IT Specialist (PlcyPln)

Develop, maintain, and oversee execution of a technology plan that supports organizational needs and aligns the organization's technical vision with its business strategy. Provide expert-level technical policy and planning guidance and direction for national IT programs, cross-cutting initiatives, and portfolio management efforts.

Analyze Federal, VA, industry, and technology trends and recommend strategies, policies, and new approaches to senior leadership. Provide substantive input to organizational goals, vision statements, official policies and directives, strategic artifacts, and other materials with Department-wide impact.

Coordinate strategic planning and establish program goals, objectives, strategies, measures, and performance metrics for IT Policy and Planning programs. Independently track and evaluate the delivery, quality, effectiveness, and success or failure of Department-wide IT Policy and Planning services and new program implementation.

Conduct qualitative and quantitative studies to assess organizational efficiency and effectiveness, program performance, and complex management processes and systems. Evaluate program resourcing and organizational metrics and recommend resource reallocations, restructuring, reassignment, outsourcing, closure, or other remedies.

Serve as the senior technical authority for cross-cutting IT initiatives and portfolio management efforts, integrating technology strategy with enterprise business requirements. Evaluate new and emerging technologies and determine how they align with organizational business strategy, mission requirements, and future operational needs.

Direct development and implementation of broad IT policies, procedures, automation and innovation programs, and standardized processes and tools to improve efficiency and service quality.

Provide technical oversight for software and automation, information assurance and security, technology investments, design and engineering, systems and network integration, and architecture activities.

Advise the Division Executive Director, associated Deputy Director, senior management, and stakeholders by providing expert technical advice, oversight, and direction for multiple national IT programs.

Develop highly complex technical policy guidance and provide authoritative recommendations involving IT policy and planning, architecture, security, acquisition, program and project management, and IT capital planning.

Analyze complex and rapidly evolving technical issues and develop solutions across disparate groups, programs, missions, and organizational boundaries. Prepare and present technical and analytical reports, findings, white papers, policy guidance, and recommendations to senior leadership, Federal officials, and other stakeholders.

This position is primarily aligned to the following NICE Cybersecurity Workforce Framework work roles: 801 - Program Manager 805 - Program Auditor Work Schedule: Monday-Friday, 8:00AM - 4:30PM EST; Tour of duty may be subject to change based on organizational needs.

Compressed/Flexible: As determined by the Agency Policy Telework: Adhoc telework may be authorized at management discretion. Virtual: This is NOT a virtual position.

Position Description/PD#: IT Specialist (PlcyPln)/PD17738A Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not Authorized PCS Appraised Value Offer (AVO): Not Authorized Physical Demands: The work is sedentary.

Some work may require walking and standing in conjunction with travel and to attendance at meetings and conferences away from the work site. Working Conditions: The work is performed in a typical office setting. Travel may be required 25% of the time.

To qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 09/29/2026. Applicants must meet all requirements when a request is received to fill a vacancy. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: 1.

Individual Occupational Requirements (IOR) Basic Requirement Experience must be IT related; the experience may be demonstrated by paid or unpaid experience and/or completion of specific, intensive training (for example, IT certification), as appropriate.

For all positions individuals must have IT-related experience demonstrating each of the four competencies listed below. The employing agency is responsible for identifying the specific level of proficiency required for each competency at each grade level based on the requirements of the position being filled.

Attention to Detail - Is thorough when performing work and conscientious about attending to detail.

Customer Service - Works with clients and customers (that is, any individuals who use or receive the services or products that your work unit produces, including the general public, individuals who work in the agency, other agencies, or organizations outside the Government) to assess their needs, provide information or assistance, resolve their problems, or satisfy their expectations; knows about available products and services; is committed to providing quality products and services.

Oral Communication - Expresses information (for example, ideas or facts) to individuals or groups effectively, taking into account the audience and nature of the information (for example, technical, sensitive, controversial); makes clear and convincing oral presentations; listens to others, attends to nonverbal cues, and responds appropriately.

Problem Solving - Identifies problems; determines accuracy and relevance of information; uses sound judgment to generate and evaluate alternatives, and to make recommendations. AND 2.

Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-14 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization.

Specialized experience is defined as: experience in IT operations, supervision, and management of IT delivery systems and equipment; administering IT operational activities that support all organizations within the geographic area: utilizing strategic planning, budgeting, performance management and implementation of new, and maintenance of, existing operational hardware and software required for IT Support of all end users in the area; identifying measures or indicators of system performance and the actions needed to improve or correct performance relative to the goals of the systems; applying service management concepts for networks and related standards.

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; religions; spiritual; community; student; social).

Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Note: A full year of work is considered to be 35-40 hours of work per week.

Part-time experience will be credited on the basis of time actually spent in appropriate activities. Applicants wishing to receive credit for such experience must indicate clearly the nature of their duties and responsibilities in each position and the number of hours a week spent in such employment.

Veterans and Transitioning Service Members: Please visit the VA for Vets site for career-search tools for Veterans seeking employment at VA, career development services for our existing Veterans, and coaching and reintegration support for military service members.

For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.