Lead Cybersecurity Operations: Supervisory IT Cybersecurity Specialist (GS-14) with the Department of Justice

The digital landscape is constantly evolving, and the need for robust cybersecurity has never been more critical. The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR), part of the U.S. Department of Justice, is at the forefront of managing complex information systems and requires dedicated professionals to safeguard these vital assets. If you possess a strong background in cybersecurity, proven leadership abilities, and a commitment to public service, this Supervisory IT Cybersecurity Specialist position (GS-14) in Alexandria, Virginia, offers a unique opportunity to make a significant impact. This role is not just a job; it's a chance to lead critical cyber operations, protect national interests, and contribute to the mission of a vital federal agency.

About the Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR)

The Executive Office for Immigration Review (EOIR) operates under the Department of Justice and plays a crucial role in the nation's immigration system. Its primary mission is to adjudicate immigration cases fairly, expeditiously, and uniformly by interpreting and administering the nation's immigration laws. EOIR comprises three key components: the Office of the Chief Immigration Judge, responsible for managing immigration courts; the Board of Immigration Appeals, which handles appellate reviews; and the Office of the Chief Administrative Hearing Officer, which adjudicates immigration-related employment cases. The Office of Information Technology within EOIR is essential for supporting these adjudicatory functions through advanced technological solutions and robust cybersecurity measures.

Job Responsibilities: Leading the Cyber Defense

As a Supervisory IT Cybersecurity Specialist at the GS-14 level, you will be instrumental in shaping and executing the cybersecurity strategy for the Office of Information Technology. Your leadership will directly influence the security posture of critical DOJ information systems. Key responsibilities include:

• Strategic Leadership: Provide expert technical direction and leadership to a team of cybersecurity professionals, including vulnerability managers, incident responders, analysts, and insider threat specialists.
• Compliance and Standards: Analyze Department of Justice (DOJ) information systems to ensure strict compliance with current commercial and government cybersecurity standards, laws, and regulations.
• Risk Mitigation: Direct efforts to minimize risks to DOJ information systems through proactive measures and effective response strategies.
• Collaborative Implementation: Work closely with DevSecOps and Project Management teams to enhance security designs, architectures, and the implementation of security controls throughout the system development lifecycle.
• Advisory Role: Render expert advice to senior management officials on cybersecurity systems, processes, and operations, ensuring alignment with user requirements and agency goals.
• Policy Development: Contribute to the development and enforcement of cybersecurity policies, principles, and best practices.

Requirements: Qualifications for Success

To be considered for this demanding and rewarding role, applicants must meet specific time-in-grade and minimum qualification requirements. Merit promotion applicants need one year of experience at the GS-13 level to be eligible for the GS-14 grade. This specialized experience must demonstrate a deep understanding and practical application of:

• Cybersecurity Analysis: Analyzing information systems to ensure adherence to Federal and commercial cybersecurity laws, regulations, and standards.
• Security Advisory: Providing expert cybersecurity advice regarding implementation plans, standard operating procedures, maintenance documentation, and training materials.
• Risk Management and Control Implementation: Collaborating with diverse teams to lead the implementation of robust security controls and risk management procedures.

In addition to specialized experience, applicants must demonstrate proficiency in several general competencies at specific levels:

Competency	Minimum Proficiency Level	Description
Attention to Detail	Advanced (Level 4)	Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.
Customer Service	Advanced (Level 4)	Works with clients and customers to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.
Decision Making	Intermediate (Level 3)	Makes sound, well-informed, and objective decisions; perceives the impact and implications of decisions; commits to action, even in uncertain situations, to accomplish organizational goals; causes change.
Information Management	Advanced (Level 4)	Identifies a need for and knows where or how to gather information; organizes and maintains information or information management systems.
Interpersonal Skills	Advanced (Level 4)	Shows understanding, friendliness, courtesy, tact, empathy, concern, and politeness to others; develops and maintains effective relationships with others; relates well to people from varied backgrounds and different situations.
Oral Communication	Intermediate (Level 3)	Expresses information effectively to individuals or groups, taking into account the audience and nature of the information; makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others and responds appropriately.
Problem Solving	Advanced (Level 4)	Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations.
Teamwork	Advanced (Level 4)	Encourages and facilitates cooperation, pride, trust, and group identity; fosters commitment and team spirit; works with others to achieve goals.
Technical Competence	Advanced (Level 4)	Uses knowledge acquired through formal training or on-the-job experience to perform one's job; works with, understands, and evaluates technical information related to the job; advises others on technical issues.

Applicants must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement.

Salary Overview

This position is classified at the GS-14 grade level. The annual salary range is $143,913 to $187,093. This range is subject to locality pay adjustments based on the official duty station location, which is Alexandria, Virginia. This provides a competitive compensation package commensurate with the level of responsibility and expertise required.

Benefits

As a federal employee with the Department of Justice, you will be eligible for a comprehensive benefits package designed to support your health, well-being, and financial security. These benefits typically include:

• Health Insurance: Access to Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, offering a variety of plan choices.
• Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including a pension plan, Social Security, and a Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching contributions.
• Paid Time Off: Generous annual leave (vacation), sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
• Life Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Life Insurance (FEGLI).
• Disability Insurance: Federal Employees' Group Long-Term Disability (LTD) insurance.
• Professional Development: Opportunities for training, certifications, and career advancement.

Additional information regarding federal benefits can be found at https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/benefits/.

Application Process and Tips

Applying for this position requires careful attention to detail to ensure your application package is complete and effectively showcases your qualifications.

1. Complete the Application Questionnaire: Answer all questions accurately and honestly. You can preview the questionnaire at https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13062916.
2. Craft a Strong Resume: Your resume should not exceed two pages and must clearly detail your experience, duties, and dates of employment. Use specific examples that align with the specialized experience requirements. Ensure it's legible and follows recommended formatting guidelines (PDF is preferred).
3. Submit Required Documents: This may include your SF-50 (if a current/former federal employee), DD-214 (for veterans' preference), and any other documentation specified in the 'Required Documents' section.
4. Watch for Assessments: If USA Hire online assessments are required, you will receive a notification with a unique link and a deadline for completion. Allow approximately one hour to complete them and submit them promptly.
5. Submit by the Deadline: Ensure your entire application package is submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on October 26, 2026.

Application Tips:

• Be Specific: Clearly articulate your experience, quantifying achievements where possible. Avoid generic statements.
• Proofread: Carefully review your resume and application for any errors or omissions.
• Follow Instructions: Adhere strictly to all instructions in the announcement, especially regarding document formatting and submission.
• Check Status: You can monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)

Q: What is the salary range for this position? A: The salary ranges from $143,913 to $187,093 per year, plus potential locality pay adjustments.

Q: Who is eligible to apply? A: This position is open to multiple categories, including competitive service employees, veterans, military spouses, and individuals eligible under special hiring authorities. Please review the 'Other Information' section for detailed eligibility requirements.

Q: What is the work location? A: The position is located in Alexandria, Virginia.

Q: Is telework an option? A: Based on the provided information, this position is not indicated as telework-eligible (Remote Indicator: False).

Q: What are the key competencies evaluated? A: Key competencies include Attention to Detail, Customer Service, Decision Making, Information Management, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Problem Solving, Teamwork, and Technical Competence, among others listed in the announcement.

This Supervisory IT Cybersecurity Specialist (GS-14) position with the Executive Office for Immigration Review represents a significant opportunity for experienced cybersecurity professionals to lead and influence critical operations within the Department of Justice. By safeguarding vital information systems and directing a team of experts, you will play an indispensable role in maintaining the integrity and security of the nation's immigration adjudication processes. If you are ready to take on this challenging and impactful role, we encourage you to submit a thorough and compelling application by the closing date.