Become a Leader in National Security Education: Curriculum Manager Opportunity
Are you an experienced professional with a passion for cybersecurity and educational leadership? The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is searching for a dedicated Training Specialist to serve as a Curriculum Manager for Cybersecurity and Information Systems Security at the DCSA Security Academy in Linthicum, Maryland. This is a high-impact role that bridges the gap between complex national security policies and the development of the next generation of security professionals.
About the DCSA Security Academy
The DCSA Security Academy acts as a central hub for providing elite security training across the Department of Defense. Our mission is to ensure that the personnel responsible for safeguarding American technology, critical infrastructure, and personnel are highly trained, informed, and ready to meet modern threats. By joining our team, you become a critical component of the agency's strategy to modernize industrial security and uphold the highest standards of the National Industrial Security Program (NISP).
Core Responsibilities
As a Curriculum Manager, you will serve as a functional expert, collaborating with instructors and division leadership to maintain a robust portfolio of security training. Your primary duties will include:
- Curriculum Development: Designing, updating, and facilitating curricula that translate ambiguous cybersecurity policies into clear, actionable learning objectives.
- Strategic Oversight: Performing training needs analyses and recommending program changes to align with evolving national security directives.
- Collaboration: Partnering with instructors and course managers to ensure training content remains technically accurate and engaging.
- Policy Translation: Taking complex information system security requirements and turning them into accessible modules for students.
Required Qualifications and Skills
To be successful, candidates must demonstrate a blend of academic expertise and practical experience. You will be evaluated on your ability to integrate DoW, National Security, and cybersecurity concepts into technical training.
| Competency | Requirement Level |
|---|---|
| Information Assurance | Advanced |
| Curriculum Design | Expert |
| Security Regulation Knowledge | Proficiency |
| Instructional Delivery | High |
Compensation and Benefits
This role offers a competitive salary commensurate with federal standards, ranging from $143,913 to $187,093 per year. Beyond the salary, employees enjoy the comprehensive federal benefits package, including:
- Health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Participation in the FERS retirement system.
- The Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with employer matching.
- Flexible work schedules and telework opportunities.
Application Tips for Success
Applying for a federal position requires precision. Since this is an automated screening process, ensure your resume is clear and follows all instructions:
- Respect the Limits: Your resume cannot exceed two pages. Overly long resumes will result in automatic rejection.
- Align with Keywords: Use the competencies mentioned in the job description to describe your past work.
- Provide Details: Ensure you include the start/end dates for every job and the number of hours worked per week.
- Proofread: Double-check your application for clarity. Use standard, professional fonts like Lato or Arial.
If you are ready to apply your cybersecurity expertise to a role that safeguards our nation's interests, the Curriculum Manager position at the DCSA is an unparalleled opportunity. Apply through the USAJOBS portal by October 19, 2026, to ensure your application is considered.
Why This Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager Cybersecurity/ Information Systems Security) Job Matters
Shape the future of national security education by leading critical cybersecurity curriculum initiatives at the DCSA Security Academy.
Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager Cybersecurity/ Information Systems Security) Job Overview
The Defense Counterintelligence and Security Agency (DCSA) is seeking a Curriculum Manager to oversee training programs focused on Cybersecurity and Information Systems Security. Located in Linthicum, Maryland, this pivotal role involves translating complex national security directives into actionable learning objectives, ensuring that federal cybersecurity professionals remain at the forefront of threat defense. You will work in a collaborative environment alongside subject matter experts to design, develop, and deliver high-impact training solutions.
Requirements for Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager Cybersecurity/ Information Systems Security)
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Submission of a concise resume not exceeding two pages.
- Academic background in education or a subject area directly related to the position.
- One year of specialized experience at the GS-13 level or equivalent.
- Completion of a mandatory online assessment questionnaire.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must be willing to undergo a drug screening and participate in a random drug testing program.
Preferred Qualifications for Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager Cybersecurity/ Information Systems Security)
- Experience integrating DoW, National Security, and cybersecurity concepts into training baselines.
- Expertise in instructional design methodologies for Instructor-Led (ILT) and Virtual Instructor-Led Training (VILT).
- Proven track record in analyzing and translating evolving security policies into professional curriculum.
- Strong leadership skills with the ability to influence and motivate stakeholders at various levels.
- Demonstrated ability to perform training needs analyses and generate strategic program updates.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Robust retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Participation in the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching.
- ✓Generous paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and continuous learning.
- ✓Flexible work options including telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager Cybersecurity/ Information Systems Security) Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Training Specialist (Curriculum Manager Cybersecurity/ Information Systems Security) Job
- Review the full announcement on USAJOBS to verify all documentation requirements.
- Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages and saved as a PDF.
- Gather your transcripts and most recent SF50, if applicable.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account and initiate the online application process.
- Complete the required assessment questionnaire accurately.
- Submit your complete application package before the closing date of October 19, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Your resume must highlight your specialized experience with specific dates of employment and hours worked per week.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit, as this will lead to automatic disqualification.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions the competencies listed in the job description to pass the automated screening.
- Upload all documents in a professional format like PDF to ensure they maintain formatting.
- Double-check your responses to the online questionnaire against your resume content for consistency.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the security clearance requirement for this role?
This position requires the ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Is telework available?
Yes, this position is eligible for telework, though specific schedules are managed according to agency policy.
Can I use education to qualify for this position?
While education is a required baseline, you must also demonstrate specialized experience in curriculum management and cybersecurity to be considered.
What is the significance of the two-page resume limit?
This is a firm requirement for this specific vacancy. Resumes exceeding this length are removed from the hiring process automatically.
Do I need a specific degree?
Yes, you must have a major in education or a field related to the subject matter of the position.