SECURITY SPECIALIST

National Defense University

Fort McNair, DCFull-time$122–158K/yrPosted today

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At a glance

Compensation
$122–158K/yr
Location
Fort McNair, DC
Schedule
Full-time
Work Authorization
Not specified

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Requirements

Credentials this posting asks for.

TS/SCI clearance

Job overview

National Defense University seeks a Security Specialist to develop and execute its information security program and advise on classified information protection. The role oversees security inspections and investigations, manages SCI and collateral security requirements, and coordinates security support across the university and its partners. The selected candidate must obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security determination and serve a one-year probationary period may be required.

Skills & qualifications

RequiredNice to have

Skills

Information Security Program ManagementClassification ManagementSecurity ComplianceSecurity InspectionsRisk AssessmentIncident ResponseCommunicationStakeholder CoordinationSecurity Policy InterpretationClassified Information Protection

Qualifications

One Year Specialized ExperienceTop Secret/SCI Security Determination

Benefits

401(k) Match
Medical Insurance
Paid Time Off

Full job description

Summary

National Defense University (NDU) supports the joint warfighter by providing rigorous Joint Professional Military Education to members of the U.S. Armed Forces and select others in order to develop leaders who have the ability to operate and creatively think in an unpredictable and complex world. This job announcement uses the USA Hire Assessment to evaluate applicants. For more information, visit USA Hire Assessment

Duties

  • Develops, coordinates, and executes NDU’s information security program, policies, plans, and procedures.
  • Serves as the principal advisor on classification management, safeguarding, downgrading, declassification, transmission, storage, and destruction of classified information.
  • Plans and conducts security inspections, reviews, and investigations; analyzes deficiencies and incidents; and recommends corrective actions to reduce risk and ensure compliance.
  • Manages SCI and collateral security requirements for meetings, conferences, systems, and facilities; coordinates access, accreditation, and security support with internal and external partners.
  • Leads security education and awareness, advises senior leaders and staff, and coordinates the work of security personnel supporting NDU colleges, components, and mission partners.

Qualifications

One year of specialized experience equivalent in level of difficulty and responsibility to that of the next lower grade GS-12 within the federal service, which demonstrates the ability to perform the duties of the position, is required. Specialized experience is defined as experience with developing or managing information security programs; interpreting security policy; conducting inspections or investigations; assessing risk; resolving complex security issues; and advising senior leaders on classified information protection. Volunteer Experience: 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). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Education

Education is not substitutable for specialized experience for this grade level. Official Transcripts: If the position you are applying for has a positive degree requirement or education forms the basis for qualifications (i.e. you would not qualify without the education obtained), you MUST submit transcripts with your application. Official transcripts are not required at the time of application outside of what is outlined above; however, official transcripts must be verified PRIOR to appointment. An accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education must accredit education. Click here to check accreditation. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in a conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying or prior to appointment as outlined above. Qualifying education from colleges and universities in foreign countries must be evaluated in terms of equivalency to that acquired in U.S. colleges and universities. Applicants educated in whole or in part in foreign countries must submit sufficient evidence, including transcripts, to an accredited private organization for an equivalency evaluation of course work and degree. You must provide a copy of the letter containing the results of the equivalency evaluation upon request. Failure to provide such documentation when requested will result in lost consideration. For more information regarding evaluation of foreign education for federal employment, please visit the U.S. Department of Education How You Will Be Evaluated

HR will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. Applicants meeting the basic requirements will be further evaluated by information provided in the Assessment Questionnaire. If, after reviewing your resume and or supporting documentation, a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications and or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Please follow all instructions carefully. Errors or omissions may affect your rating. The Assessment Questionnaire takes approximately 15 minutes to complete and collects information on your education, training and experience related to the following critical competencies: Information Security Program Management Classification Management Security Compliance and Inspections Risk Assessment and Incident Response Communication and Stakeholder Coordination You can preview the Assessment Questionnaire here: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13102951 The USA Hire Assessment includes a cut score based on the minimum level of required proficiency in critical general competencies. You must meet or exceed the cut score to be considered. You will not be considered for the position if you score below the cut score or fail to complete the assessment. Criminal History Inquiries- If you apply to this position and are selected, we will not ask about your criminal history before you receive a conditional job offer. If you believe you were asked about your criminal history improperly, contact the agency @ [email protected] Other Information

Priority Placement Program (PPP) Military Spouse Preference (MSP) eligible candidates will receive priority consideration at the full performance level only. Accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. Background or Security Investigation: This is a Special Sensitive position which requires a background investigation. The individual selected for this position is required to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI security determination to occupy a Special Sensitive position within the agency as a condition of employment. Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program (ICTAP): You must be well qualified for the position to receive special selection priority under the ICTAP. A qualified ICTAP eligible achieving a score of 90 or above will be considered well qualified. You must submit a Separation-Reduction in Force (RIF) SF-50; a RIF Notice showing separation within the past year (or declining a management directed reassignment outside the commuting area, or a Termination of Disability Notice from OPM) and most recent performance appraisal. For more information, go to: http://www.opm.gov/rif/employee_guides/career_transition.asp#ictap. Special Hiring Authorities: You may be considered for the vacancy if you are eligible for a special appointment authority such as those authorized for the severely disabled; certain Vietnam Era and disabled veterans; volunteers returned from the Peace Corps or Vista, etc. For more information, visit the following OPM websites: USAJOBS Resource Center: http://help.usajobs.gov/how-to; VetsInfo Guide: http://www.fedshirevets.gov/. Veterans Employment Opportunities Act (VEOA): Veterans who are preference eligibles or who have been separated from the Armed Forces under honorable conditions after substantially completing an initial 3-year term (not less than 2 years and 11 months) may apply regardless of their current geographical location. Veterans must submit their DD-214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty, to be considered under this authority. Reemployed Annuitants: Department of Defense has the authority to hire annuitants without reduction in pay. For more information, go to: https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/policy/retirement/reemployedannuitant All applicants are encouraged to apply electronically. If you are unable to apply on-line, you may contact 317-212-4434 for assistance. NDU has a comprehensive benefits package that includes retirement, social security, and thrift savings plan (TSP); health, life, and long-term care insurance; paid vacation, sick leave, and holidays. NDU employees enjoy flexible work schedules, transit subsidy and situational telework opportunities.

How this job compares

Set against the 605 open Security Specialist jobs on Olive Jobs, counted October 29, 2026.

Pay
  • This posting$122–158K/yr
  • Washington, D.C. median$105–158K/yr21 salary ranges
  • US median$81–116K/yr347 salary ranges

This range's midpoint, $140K, is close to the Washington, D.C. median midpoint ($140K) — in the middle half of Security Specialist salary ranges in Washington, D.C..

Openings
Olive Jobs lists 31 open Security Specialist jobs in Washington, D.C. and 605 across the US. 1% of them nationwide are listed as remote or flexible.
Hiring the most in Washington, D.C.
Experience
This posting asks for at least 1 year of experience; Security Specialist postings that state a minimum ask for 4 years at the median (392 postings).
Education
116 of the 605 open Security Specialist jobs (19%) ask for a bachelor's degree or higher.

Counted across the open, public US postings on Olive Jobs on October 29, 2026. Pay medians are the middle values of the low ends and of the high ends of postings that list both ends of a range in the same cadence (a yearly salary or an hourly rate); a range's midpoint is halfway between its ends. Pay and experience figures resting on fewer than 20 postings are left out.

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