Leading the Future: Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Administration (VA)

The Department of Veterans Affairs (VA) stands at the forefront of serving those who have sacrificed for our nation. To continue this critical mission, the VA is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Office of Administration (OA). This is a premier Senior Executive Service (SES) opportunity for an accomplished administrator to influence large-scale operations in the nation’s capital.

Job Responsibilities

As the DAS for the Office of Administration, your duties will be broad and high-impact:

Strategic Leadership: Overseeing complex administrative support services across 16 major lines of business.
Infrastructure Management: Managing the VA Central Office infrastructure, including property leasing, facility maintenance, and renovation projects.
Program Administration: Directing specialized programs including logistics, health units, fitness centers, and occupational safety.
Continuous Improvement: Leading process improvement initiatives to streamline operations and ensure compliance with federal law.

Core Competencies Comparison

Competency Type	Focus Area	Goal
Technical (TQ)	Facilities & Operations	Efficient space/lease management
Executive (ECQ)	Leading People	High-performance culture building
Executive (ECQ)	Driving Efficiency	Strategic resource management

Requirements

This position requires an individual who balances technical expertise with executive-level strategy. You must demonstrate:

Experience: Proven ability to lead complex, diverse organizations.
Technical Acumen: Mastery of laws and regulations governing federal facilities and logistics.
Formatting: A strictly limited, two-page resume addressing both Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.

Salary Overview

This is a high-level SES position offering a competitive compensation package ranging from $151,661 to $228,000 per annum. Salary placement is determined by the scope and breadth of the candidate's professional background.

Benefits

Employees in the Senior Executive Service receive a comprehensive benefits package, including:

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
Federal Employees Group Life Insurance (FEGLI)
Generous leave accrual and federal holidays

Application Tips

Precision is Key: The 2-page limit for your resume is non-negotiable. Use clear, concise language to detail your accomplishments.
Integrate, Don't Separate: Ensure your TQs and ECQs are woven into your resume narrative rather than submitted as separate attachments.
Review: Use standard font sizes (no smaller than 10pt) and maintain 1-inch margins to avoid automatic disqualification.

Serving as the Deputy Assistant Secretary for the Office of Administration is a significant opportunity to shape the administrative landscape of the Department of Veterans Affairs. If you are a leader committed to the principles of our republic and the mission of caring for Veterans, we invite you to apply.

Why This Deputy Assistant Secretary For (Hra) Office Of Administration (Oa) Job Matters

Step into a pivotal leadership role at the Department of Veterans Affairs. Drive organizational excellence, manage complex infrastructure, and shape the future of administrative services for those who serve our nation.

Deputy Assistant Secretary For (Hra) Office Of Administration (Oa) Job Overview

The Department of Veterans Affairs is seeking a highly skilled Deputy Assistant Secretary (DAS) for the Office of Administration (OA). As a critical member of the senior leadership team, you will provide strategic oversight for a vast array of administrative functions, infrastructure management, and policy compliance. This role offers the unique opportunity to lead large-scale operations that support VA facilities and employees, directly contributing to the mission of providing top-tier service to our Veterans.

Requirements for Deputy Assistant Secretary For (Hra) Office Of Administration (Oa)

U.S. Citizenship is required.
Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages in PDF format (10pt font minimum, 1-inch margins).
Must demonstrate Technical Qualifications (TQ1 & TQ2) within the 2-page resume.
Must demonstrate five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the 2-page resume.
Must undergo and pass a pre-employment drug screening.
Must be willing to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
Males born after Dec 31, 1959, must be registered for Selective Service.
Must complete a financial disclosure report.

Preferred Qualifications for Deputy Assistant Secretary For (Hra) Office Of Administration (Oa)

Active Senior Executive Service (SES) status.
Successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP).
Current SES reinstatement eligibility.
Proven experience in strategic facility management and complex organizational leadership.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
✓Competitive Senior Executive Service salary structure.
✓Professional development and leadership training opportunities.
✓Paid vacation, federal holidays, and sick leave.
✓Access to diverse federal employee work-life programs.

💡 How to Apply Deputy Assistant Secretary For (Hra) Office Of Administration (Oa) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Deputy Assistant Secretary For (Hra) Office Of Administration (Oa) Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume that strictly adheres to the two-page limit and formatting requirements.
Ensure your resume explicitly details your experience regarding TQs and ECQs.
Submit your application through the online portal before the closing date.
Verify your status on the USAJOBS welcome screen after submission.

💡 General Tips

Do not submit separate narrative statements for TQs or ECQs; these must be integrated into your 2-page resume.
Triple-check your document formatting—resumes that exceed 2 pages or use small fonts/margins will be disqualified immediately.
If you are already an SES member, ensure your SF-50 is included in your application package for non-competitive consideration.
Save your submission confirmation and monitor the status through your USAJOBS account dashboard.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is this position eligible for remote work?

No, this is a Washington, DC-based role, though it is telework-eligible according to department policies.

What happens if my resume is 2.5 pages long?

Your application will be disqualified. The 2-page limit is strictly enforced for all applicants.

Do I need to submit a separate document for my ECQs?

No. The agency does not accept separate narrative statements. All qualifications must be demonstrated within the 2-page resume.

What is the security clearance requirement?

*A: While no formal clearance is listed, the position is designated as Noncritical-Sensitive/Moderate Risk, requiring a suitability background check.*

Is drug testing required?

*A: Yes, all tentative selections for VA SES positions are subject to pre-employment drug screening.*

Job from Immediate Office Of The Assistant Secretary For Human Resources And Administration

The Department of Veterans Affairs is dedicated to fulfilling the promise made by President Lincoln to care for Veterans, their families, and survivors. As part of the Office of the Assistant Secretary for Human Resources and Administration, the Office of Administration manages the essential infrastructure and services that allow the VA to operate efficiently across the United States.