U.S. flag
        An official website of the United States government
          Here’s how you know
        Here’s how you knowGovernment Website**Official websites use .gov**
              
                              A **.gov** website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.
        Safely connect using HTTPS**Secure .gov websites use HTTPS**
              
              A **lock**
                (A locked padlock)
                or **https://** means you’ve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.  
 Menu

      close
        
                            Enter Search Term
                Search
      Work at DHS
      
                
  
          Work at DHS


      
        Work at DHS
    
    
              How to Apply
      
    
              Mission Areas
      
    
              DHS is Hiring
      
    
              Turn Your Education and Experience into a Career
      
    
              Equal Opportunity Employer
      
    
              Hiring Paths
      
                
  
          Hiring Paths


      
        Hiring Paths
    
    
              Component Careers
      
    
              Cybersecurity
      
    
              Women in Law Enforcement
      
    
              Careers in the Federal Protective Service
      
    
              Careers in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
      
    
              Acquisition Career Opportunities
      
    
              Joint Duty Program
      
    
              Individuals with Disabilities
      
    
              Executive Opportunities
      
    
              Students & Grads
      
                
  
          Students & Grads


      
        Students & Grads
    
    
              Recent Graduates
      
    
              Students
      
    
              Veterans
      
                
  
          Veterans


      
        Veterans
    
    
              Veteran Employment Tips
      
    
              Veteran and Military Spouse Programs
      
    
              Additional Resources
      
    
              Inclusive Diversity
      
                
  
          Inclusive Diversity


      
        Inclusive Diversity
    
    
              Inclusive Diversity Plans and Reports Breadcrumb
Homeland Security Careers
  Hiring Paths
  Executive Opportunities

     Work at DHS
                
                    
                    
      Hiring Paths
                
      Component Careers
                
                    
      
      Cybersecurity
                
                    
      
      Women in Law Enforcement
                
                    
      
      Careers in the Federal Protective Service
                
                    
      
      Careers in the Office of the Chief Financial Officer
                
                    
      
      Acquisition Career Opportunities
                
                    
      
      Joint Duty Program
                
                    
      
      Individuals with Disabilities
                
                    
                    
      Executive OpportunitiesStudents & Grads
                
                    
      
      Veterans
                
                    
      
      Inclusive DiversitySubscribe
    
      Subscribe to Executive Opportunities news and updatesExecutive Opportunities
At the Department of Homeland Security, Executives play a critical role in leading the Department’s ability to secure our Nation in the areas of counterterrorism, border security, immigration, and preparedness, response and recovery.
      
      Leadership Development
      Our mission deserves an exceptional workforce, our workforce deserves exceptional leaders, and our leaders deserve exceptional development. DHS is committed to developing new, aspiring, and seasoned leaders at all levels through innovative approaches and a culture of continuous learning that supports effective leadership. DHS employees across the Department have multiple opportunities to ensure that they are supported in the important influence that leaders have on our workforce and on our world. Through the Department’s Leader Development Program, investing in leadership excellence is a mission-critical strategy.
              About the Senior Executive Service
      The Senior Executive Service (SES) was established by the Civil Service Reform Act and went into effect on July 13, 1979. The Senior Executive Service is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of our government. This dedicated corps of executives shares a commitment to public service and a set of democratic values grounded in the fundamental ideals of the Constitution. As the leaders of our federal civilian workforce, senior executives strive each day to create a more citizen-centered, result-oriented federal government.

The Senior Executive Service is governed by one distinct personnel system in which the same executive qualifications are required for all members. Applicants to SES positions must demonstrate that they possess Executive Core Qualifications. Executive Core Qualifications are required for entry to the SES and are used in selection, performance management, and leadership development for Homeland Security’s executive positions.

Those interested in becoming a leader in Homeland Security’s SES civilian workforce can view current job opportunitieson USAJOBS.
              Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program
      One of the ways DHS develops a supportive culture of continuous learning is through the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program. This program helps high potential leaders advance their executive capabilities, in order to play a critical role in securing our Nation in the areas of counterterrorism, border security, immigration, and preparedness, response and recovery.
              Program Details
      The Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program is a rigorous, long-term program which includes:

A 360-Degree Assessment used to identify Executive Core Qualifications competency gaps.
	An Executive Development Plan that is developed with an SES mentor to address identified Executive Core Qualifications gaps through various development activities.
	Executive education through the rigorous American University Key Executive Leadership Certificate Program. Candidates exceed the required 80 hours of learning, attending courses that address individual Executive Core Qualifications gaps and general skills needed to succeed as a member of the Senior Executive Service.
	Developmental Assignment of at least 120 days at the executive level. These are ‘stretch’ assignments that hone leadership skills identified in the 360-degree assessment gap analysis.
	A Senior Executive Service mentor to assist candidates in developing their executive development plans and meet with regularly throughout the program to provide guidance.
	Other Development Activities that may include events and projects to further develop a candidate’s understanding of the Homeland Security mission, programs and challenges from an executive perspective.
              Eligibility and Selection
      Candidates will undergo a rigorous department-wide review process prior to selection. The program is open to experienced professionals with at least one year of supervisory experience at the GS-14 or -15 level. Department of Homeland Security employees and current federal government employees may apply. Current federal employees outside of the department who are selected by DHS for sponsorship remain on their current agency rolls during the program.

This annual program, cited as a best practice by the Office of Personnel Management, is extremely competitive with up to 54 candidates selected from more than 550 applications each year. Currently, DHS is evaluating the DHS Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) and has not determined the dates of the next announcement. Therefore, there are no additional cohorts scheduled at this time. Please revisit this page in August 2024 for more details about the next announcement.
  
    
    TopicsHomeland Security CareersKeywordsCareer

    Last Updated: 01/31/2024
  
Was this page helpful?
  Yes
NoThis page was not helpful because the content
  has too little information
has too much information
is confusing
is out-of-date Return to top

           Work at DHS
      
    
                  Hiring Paths
      
    
                  Students & Grads
      
    
                  Veterans
      
    
                  Inclusive Diversity
                            
        U.S. Department of Homeland Security Seal
      
    DHS.gov
                  An official website of the U.S. Department of Homeland SecurityAbout DHS
                              Accessibility
                              Budget and Performance
                              DHS Components
                              FOIA Requests
                              No FEAR Act Data
                              Privacy Policy
                              Site Links
                              Office of Inspector General
                              The White House
                              USA.gov

                        Looking for U.S. government information and services?
                Visit USA.gov