Become a Budget Justification Chief at the ODNI
Are you a seasoned financial strategist looking to make a significant impact on national security? The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is currently hiring a Budget Justification Chief in McLean, Virginia. This high-impact role sits at the heart of the intelligence community, ensuring that our nation's 18 intelligence agencies have the resources necessary to keep the country safe.
Job Responsibilities
As the Budget Justification Chief, you will perform a variety of high-level tasks, including:
- Strategic Leadership: Leading teams in the planning, forecasting, and monitoring of enterprise-wide financial information.
- Congressional Liaison: Developing budget testimony, briefings, and talking points for senior DNI leadership and Congress.
- Financial Analysis: Assessing financial conditions and applying complex financial principles to support ODNI programs.
- Conflict Resolution: Navigating stubborn financial challenges, such as conflicting funding priorities and public interest concerns.
Requirements
To succeed in this role, candidates must demonstrate a high degree of expertise in federal financial management.
| Requirement Type | Criteria |
|---|---|
| Education | Bachelor's degree (min 24 credit hours in finance/accounting) |
| Experience | Expert knowledge in federal/IC budget laws (OMB circulars) |
| Skills | Superior ability to brief senior leadership |
| Security | Eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) |
Salary and Benefits
The position offers a competitive salary range of $169,279 to $197,200 annually. Employees benefit from the stability of a federal career, including comprehensive healthcare, retirement planning, and professional growth opportunities within the Intelligence Community.
Application Tips
- Page Limit: Remember that your resume cannot exceed two pages. Overly long resumes are disqualified immediately.
- Detailing Experience: Be specific about your supervisory duties and specific financial systems used.
- Essay Questions: You will be required to answer four essay questions. Do not use AI-generated content; focus on personal, concrete professional examples.
This role is a unique opportunity to shape the financial future of the U.S. Intelligence Community. If you possess the leadership, financial acumen, and commitment to public service required for this GS-15 position, we encourage you to review the full vacancy announcement and apply today.
Why This Budget Justification Chief Job Matters
Shape the future of national security intelligence by leading enterprise-wide budget strategy and congressional financial justification at the ODNI.
Budget Justification Chief Job Overview
The Office of the Director of National Intelligence (ODNI) is seeking a high-level Budget Justification Chief to serve within the Office of the Chief Financial Officer. This critical GS-15 role involves orchestrating the National Intelligence Program (NIP) budget development, justification, and execution processes. You will act as a primary advisor to senior leadership, bridging the gap between complex financial data and actionable policy decisions for the Intelligence Community.
Requirements for Budget Justification Chief
- Expertise in planning, administering, and monitoring budget/financial information.
- Superior ability to provide financial consulting to high-level agency management.
- Comprehensive understanding of Federal and Intelligence Community budget laws and OMB circulars.
- Proficiency in developing congressional budget justifications and testimony.
- Bachelor's degree or equivalent experience with at least 24 hours of finance/accounting coursework.
- US Citizenship and ability to maintain a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.
Preferred Qualifications for Budget Justification Chief
- Proven track record of managing time-sensitive congressional budget exhibit materials.
- Experience briefing senior-level stakeholders on complex financial outcomes.
- Demonstrated ability to resolve conflicts involving competing funding priorities.
- Advanced analytical skills for long-range financial forecasting and policy evaluation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary and benefits package.
- ✓Opportunity to work at the nexus of the 18-agency Intelligence Community.
- ✓Professional development and leadership opportunities.
- ✓Access to standard federal leave and insurance programs.
💡 How to Apply Budget Justification Chief Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Budget Justification Chief Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS account.
- Draft a concise, maximum two-page resume highlighting relevant financial expertise.
- Prepare a professional cover letter expanding on your career impact.
- Gather your most recent SF-50 (if currently a federal employee).
- Complete the mandatory four free-response essay questions within the application portal.
- Submit all materials via USAJOBS by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages or it will be automatically excluded.
- Ensure your resume includes dates of employment and hours worked per week for each role.
- Focus your essay responses on concrete, measurable achievements in process improvement.
- Review your application for any PII or classified information before submission.
- Submit early to avoid technical issues near the 11:59 PM EST deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this position open to the general public?
Yes, this is an excepted service position open to the public as well as current federal employees.
What is the maximum length for the resume?
The resume must be no longer than two pages. Resumes exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Are relocation expenses covered?
Relocation reimbursement is discretionary and depends on the availability of funds for new ODNI employees.
Do I need a security clearance?
Yes, this position requires a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance.
Can I email my application?
No, the ODNI strictly requires all applications to be submitted through the USAJOBS portal.
Job from Office Of The Director Of National Intelligence
The ODNI serves as the central hub for the Intelligence Community (IC). By forging partnerships and building trust, the agency ensures that leaders have the information required to make critical decisions. As a member of the Chief Financial Officer’s office, you will be integral to resource management, performance planning, and the stewardship of the National Intelligence Program (NIP) budget.