About the opportunity
The National Counterterrorism Center (NCTC) leads the nation’s effort to protect the United States from terrorism by integrating, analyzing, and sharing information. The selected Collection Strategist will join a high-performing team to plan, develop, and evaluate strategic planning documents supporting U.S. national security and foreign policy. Responsibilities include conducting research to identify priorities and gaps, linking resources to strategy, and drafting reports on emerging strategic issues. The role requires regional counterterrorism knowledge of Asia, Africa, or Latin America-based foreign terrorist organizations, along with extensive capability in CT analysis, operations, or intelligence collection management. The strategist will prepare briefings for senior leadership and maintain productive relationships across the IC.
Salary and benefits
- Salary range: $121,785 – $158,322 per annum
- Relocation expense reimbursement (discretionary based on fund availability)
- Reasonable accommodations for qualified applicants with disabilities
Who can apply?
- Thorough knowledge of strategy development and performance management principles
- Ability to conceptualize and organize information from incomplete data
- Regional counterterrorism knowledge of Asia, Africa, or Latin America-based foreign terrorist organizations
- Extensive capability in CT analysis, CT operations, or CT intelligence collection management
- Strong interpersonal and communication skills for briefings and reports
- Ability to work collaboratively across the Intelligence Community (IC)
Required documents
- Resume (maximum 2 pages, including specific employment details)
- Responses to four free-response essay questions (maximum 200 words each)
- Professional cover letter
- Current SF-50 (for current Federal Government employees)
When to apply
- Applications must be received by 11:59 PM (EST) on 2026-09-25
How to apply
- Read the entire vacancy announcement on USAJOBS
- Prepare all required documents in Microsoft Word or Adobe PDF format
- Submit the complete application package via the USAJOBS portal
- Ensure the announcement number is referenced on all submitted documents
Additional information
- The ODNI uses a rank-in-person system for salary determination
- Applicants must certify that essay responses are original and not generated by AI or consultants
- Selection is expected within 60 days of the closing date
- Applicants will be contacted only if selected for an interview
Our Take on This Opportunity
This section reflects Open Opportunities’ own analysis of the opportunity from an applicant’s perspective.
You may be a strong fit if…
- Candidates with thorough knowledge of strategy development, performance management principles, and conceptualizing information from incomplete data.
- Professionals possessing regional counterterrorism knowledge of foreign terrorist organizations based in Asia, Africa, or Latin America.
- Individuals with extensive capabilities in counterterrorism analysis, operations, or intelligence collection management.
What should you think carefully about?
- The position requires working on-site in McLean, Virginia, on a full-time schedule.
- Applicants must submit four original free-response essay questions of up to 200 words each without AI generation.
- The selection process utilizes a rank-in-person system for salary determination.
How could this fit your current goals and plans?
This opportunity provides an advanced career path within the national security apparatus, allowing intelligence professionals to directly influence U.S. counterterrorism strategy and interagency cooperation.
Our take
Intelligence and counterterrorism specialists with specific regional expertise and strong analytical writing skills should apply, whereas candidates lacking national security experience or regional knowledge will find this unsuitable.
Ready to apply?
Review the opportunity on the official website before applying.
Official-source verifiedSource: USAJOBS
