from Joint Activities

The U.S. Southern Command (USSOUTHCOM) is responsible for providing contingency planning, operations, and security cooperation for Central and South America and the Caribbean. Civilian employees are the backbone of this mission, providing specialized skills that complement military operations and ensure the continuity of critical administrative and policy-driven initiatives.