Program Manager

In order to qualify for this position, you must meet the requirements described below. You may qualify at the NH-04 level, if you fulfill the following qualification requirement: One year of specialized experience equivalent to the NH-03 (GS12/13) grade level in the Federal service (experience may have been gained in the private sector) that demonstrates your ability in: 1) developing recruitment pipelines, leveraging special and direct hire authorities, and institutionalizing succession planning frameworks to address emerging talent gaps; 2) preparing and delivering executive-level briefings, decision documents, and issue papers tailored to senior leadership, relevant committees, and congressional oversight bodies; 3) overseeing a diverse, multidisciplinary workforce including performance management, talent development, and cultivating a culture of accountability and psychological safety. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. All qualifications and education requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. Your resume may not exceed two (2) pages. For qualifications determinations, it is recommended that applicants include their months and hours worked per week for each employment listed on their resume. If a determination is not able to be made about the duration of your creditable experience for qualification requirements, you will be removed from consideration. Read more about what should I include in my federal resume at https://help.usajobs.gov/faq/application/documents/resume/what-to-include ACTIVE DUTY SERVICE MEMBERS: Federal agencies treat active duty service member as veterans, disabled veterans, and preference eligible, when they submit, as part of their application package, a "certification" of active service in lieu of a DD-214, indicating the service member is otherwise eligible and will be discharged or released within 120 days from the date of submission.. A "certification" letter should be on letterhead of the appropriate military branch of the service and contain (1) the military service dates including the expected discharge or release date; and (2) the character of service. This "certification" must include your rank, dates of active duty service, type of discharge and character of service (i.e. honorable), and date any terminal leave will begin. It must be signed by, or by direction of, the adjutant, personnel officer, or commander of your unit or higher headquarters. Active duty members that fail to provide a valid "certification" of service with their initial application will be found "not eligible". Members may be appointed before the effective date of their military retirement/separation if they are on terminal leave. Current or Former Political Appointees: Agencies must seek prior approval from OPM before they can appoint a current or recent political appointee to a competitive or non-political excepted service position at any level. If you are currently or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you MUST disclose that to the Human Resources Office. Time-in-grade requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement and clearly documented in your resume. For entry at the NH-04 level, status applicants must have served 52 weeks as a NH-03 (GS12/13) or higher grade in the Federal Service. This position is located in the Office of the Under Secretary of War for Research & Engineering (OUSW(R&E)). The USW(R&E) serves as the Chief Technology Officer and is responsible for research, development, and prototyping activities within the Department of War (DoW).

Position Details

• Job Title: Program Manager
• Company / Organisation: Office of the Secretary of Defense
• Location: Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Field / Industry: Project Management
• Work Arrangement: On-site or hybrid - Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia

About This Opportunity

This full-time opportunity at Office of the Secretary of Defense is an excellent opening for experienced professionals in the field of project management and operations. The role is structured around an on-site or hybrid environment based in Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia and is designed for candidates who are ready to make a meaningful contribution from the moment they join.

Based in Pentagon, Arlington, Virginia, this role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local team in a structured professional environment. Candidates currently based in the area or open to relocation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Whether you are an established practitioner in project management and operations or a highly skilled professional looking for your next challenge, this Program Manager role offers the platform to apply your expertise in a real-world, results-oriented environment. Office of the Secretary of Defense is looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running and add genuine value to the team.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for candidates who have a solid background in project management and operations and a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality results. You should possess structured thinking, stakeholder management, risk awareness, and the ability to drive projects to completion on time and within scope. Experience working with project management software, collaboration platforms, and reporting dashboards will be an advantage, though a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is equally valued.

Beyond technical or domain expertise, Office of the Secretary of Defense is looking for someone who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and takes ownership of their work from start to finish. If you thrive in a professional environment and are passionate about the opportunity to deliver projects efficiently, on schedule, and within budget while exceeding stakeholder expectations, we encourage you to apply.

Key Competencies for This Role

Successful candidates for the Program Manager position at Office of the Secretary of Defense will typically demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Domain expertise - a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience in project management and operations
• Problem-solving ability - the capacity to identify challenges, think critically, and implement practical solutions efficiently
• Communication skills - clear and professional communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners at all levels
• Self-management - strong time management and the ability to prioritise a varied workload while meeting deadlines
• Team collaboration - a collaborative and supportive approach to working alongside colleagues across departments or locations
• Adaptability - the ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a dynamic, evolving work environment

How to Apply

To apply for this Program Manager position at Office of the Secretary of Defense, click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be taken directly to the official application page where you can complete and submit your application.

Before applying, please ensure that your CV or résumé is fully up to date and clearly highlights your experience and accomplishments in project management and operations. If a cover letter is included or requested, tailor it specifically to this role and explain how your background, skills, and goals align with what Office of the Secretary of Defense is looking for in a Program Manager.

All applications for this role are processed directly by Office of the Secretary of Defense. Career Nest facilitates the job discovery process and does not pre-screen or forward applications on behalf of employers. There are no fees for job seekers at any stage of the application process.

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