Advance Your Career: DHS Acquisition Professional Career Program Manager

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is offering a unique professional development opportunity for current federal employees. The Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP) Program Manager position is a high-impact, one-year Joint Duty Assignment (JDA) based in Springfield, Virginia. If you are a seasoned professional looking to transition from traditional operations into the strategic development of acquisition talent, this role provides the platform to hone your leadership, mentorship, and program management capabilities.

Job Responsibilities

As an APCP Program Manager, you will be at the forefront of talent development. Your primary responsibilities include:

Talent Management: Overseeing the recruitment, onboarding, and training of future acquisition leaders.
Supervisory Leadership: Serving as the supervisor of record for participants, conducting performance evaluations, and managing day-to-day administrative needs.
Collaborative Planning: Partnering with the Homeland Security Acquisition Institute and component coordinators to align training with real-world mission needs.
Strategic Development: Facilitating learning plans and ensuring that participants gain relevant practical experience across various DHS components.

Requirements

To be considered for this competitive assignment, candidates must meet the following criteria:

Current, full-time federal employee status.
Experience in federal HR, program management, or acquisition disciplines.
Strong ability to provide constructive coaching and manage performance.
Proficiency in written and oral communication.
Ability to secure supervisory approval for the one-year detail.

Salary Overview

This position is open to individuals at the GS-13 and GS-14 levels. Compensation follows your current federal pay structure, ranging from $121,785 to $187,093 per year, commensurate with your existing grade and step.

Grade Comparison Table

Criteria	GS-13	GS-14
Scope of Responsibility	Senior Level	Expert/Lead Level
Compensation Range	$121,785+	Up to $187,093
Supervisory Role	Established	Advanced

Benefits

While this is a non-reimbursable detail, the true benefit lies in professional growth. Participants gain:

Exposure to high-visibility acquisition programs.
Direct mentorship experience with emerging leaders.
A expanded professional network across DHS components.
Advanced knowledge of federal acquisition frameworks.

Application Tips

Customize Your Resume: Clearly delineate your federal job series, grade, and specific accomplishments.
Documentation is Key: Ensure your SF-50 is accurate and up-to-date. Missing documents are the primary reason for application rejection.
Early Submission: Do not wait until the deadline. Use the time to verify that your supervisor has signed the required DHS Form 250-02.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: What happens after the one-year assignment? A: As a Joint Duty Assignment, you remain a federal employee and typically return to your home organization or pursue further internal opportunities upon completion.

Q: Is remote work an option? A: This position requires on-site presence in Springfield, Virginia; however, telework eligibility is determined by current office needs.

The APCP Program Manager role is an exceptional way to pivot your career toward organizational leadership and human capital management. If you possess the experience and the desire to mentor the next generation, we encourage you to review the official listing and submit your application package.

Why This Acquisition Professional Career Program Program Manager Job Matters

Shape the future of national security acquisition by mentoring the next generation of leadership in this pivotal one-year Joint Duty Assignment.

Acquisition Professional Career Program Program Manager Job Overview

The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) Headquarters is seeking a dedicated Program Manager for the Acquisition Professional Career Program (APCP). This one-year, non-reimbursable detail offers current federal employees a unique opportunity to influence the development, training, and recruitment of high-potential acquisition talent. You will serve as the supervisor of record for program participants, working collaboratively with the Homeland Security Acquisition Institute to refine learning plans and ensure the mission-readiness of the department's future leaders.

Requirements for Acquisition Professional Career Program Program Manager

Must be a current, full-time federal employee.
Must possess strong proficiency in federal recruiting and hiring practices.
Demonstrated ability to coach, mentor, and evaluate employee performance.
In-depth knowledge of federal acquisition disciplines, including contracting and program management.
Proven ability to work independently and take initiative with minimal supervision.
Excellent oral and written communication skills, including the ability to conduct difficult performance conversations.
Must be at the GS-13 or GS-14 grade level.
A signed DHS Joint Duty Assignment application form is required.

Preferred Qualifications for Acquisition Professional Career Program Program Manager

Experience in building relationships with senior leadership and cross-functional stakeholders.
Background in curriculum development or learning plan adaptation.
Experience managing developmental or rotational assignment programs within a federal agency.
Strong organizational skills related to programmatic oversight and participant tracking.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Exposure to high-level DHS Headquarters operations.
✓Professional development through the Joint Duty Program.
✓Opportunity to influence department-wide acquisition strategy.
✓Continued salary and benefits as a current federal employee.

💡 How to Apply Acquisition Professional Career Program Program Manager Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Acquisition Professional Career Program Program Manager Job

Log in or create an account on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume without PII (home address, SSN, DOB).
Gather your most recent SF-50 (no text versions) to verify current grade, tenure, and appointment.
Complete the DHS Joint Duty Assignment Application Form and obtain your supervisor's signature.
Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal before the closing date.
Monitor your status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Your resume is the primary basis for qualification; ensure it details specific duties, agency name, and supervisor contact info for each role.
Avoid generic descriptions; be clear and specific about how your experience aligns with acquisition program management.
Ensure your SF-50 clearly shows your current grade and step to avoid disqualification.
Do not wait until the final hour; document uploads may take time to pass through virus security scans.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this a permanent position?

No, this is a one-year, non-reimbursable detail assignment (Joint Duty Assignment) for current federal employees.

Will I receive a pay increase?

This assignment does not offer a temporary promotion; your compensation remains at the federal salary you are currently receiving.

Can contractors apply for this role?

No, this program is restricted to current full-time federal employees in the GS-12 through GS-15 grade levels.

Job from Department Of Homeland Security Headquarters

DHS Headquarters works to secure the nation against various threats, including terrorism, cyber risks, and natural disasters. The Joint Duty Program is a strategic initiative designed to break down siloes between DHS components and other agencies, fostering a "One DHS" approach. By participating in this program, you will gain deep insight into departmental operations while contributing to the agency's mission of building a resilient and ready acquisition workforce.