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Posted: April 9, 2026 (1 day ago)

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Deputy Director, Defense Suicide Prevention Organization (DSPO)

Defense Human Resources Activity

Department of Defense

Fresh

Location

Salary

$169,279 - $197,200

per year

Closes

April 20, 2026

GS-15 Pay Grade

Base salary range: $123,041 - $159,950

Typical requirements: 1 year specialized experience at GS-14. Senior leader or top expert.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This role involves leading daily operations for a Department of Defense office focused on preventing suicides among service members and their families by managing programs, policies, and staff to build resilience and improve well-being.

As Deputy Director, you'll advise senior leaders, coordinate with various government entities, and analyze data to refine suicide prevention strategies.

It's ideal for experienced leaders with a background in program management, mental health initiatives, and federal operations who are passionate about supporting military communities.

Key Requirements

  • One year of specialized experience at GS-14 level or equivalent, including leadership in suicide prevention programs
  • Ability to analyze and resolve complex issues related to suicide prevention and risk reduction
  • Knowledge of effective management strategies for balanced and efficient program execution
  • Experience conducting studies, investigations, and data analyses on suicide prevention
  • Strong skills in policy development, strategic planning, and drafting reports/regulations
  • Proven ability to coordinate with DoD components, military services, government agencies, and congressional staff
  • Familiarity with personnel, financial, and contract administration in a federal context

Full Job Description

This position is part of the Defense Human Resources Activity, to transition to 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.

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: Leadership experience to make recommendations on suicide prevention programs and the ability to resolve and analyze complex issues and problems.

Conduct studies, investigations and analysis on suicide prevention programs.

Knowledge and demonstrated familiarity with applying effective management strategies to achieve 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. Major Duties:

As a Deputy Director, Defense Suicide Prevention Organization (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.

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Posted on USAJOBS: 4/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 4/10/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: DHRADSPO-26-12924702-MP