Advance Your Federal Career: Program Analyst Position at the Department of Defense

The Department of Defense (DoD) is searching for a highly skilled Program Analyst to join the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy. This role represents a rare opportunity to influence national-level policies that directly affect the lives of service members and their families. If you have a deep background in casualty affairs, mortuary operations, or strategic program management, this GS-14 role offers a platform to make a meaningful impact.

Job Responsibilities

As a Program Analyst, you will serve as a subject matter expert. Your core duties will include:

Policy Formulation: Developing and refining policies for Military Funeral Honors and mortuary affairs.
Strategic Oversight: Reviewing current programs for potential efficiencies through joint service initiatives.
Advisory Services: Providing expert guidance to senior-level officials regarding policy shifts and procedural requirements.
Stakeholder Engagement: Facilitating communication and reaching consensus across various federal and military organizations.

Requirements

To be eligible, you must meet stringent federal standards, including:

Specialized Experience: You must demonstrate at least one year of experience equivalent to the GS-13 level in the federal service. This experience must clearly relate to policy analysis or administration within the casualty or mortuary sectors.
Resume Compliance: Your resume must be two pages or less.
Assessment Proficiency: You must pass the USA Hire Competency Based Assessments.

Candidate Comparison Table

Feature	Requirement Status
Grade Level	GS-14
Experience Substitution	Not permitted (Experience Only)
Security Clearance	Secret
Resume Limit	2 Pages Max
Location	Alexandria, Virginia

Salary Overview

This position is compensated within the GS-14 pay scale, ranging from $143,913 to $187,093 per year, inclusive of applicable locality pay.

Benefits

The federal government provides a market-leading benefits package, including:

Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB)
Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS)
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching
Generous annual and sick leave accrual

Application Tips

Check Your Resume: Use a concise format. Every word counts when you only have two pages.
Document Your Experience: Clearly state your hours worked and the scope of your responsibilities to ensure the HR team sees your GS-13 equivalency.
Prepare for Assessments: Set aside at least two hours for the USA Hire process once you receive your invitation.

Serving as a Program Analyst within the Department of Defense is a distinguished path for those committed to public service and military family advocacy. If you meet the criteria and are ready to take on this challenge, ensure your application is submitted by October 30, 2026.

Why This Program Analyst Job Matters

Shape the future of military family and community policy through strategic program analysis and casualty advocacy.

Program Analyst Job Overview

The Department of Defense is seeking a dedicated Program Analyst to join the team within the Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community and Family Policy. This mission-critical role focuses on the development, administration, and refinement of essential programs related to casualty, mortuary affairs, and Military Funeral Honors, ensuring that our service members and their families receive the support they deserve.

Requirements for Program Analyst

Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
Must meet specialized experience requirements equivalent to at least one year of GS-13 level work.
Must have 52 weeks of federal service at the GS-13 grade level if held within the last 52 weeks.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Completion of online USA Hire Assessments.
Must submit a resume of two pages or less.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Analyst

Extensive background in analyzing policies related to casualty, mortuary affairs, or Military Funeral Honors.
Proven success in developing strategic plans for federal program administration.
Experience advising senior-level officials on policy and procedural adjustments.
Demonstrated ability to negotiate and build consensus among diverse organizational stakeholders.
Proficiency in drafting high-level decision memos and training documentation.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options.
✓Life insurance and retirement planning programs (FERS).
✓Paid federal holidays and generous leave accrual.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Potential for situational telework based on agency policy.
✓Relocation expense reimbursement (subject to specific criteria).

💡 How to Apply Program Analyst Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Analyst Job

Review the full vacancy announcement details on USAJOBS.
Prepare a resume that is strictly two pages or less, highlighting relevant specialized experience.
Complete the online application questionnaire through the provided portal.
Submit all required supporting documents, including SF-50s and proof of eligibility.
Submit the application package by the closing date of October 30, 2026.
Monitor email for instructions regarding the USA Hire Assessment if prompted.

💡 General Tips

Ensure your resume includes specific start/end dates (month and year) and average hours worked per week for every position listed.
Use plain language and avoid unnecessary jargon or acronyms in your resume.
Test your ability to meet the 48-hour deadline for the USA Hire Assessments after the closing date.
Validate your eligibility category early to ensure you have all required supporting documents on hand.
Double-check that your resume does not exceed the two-page limit, as longer resumes will be automatically excluded.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is telework available for this role?

Yes, this position may be eligible for situational telework, depending on current agency policies and job requirements.

Can I use my degree to substitute for experience?

No, this specific GS-14 position requires specialized experience in the field; education cannot be substituted for the required professional experience.

What happens if my resume is over two pages?

If your resume exceeds the two-page requirement specified in the announcement, it will be automatically removed from consideration.

Job from Department Of War Education Activity

The Office of the Deputy Assistant Secretary of Defense for Military Community & Family Policy (MC&FP) serves as the heart of DoD support for the military family. From child care initiatives and youth programs to complex casualty and mortuary affairs, this office ensures that the infrastructure supporting our armed forces is robust, efficient, and compassionate. Joining this team means playing a key role in a global organization committed to quality of life.