Become a Strategic Leader: Project Manager at the Defense Media Activity
Are you ready to take your project management career to the highest level of national service? The Defense Media Activity (WMA) is seeking a dynamic and experienced Project Manager to join its Headquarters staff in Fort Meade, Maryland. This high-stakes role offers the unique opportunity to manage complex portfolios that directly impact Department of Defense communications and visual information operations.
Job Responsibilities
As a Project Manager (GS-13), you will serve as a technical authority for the agency's enterprise project management framework. Your daily responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Integration: Translating national-level defense directives into actionable long-range plans.
- Process Optimization: Applying Lean Six Sigma methodologies to identify and resolve systemic inefficiencies.
- Contract Oversight: Acting as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) to develop Statements of Work (SOW) and monitor fiscal performance.
- Executive Support: Drafting decision papers and providing authoritative briefings to senior leadership.
Requirements
Candidates must be U.S. citizens and meet the specific criteria outlined by the Office of Personnel Management.
| Requirement | Description |
|---|---|
| Experience | One year equivalent to GS-12 federal grade level |
| Security | Ability to obtain/maintain a Secret Clearance |
| Document Limit | 2-page maximum for resume |
| Mandatory Testing | Initial and random drug screening |
Salary and Benefits
The salary range for this position is $121,785 to $158,322 per year. Beyond the base salary, federal employees enjoy a comprehensive benefits package, including health insurance, generous retirement options like the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), and a robust work-life balance through paid leave and potential telework options.
Application Tips
- Follow formatting rules: The two-page resume limit is strictly enforced. Ensure your document is in PDF format with at least a 10-point font.
- Document your experience: Be specific about your roles, ensuring you clearly describe how your experience equates to the GS-12 level.
- Use the tool: Utilize the USAJOBS resume builder to minimize common formatting errors.
This Project Manager role is perfect for a seasoned professional looking to leverage their strategic and technical expertise for the public good. If you are a results-oriented leader, apply by the November 4, 2026, deadline to be considered for this vital role at the Defense Media Activity.
Why This Project Manager Job Matters
Lead mission-critical strategic programs as a Project Manager for the Defense Media Activity and shape the future of Department of Defense communication strategy.
Project Manager Job Overview
The Defense Media Activity (WMA) is seeking a highly skilled Project Manager to join the Headquarters Staff Offices in Fort Meade, Maryland. This role is pivotal for managing complex, enterprise-wide portfolios of national significance. You will translate high-level defense strategies into actionable long-range plans, leverage data to drive resource allocation, and modernize workflows using Lean Six Sigma methodologies. This is an exceptional opportunity to serve as a technical authority within a worldwide media organization that supports military forces and Department of Defense audiences globally.
Requirements for Project Manager
- Must be a U.S. citizen.
- Must possess one year of specialized experience at the GS-12 grade level or equivalent.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
- Must submit a resume limited to exactly two pages, in PDF format.
- Must meet Time-in-Grade requirements if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Must complete a mandatory drug screening test.
- Must be registered with the Selective Service if applicable.
Preferred Qualifications for Project Manager
- Extensive experience in enterprise-wide business process re-engineering using Lean Six Sigma.
- Expertise in acting as a Contracting Officer Representative (COR) on high-value, complex contracts.
- Proven track record of delivering data-driven decision papers to senior executive leadership.
- Experience developing Statements of Work (SOW) and Independent Government Cost Estimates (IGCE).
- Strong ability to translate national-level directives into functional, long-range organizational plans.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
- ✓Competitive retirement savings plans including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- ✓Generous paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
- ✓Potential for telework opportunities to promote work-life balance.
- ✓Structured career advancement and professional development programs.
💡 How to Apply Project Manager Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Project Manager Job
- Log in to your USAJOBS account or create a new profile.
- Review the full vacancy announcement carefully.
- Prepare a concise, two-page resume in PDF format that highlights relevant experience.
- Collect necessary supporting documents (SF-50, transcripts, DD214 if applicable).
- Complete the online questionnaire via the provided USA Staffing link.
- Submit your complete application package before the deadline of November 4, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Adhere strictly to the two-page resume limit; exceeding this will disqualify your application immediately.
- Ensure your resume includes specific dates of employment, hours worked per week, and detailed duties.
- Use standard, professional fonts like Arial or Calibri and maintain at least 0.5-inch margins.
- Verify your eligibility documentation (such as SF-50s) to avoid an incomplete application status.
- Take advantage of the resume builder tool on USAJOBS to ensure your document meets federal formatting standards.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the education requirement for this position?
For the GS-13 grade level, specialized experience is required and cannot be substituted by education alone.
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages?
No, your resume must be limited to exactly two pages. Applications with resumes exceeding this limit will be automatically rejected.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, this position requires a Secret security clearance and is designated as a noncritical-sensitive position.
Can I substitute education for experience?
No, this position requires specific professional experience at the GS-12 level.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is based in Fort Meade, Maryland, though it may be eligible for some telework.
Job from Defense Media Activity
The Defense Media Activity is a global leader in providing broadcast, training, and information services to Department of Defense personnel and combat forces worldwide. Reporting directly to the Assistant to the Secretary of Defense (Public Affairs), the WMA operates at the intersection of strategic communications and technical excellence. Employees here are tasked with the critical mission of informing and training our armed forces across multiple platforms and international locations.