Program Manager - Operations/Exercise Planning (Equivalent Level: GS-15/6) in McLean

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Job DescriptionJob DescriptionDescription:

Serve as a Program Manager within the U.S. Department of State, Bureau of Diplomatic Security (DS), High Threat Programs Directorate, Office of Special Programs (DS/HTP/SP). Support the Foreign Emergency Support Team (FEST) in planning and executing global rapid-response operations to terrorism incidents, significant threats, and CBRN/WMD events. Oversee scenario-based exercise planning, operational readiness, and interagency coordination to ensure FEST preparedness.

Key Responsibilities

• Plan, design, and execute FEST operations and readiness exercises under the Senior Program Manager for Operations.
  
• Lead interagency coordination for crisis response planning, emergency operations, and major exercises (e.g., ELLIPSE).
  
• Develop exercise scenarios, deliver training, and provide operational support to U.S. missions and interagency partners.
  
• Brief senior Department and interagency officials; provide crisis response training for COMs, RSOs, and post personnel.
  
• Manage logistical requirements for FEST operations, including personnel/equipment movement and contracted support.
  
• Maintain FEST lessons-learned repository and implement improvements based on after-action reviews.

Requirements:

• Education/Experience: Bachelor’s degree and 10+ years in strategy development or operational planning; 3+ years supporting counterterrorism programs.
• Proven ability to communicate with senior leaders, develop policies, and manage interagency coordination.
• In-depth knowledge of Department of State, DoD, interagency roles, and Presidential Policy Directives (PPD-1, 25, 30).
• Experience with crisis response planning and execution; strong briefing and report-writing skills.
• Ability to travel on short notice to austere/high-threat environments.

Desired Qualifications

• Master’s degree; JPME II/SAMS/SAW graduate; SOF staff experience.
• Experience at senior levels of State, DoD, DOJ, DHS, IC, or FBI CT/WMD divisions.
• Proven ability to work with GO/FO and SES-level leaders and write at a master’s thesis level.
• Recent experience with interagency operations; SAP/JWICS access experience.

Security Clearance

• Active Top Secret with SCI eligibility required; SAP access may be required.

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