Become a Key Legal Leader: Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intelligence
Are you a seasoned attorney with a deep passion for national security? The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is currently inviting applications for the position of Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intelligence. This is a rare, high-stakes opportunity to provide authoritative legal advice to the nation's top intelligence leadership.
Job Responsibilities
As the Deputy General Counsel, you will be at the forefront of the most complex legal challenges facing the intelligence community. Your daily duties will include:
- Authoritative Legal Advice: Providing counsel on novel issues related to national security, intelligence collection, and foreign relations.
- Policy Shaping: Drafting and reviewing legislation, Executive Orders, and agency guidance that impact intelligence operations.
- Leadership: Managing a team of attorneys, overseeing the office budget, and fostering a high-performance environment.
- Liaison Work: Representing the ODNI across inter-agency working groups and collaborating with Congressional oversight committees.
Qualifications and Requirements
This is a senior-level position requiring not just legal expertise, but proven executive leadership. To qualify, you must possess:
| Requirement Type | Detail |
|---|---|
| Education | Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited ABA school |
| Certification | Active Bar Status in any U.S. jurisdiction |
| Clearance | Ability to obtain/maintain SCI clearance |
| Experience | Expertise in IC legal issues and staff management |
Salary and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary range of $151,661 to $209,700 per year, reflecting the high level of responsibility and the senior executive nature of the work. Employees are provided with a comprehensive federal benefits package, including robust retirement plans, health insurance, and the prestige of serving in a critical national security role.
Application Tips for Success
- The Two-Page Rule: Your resume must not exceed two pages. This is a hard limit, and exceeding it will disqualify you immediately.
- ECQ Focus: Explicitly outline how you meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
- Authenticity: Your essay answers must be original. Avoid using AI to write your responses; the agency specifically requires your own voice.
- Documents: Ensure your SF-50 (if applicable) is current and all documents are in Word or PDF format.
This position is more than a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of the United States. If you are an attorney ready to apply your skills toward protecting the nation and leading the legal efforts of the intelligence community, we encourage you to submit your application through the official USAJOBS platform.
Why This Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job Matters
Lead the legal front in national security as the Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intelligence with the ODNI.
Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job Overview
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is seeking a high-level legal expert to serve as the Deputy General Counsel for Counterterrorism and Intelligence. This role provides critical legal counsel to the DNI and senior leadership on complex national security, counterterrorism, and intelligence-sharing issues. As a senior leader, you will help shape policies that ensure the intelligence community operates within the framework of the Constitution and federal law while safeguarding the nation.
Requirements for Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel
- Juris Doctorate (J.D.) from an accredited ABA law school.
- Current Bar membership in good standing in any U.S. State, District of Columbia, or Territory.
- U.S. Citizenship and the ability to obtain and maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.
- Completion of a medical and psychological exam and a polygraph interview.
- Experience managing legal staff, including recruitment, training, and budget planning.
- Superior knowledge of counterterrorism legal issues and at least three specialized legal areas related to IC operations.
- Must be able to relocate to the Washington Metropolitan Area (WMA).
Preferred Qualifications for Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel
- Proven track record in managing cross-organizational legal teams.
- Demonstrated ability to synthesize complex, novel legal issues into actionable policy advice.
- Deep understanding of federal acquisition law, congressional oversight, and government information practices.
- Existing Senior Executive Service (SES) certification or reinstatement eligibility.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- βCompetitive federal executive salary structure.
- βComprehensive federal health and life insurance options.
- βFederal retirement benefits including FERS and TSP.
- βSupport for professional development and training within the intelligence community.
- βOpportunity to influence national-level policy and strategy.
π‘ How to Apply Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Deputy General Counsel For Counterterrorism And Intel Job
- Register and create a profile on the USAJOBS portal.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two (2) pages.
- Draft responses to the four mandatory free-response essay questions (max 200 words each).
- Compile supporting documents including a cover letter and a current SF-50 (if currently a federal employee).
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
π‘ General Tips
- Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; applications exceeding this length will be automatically disqualified.
- Ensure your resume explicitly addresses the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Intelligence Community Senior Officer Core Qualification (ICSOCQ).
- Proofread your essays to ensure they are your own original work; the use of AI tools is prohibited.
- Verify that your SF-50 is dated within the last 52 weeks if you are a current federal employee.
- Clearly label your position number on all submitted documents.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote-eligible position?
No, this position is based in the Washington Metropolitan Area (Bethesda, MD or McLean, VA) and requires a physical presence.
Can I submit my application via email?
No, the ODNI does not accept emailed applications. All applications must be submitted directly through the USAJOBS platform.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the agency requirements, resumes exceeding the two-page limit will not be reviewed and will result in disqualification.
Job from Office Of The Director Of National Intelligence
The ODNI serves as the nerve center for the United States Intelligence Community (IC). By integrating efforts across 18 intelligence agencies, the ODNI ensures that our national leaders have the accurate, timely, and actionable information required to safeguard the country. Working here means joining a team dedicated to integrity, excellence, and the rule of law.
