Deputy Director, Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO)

This position is part of the Defense Human Resources Activity, transitioning to the Defense Health Agency in FY27. The incumbent will be responsible for supporting DoD's mission to expand its suicide risk reduction efforts by fostering wellness, increasing resilience while maximizing resources in order to mitigate individual risk while improving quality of life for Service members and their families.

Qualifications:

You may qualify at the GS-15, if you fulfill the following qualifications:

A. One year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service:

• Making recommendations on suicide prevention programs and the ability to resolve and analyze complex issues and problems;
• Conducting studies, investigations and analysis on suicide prevention programs;
• Effectively manage a balanced, coherent, and efficient suicide prevention program.

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 directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

Responsibilities:

As a Deputy Director, Defense Suicide Prevention Office (DSPO) at the GS-0343-15 some of your typical work assignments may include:

• Serves as an advisor to the DSPO Director. Responsible for the day-to-day operations of a worldwide policy and program office with over 40 full-time staff (ranging from contractors to senior Federal civilians).
• Responsible for the oversight and management of all staff matters to ensure coordination, continuity, and conformity of staff program execution in support of Department-wide suicide prevention, resiliency, and risk reduction efforts that improve mission readiness and quality-of-life for Service members and their families.
• Addresses and manages the full range of DSPO policies, programs, initiatives, projects, issues, research, data analyses, and performance metrics, often cutting across intra- and inter-Department organizational lines and requiring individual judgment, discretion, innovation, and initiative.
• Serves as the authorized representative of the DSPO Director in all matters associated with the personnel, financial, and contract administration aspects of DSPO.
• Analyzes, drafts, and ensures the accuracy and validity of complex and broad reports, regulations, strategic planning documents, and guidelines affecting the Department's goals, missions, and functions.
• Provides senior leadership with strategic, policy, and programmatic recommendations for continued development, implementation, and refinement of DSPO programs, providing evidence-based rationales for recommendations.
• Coordinates and communicates suicide prevention, intervention, and postvention matters with other DoD components, the Military Services, other government agencies, Congressional staff, and White House staff, to include spearheading/coordinating the DoD-wide executive governance body for suicide prevention.
• Serves on working groups and committees and maintains liaison with, and presents briefings to, senior leaders on behalf of the Defense Suicide Prevention Office.

Salary : $169,279