Become a Chief Operations Officer for the Department of Defense

The Office of the Secretary of Defense is currently inviting applications for a high-level Chief Operations Officer (GS-15). This role is designed for leaders who thrive in high-stakes environments, possess advanced administrative acumen, and are committed to the mission of national security. As a COO, you will be the bridge between policy and execution, ensuring that the Department of War Special Access Program Central Office operates with precision and efficiency.

Job Responsibilities

In this role, you will lead the day-to-day operational activities and implement organizational policies that govern sensitive programs. Your key responsibilities include:

Governance & Oversight: Providing objective analysis to the Director for critical decision-making processes.
Resource Management: Directing complex budgeting activities to ensure optimal resource distribution.
Leadership: Supervising a high-level team consisting of GS-13, GS-14, and GS-15 professionals.
Modernization: Driving enterprise-wide changes to improve organizational structure and efficiency.

Requirements

To be considered for this position, applicants must demonstrate one year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level. This experience must clearly show expertise in:

Programmatic execution and infrastructure management.
Resource allocation and budgeting.
Facility security and workforce planning.

Note: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Adhering to the strict formatting and length requirements is mandatory for consideration.

Salary Overview

The compensation for this GS-15 position is commensurate with senior federal leadership roles.

Pay Grade	Salary Range (Per Year)
GS-15	$169,279 – $197,200

Benefits

As a federal employee, you will receive a comprehensive benefits package that includes:

Health Insurance: Choice of multiple competitive plans.
Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
Financial Planning: Access to the Thrift Savings Plan with government matching.
Work-Life Balance: Generous annual and sick leave, plus federal holidays and telework eligibility.

Application Tips

Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume limit is non-negotiable. Excess pages will cause your application to be rejected.
Quantify Results: When describing your work experience, focus on results—budget sizes, number of staff managed, and scope of projects.
Prepare for SME Review: Since there is no automated test, your resume must clearly map your experience to the critical competencies listed in the job description.

This position represents a unique opportunity to serve at the highest levels of the Department of Defense. If you possess the leadership skills and operational expertise required to manage the infrastructure of national security programs, apply today to start your journey.

Why This Chief Operations Officer Job Matters

Take command of mission-critical operations within the Department of Defense. Lead the strategic infrastructure of highly sensitive programs at the heart of national security.

Chief Operations Officer Job Overview

The Department of War Special Access Program Central Office (DoW SAPCO) is seeking a visionary Chief Operations Officer to serve within the Office of the Director of Administration & Management. This high-impact role oversees the operational and administrative backbone of sensitive defense programs, directing the resources, personnel, and governance frameworks necessary to maintain mission readiness. You will be a key advisor to senior leadership, ensuring enterprise modernization and structural efficiency in a high-stakes environment.

Requirements for Chief Operations Officer

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience at the GS-14 level (or private sector equivalent).
Expertise in planning, directing, and executing operational/administrative infrastructure.
Experience in federal or corporate budgeting and resource allocation.
Ability to manage physical facility security and workforce planning programs.
Submission of a professional resume, strictly limited to two (2) pages.
Must meet all qualifications by the closing date.
Ability to obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.

Preferred Qualifications for Chief Operations Officer

Advanced background in strategic governance and advisory services.
Proven track record in high-level supervisory roles (experience managing large teams of GS-13 to GS-15 equivalent staff).
Expertise in program execution and resource management for highly classified programs.
Demonstrated ability to drive enterprise-wide modernization.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive Federal Salary
✓Comprehensive Health and Life Insurance
✓Federal Retirement Benefits (FERS)
✓Thrift Savings Plan (401k style)
✓Paid Federal Holidays
✓Annual and Sick Leave Accrual
✓Flexible Work Arrangements (Telework eligible)
✓Professional Development Opportunities

💡 How to Apply Chief Operations Officer Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Chief Operations Officer Job

Create or log into your USAJOBS account.
Prepare a resume limited to exactly two pages, adhering to specified margin and font requirements.
Complete the online application and assessment questionnaire.
Upload required supporting documents, including SF-50s or veterans' preference documentation if applicable.
Review your submission for accuracy before the closing date.
Monitor your status via the USAJOBS portal.

💡 General Tips

Your resume must not exceed two pages; failing to meet this requirement will result in automatic disqualification.
Use standard fonts (10pt minimum) and margins (0.5 inch minimum).
Clearly list hours worked per week and specific dates (month/year) for every position.
Ensure all uploaded documents are in PDF format.
Answer the questionnaire honestly; the SME panel review process is rigorous and relies on evidence of your stated competencies.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a security clearance required?

Yes, this position requires Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access and is classified as Special-Sensitive/High Risk.

Can I substitute education for the required experience?

No, education cannot be substituted for the specialized experience required for this position.

What is the assessment method for this job?

The agency uses a single-hurdle assessment method conducted by a Subject Matter Expert (SME) panel, rather than automated testing.

What is the security clearance level?

The role requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) clearance.

Is relocation offered?

Relocation incentives are not standard but may be considered at the agency's discretion.

Job from Office Of The Secretary Of Defense

The Office of the Secretary of War (OSW) is the cornerstone of the Department of Defense's policy development and resource management. Working within the Office of the Director of Administration & Management, you will join an elite team responsible for the oversight of mission-critical and highly classified programs. This organization plays a vital role in the long-term strategic success of federal defense initiatives.