Special Assistant

As a Special Assistant you will be responsible for performing accountable and varied duties that encompass the full range of DHS CBP and USBP programs and initiatives.

This position starts at a salary of $143913.00 (GS-14 Step 1) to $187093.00 (GS-14 Step 10)

Your duties will include:

• Providing advice and guidance on undefined issues and elements for programs essential to CBPs mission such as major programs of national scope and impact.
• Reviewing analyzing and providing guidance and recommendations on sensitive information confidential and wide-ranging policy matters impacting the Agency as well as internal disciplinary and grievance issues that are presented to the SES.
• Recommending long-range program plans goals objectives and milestones which serve as the basis for substantive changes in the organization and administration of programs affecting large numbers of people and that advance the SESs vision and priorities.
• Serving as a focal point and personal liaison to the SES to develop and maintain relationships with various stakeholders within CBP Federal Government State Local and Tribal Governments and Private Industry.
• Operating as a resource person and problem solver to management and providing expert advice involving a variety of mission issues to the senior leadership within the Directorate.

• You must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this position
• Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered with Selective Service
• Primary U.S. residency for at least three of the last five years (additional details below)
• All pre-employment processes will be conducted in English
• You may be required to pass a background investigation
• CBP follows the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan for drug testing procedures.
• As an employee of CBP you will be joining a workforce that is dedicated to accomplishing our mission while maintaining the trust of our Nation by strictly adhering to all government ethics standards. Your conduct will be subject to the ethics rules applicable to all Executive Branch employees and to CBP employees specifically as well as the criminal conflict of interest statutes. Once you enter on duty these rules include obtaining approval for outside employment or business activity to ensure such employment or business activity is not prohibited and does not interfere or conflict with performance of your official duties. Please review further details via the following link.
• DHS uses E-Verify an internet-based system to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify including your rights and responsibilities.
• Bargaining Unit: This position is not covered under the bargaining unit.

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level performing duties such as:

• Serving as the SESs focal point and personal liaison with senior officials across CBP other federal agencies state/local/tribal governments and private-sector partners to advance key USBP and CBP initiatives;
• Leading teams and/or projects to redesign automate or re-engineer office processes and recommending and implementing improvements that increase efficiency or responsiveness of services provided by the directorate;
• Analyzing projects issues and programs impacting USBP and developing sound recommendations to resolve problems mitigate conflicts or enhance achievement of CBPs mission and priorities;
• Attending and participating in sensitive operational briefings assessing implications of USBPs operational posture and advising the SES on recommended responses to requests for information;
• Researching drafting and editing high-level written materials-including reports briefings correspondence memoranda and emails-to provide guidance on complex program issues and advance USBP-wide initiatives and priorities.

• Meet all qualification requirements including education if applicable to this position subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and
• Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 07/29/2026.