Are you an experienced IT project manager with strong skills in risk management, stakeholder communication, and leading complex initiatives? The Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), part of the Department of Defense, is currently recruiting for a senior-level IT Project Manager (Policy and Planning) position in the Cyber Excepted Service (CES). This GG-13 role supports the critical mission of U.S. Cyber Command and offers a competitive salary, excellent federal benefits, and the chance to work on high-impact national security projects.
This job announcement (control number 853644400) opened on January 7, 2026, and closes soon on January 14, 2026 — act fast if you’re qualified!
Position Overview: IT Project Manager (PLCYPLN) – GG-13
- Agency: Department of Defense – Defense Information Systems Agency (DISA), J6/C4 Enterprise Directorate
- Location: Fort Meade, Maryland (1 vacancy)
- Salary Range: $121,785 – $158,322 per year (includes locality pay for the Fort Meade area)
- Job Type: Permanent, Full-Time
- Work Schedule: Full-time
- Telework: Eligible (as determined by agency policy)
- Travel: Occasional travel may be required
- Remote: No
This role falls under the Professional Work Category at the Senior Work Level in the Cyber Excepted Service (CES), which supports cyber defense and national security operations. While not in the competitive service, it offers stability, meaningful work, and potential incentives like relocation assistance.
Key Responsibilities: What You’ll Do Daily
As an IT Project Manager, you’ll lead and coordinate critical projects that directly impact DoD’s cyber capabilities. The role emphasizes hands-on project execution with the following breakdown:
- Risk Management & Mitigation (40%): Identify, assess, and reduce risks across multiple projects
- Project Coordination & IMS Updates (20%): Manage project lifecycles and maintain Integrated Master Schedules
- Stakeholder Engagement (30%): Lead Integrated Product Teams (IPTs), deliver leadership briefings, and facilitate cross-functional meetings
- Administrative & Agency Tasks (10%): Handle training, timekeeping, all-hands meetings, and other duties as assigned
This position is ideal for professionals who thrive in fast-paced, mission-critical environments and enjoy balancing technical oversight with communication and leadership.
Who Should Apply? Qualifications & Requirements
To qualify at the GG-13 level, you must demonstrate IT-related experience showing the following core competencies:
- Attention to Detail — Reviewing IT work/data for accuracy and consistency
- Customer Service — Assessing needs and delivering tailored IT solutions
- Oral Communication — Briefing leadership and teams on technical topics
- Problem Solving — Identifying and resolving complex IT issues
Specialized Experience (required): At least one year of experience equivalent to the next lower grade level, including:
- Coordinating a wide range of projects throughout the full project lifecycle, OR
- Developing and managing comprehensive project plans
No education substitution is allowed at this grade level. All qualifications must be met by the closing date (January 14, 2026).
Additional Requirements:
- U.S. Citizenship required
- Must obtain and maintain Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance
- Subject to drug testing (urinalysis required)
- Position is Special-Sensitive / High Risk
- May require a 3-year probationary period
- Compliance with DoD 8140 cyber workforce requirements (foundational qualifications within 9 months, residential within 12 months)
Benefits of Joining DISA as a Federal IT Project Manager
Federal employment at this level provides:
- Competitive salary with locality pay
- Full federal benefits package (health, retirement, TSP with matching)
- Paid time off and federal holidays
- Potential relocation expenses reimbursed
- Possible recruitment/relocation incentives
- Opportunity to contribute to national cyber defense
How to Apply Before the Deadline
Applications are accepted only through USAJOBS.gov. Follow these steps:
- Create or log into your USAJOBS profile
- Review the full announcement and complete the eligibility questionnaire
- Upload a concise resume (maximum 2 pages) highlighting your relevant project management experience
- Submit all required documents (SF-50 if current/former federal, veterans’ preference docs if applicable)
- Submit by 11:59 pm Eastern Time on January 14, 2026
For questions, contact the HR team at (317) 212-0454 or dfas.indianapolis-in.zh.mbx.dfasmeritcc@mail.mil.
Ready to Advance Your Career in Federal Cybersecurity Project Management?
This is a rare opportunity to join a prestigious DoD agency at a senior level with direct impact on national security. If you have the project coordination expertise and IT leadership skills this role demands, don’t wait — the window closes soon!
Apply today via the official USAJOBS announcement: https://crossfunctional.usajobs.gov/job/853644400