Protecting the Message: Career Guide for the Personnel Security Specialist (GS-13) at USAGM

In an era where international communications and global messaging shape geopolitical landscapes, securing the integrity of media broadcasts and the individuals behind them is of paramount importance. The U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) is on the frontlines of this global effort, transmitting accurate and objective news to restricted and challenging environments worldwide. To support this vital mission, the agency’s Office of Security is recruiting a highly skilled and strategic Personnel Security Specialist (GS-13) in Washington, District of Columbia.

This senior-level position is designed for an expert who can navigate the complexities of national security clearances and suitability adjudications. If you possess a keen analytical mind, a background in vetting public trust positions, and the capacity to evaluate highly sensitive and complex case files, this career path offers a unique opportunity to contribute to national security while supporting a mission dedicated to global free speech.

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About the Agency: U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM)

USAGM is an independent federal agency responsible for all U.S. civilian international broadcasting and media operations. The agency executes its mandate through several key entities, including the Voice of America (VOA), the Office of Cuba Broadcasting (OCB), Radio Free Europe/Radio Liberty (RFE/RL), Radio Free Asia (RFA), the Middle East Broadcasting Networks (MBN), and the Open Technology Fund (OTF). Together, these platforms broadcast to hundreds of millions of people across the globe, providing reliable information where free press is compromised.

Operating in a global media ecosystem introduces unique personnel security challenges. USAGM recruits talent from diverse cultural backgrounds, often featuring foreign languages, international travel, and complex global relationships. The Personnel Security Division is tasked with verifying that every employee, contractor, and linguistic specialist meets the rigorous ethical, security, and suitability standards required by the United States government. Joining this division means you will work at the intersection of international relations, security intelligence, and administrative law.

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Job Responsibilities: Maintaining Operational Integrity

As a Personnel Security Specialist at the GS-13 grade level, you are not simply processing paperwork; you are a technical authority in personnel vetting. The position involves managing highly sensitive cases that require refined professional judgment, extensive expertise in federal suitability guidelines, and meticulous attention to detail.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Conduct Personnel Security and Vetting Determinations: You will oversee the end-to-end security screening for public trust and high-risk national security positions, ensuring that individuals entering or retaining federal employment are suitable and reliable.
• Adjudicate Highly Complex Cases: You will analyze cases involving significant derogatory, conflicting, or incomplete information. Using your extensive experience, you will make balanced, critical judgments to resolve these security issues in accordance with federal law.
• Establish Policy and Guidelines: Serving as a technical resource, you will contribute to the development of internal policies and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs) that align with Federal Personnel Vetting guidelines.
• Draft Legal and Administrative Documentation: When background information warrants administrative or adverse actions, you will serve as a Proposing Official. You will draft detailed, legally defensible adverse action proposals, decision letters, and communications to agency executives and legal representatives.
• Manage Investigative Actions: You will review background investigations for accuracy, identify gaps where information is insufficient, and order supplemental investigations or re-open cases to ensure completeness.
• Maintain Security Records: Ensure all personnel files are meticulously kept and that vetting actions are accurately reported in centralized national security databases.

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Requirements & Qualifications

To qualify for this GS-13 position, candidates must demonstrate high-level experience within the federal personnel security landscape. Education cannot be substituted for experience at this grade level; therefore, qualifications are evaluated strictly on professional accomplishments and technical competencies.

Minimum Requirements:

1. Specialized Experience: You must possess at least one year of specialized federal experience equivalent to the GS-12 level. This experience must demonstrate:
   • Expert knowledge of personnel security theories, regulations, and executive orders to analyze and resolve highly complex security problems.
   • Proven success adjudicating suitability and security clearances involving complex derogatory or conflicting background data.
   • Experience reviewing employment suitability for non-U.S. citizens, international contractors, and individuals with specialized foreign backgrounds or language skills.
2. Security Clearance: Since this position requires attending briefings and analyzing intelligence material at the highest level, the incumbent must obtain and maintain a Top Secret - Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI) clearance.
3. Background Assessment: Candidates must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation and pre-employment vetting.
4. U.S. Citizenship: Only United States citizens can be considered for this position.

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Salary & Compensation Overview

This position is offered under the General Schedule (GS) system at the GS-13 grade level. Salaries are adjusted based on the Washington, D.C. locality pay scale, which accounts for cost-of-living variables in the capital region.

Key Position Dimensions Table

Attribute	Specification
Grade Level	GS-13 (Promotion Potential to GS-13)
Annual Salary Range	$121,785 to $158,322 per year
Location	Washington, District of Columbia
Appointment Type	Full-Time, Permanent
Security Clearance	Top Secret / SCI
Telework Eligibility	Yes (Subject to agency telework policy)

Salary progression within the GS-13 range is managed through a ten-step system, with automatic step increases occurring at scheduled intervals of satisfactory performance.

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Benefits of Federal Employment

Working for the United States Government and the USAGM comes with an excellent suite of benefits designed to support your physical, financial, and personal well-being. These premium benefits include:

• Comprehensive Health Insurance: Choose from a wide selection of Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) plans, including dental and vision coverage.
• Retirement Security: Benefit from the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) three-tier program, featuring a defined-benefit annuity (pension), Social Security, and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with up to 5% agency matching contributions.
• Generous Leave Programs: Earn robust annual leave (vacation) and sick leave from your first pay period, alongside 11 paid federal holidays each year.
• Work-Life Balance: This role is telework-eligible, allowing you to establish a flexible schedule in coordination with your supervisor.
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA): Access pre-tax dollars for eligible medical and dependent care expenses.

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Application Process & Tips

Applying for a federal position requires meticulous planning and a thorough understanding of USAJOBS regulations. The application window is structured and short, opening on September 15, 2026, and closing on September 29, 2026. Follow these strategic steps and tips to ensure your application stands out:

Chronological Application Steps:

1. Build Your USAJOBS Profile: Log in to USAJOBS, verify your personal information, and ensure all records are current.
2. Prepare Your Documentation: Gather your comprehensive federal resume, DD-214 (if applicable), SF-15 (for veterans claiming 10-point preference), and any SF-50 forms confirming previous federal service (essential for ICTAP candidates).
3. Access the Application Portal: Click the 'Apply' button within the official announcement to transfer your files to the USA Staffing system.
4. Complete the Assessment Questionnaire: Answer the specialized occupational questionnaire accurately and completely. Ensure your resume directly supports your answers.
5. Review and Submit: Submit your complete application prior to 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 29, 2026.

Pro Tips for Success:

• Respect the Two-Page Resume Limit: Unlike standard federal positions, this USAGM vacancy announcement strictly limits your resume to exactly two pages. Any content on subsequent pages may not be reviewed, and failing to adhere to this restriction can disqualify you.
• Address Key Competencies: Your resume must demonstrate your proficiency in the five core competencies assessed for this role:
  • Accountability: Adhering to professional standards and taking responsibility for decisions.
  • Decision Making: Evaluating complex evidence to make logical, policy-compliant determinations.
  • Problem Solving: Navigating conflicting background sources and resolving security gaps.
  • Security: Deep understanding of federal suitability, fitness, and national security directives.
  • Written Communication: Ability to draft polished, legally defensible letters and adverse proposals.
• Quantify Experience: Use metrics and specific examples to demonstrate your experience (e.g., "Adjudicated 150+ high-level suitability determinations annually, reducing case processing times by 15%.").

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Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I use my college degree to qualify for this position?

No. For this specific GS-13 position, education is not required and cannot be substituted for specialized experience. You must show proof of one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 level.

Q: What happens if my federal resume exceeds the two-page limit?

USAGM requires a two-page maximum for resumes submitted to this announcement. Resumes exceeding this length may lead to a loss of consideration or an incomplete review of your qualifications. It is highly recommended to edit your resume down to two highly detailed, impactful pages.

Q: Does this position require travel?

Travel for this position is minimal, but occasional local or domestic travel may be required to attend specialized training, coordinate with investigative bodies, or attend high-level security briefings.

Q: What is the Fair Chance Act, and how does it apply here?

Under the Fair Chance Act, federal agencies cannot request information regarding an applicant's criminal history prior to a conditional job offer. However, because this position involves access to highly classified information and national security duties, security-related screening is conducted during the background investigation phase.

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Serving as a Personnel Security Specialist at the U.S. Agency for Global Media is a highly rewarding opportunity for experienced security professionals. In this role, you will apply your advanced adjudication expertise to safeguard the workforce that broadcasts democratic ideals worldwide. Ensure your application is submitted before the deadline on September 29, 2026, and take the next step in your distinguished federal security career.