Civil Service Staffing Lead - CSS HR Lead

Thank you for considering IT Concepts dba Kentro, where innovation drives opportunity and collaboration leads to success. Our dynamic community of experts is fully committed to advancing our customers' missions, fostering professional growth, and making a positive impact on our communities.                                                

Our transition to Kentro in 2025 reflects a rich legacy built upon the foundation of IT Concepts. Rather than leaving ITC behind, we confidently embrace a future centered around the Core of More. By joining our supportive community, you will find that Kentro is dedicated to your personal and professional development. Together, we can drive meaningful change, spark innovation, and achieve extraordinary milestones.

Kentro is hiring a Civil Service Staffing Lead supporting the USAID. The objective of this contract is to provide senior-level advisory services to the USAID Human Resources Director in support of the agency’s strategic wind-down. The Senior Advisors will leverage deep institutional knowledge of USAID and the Department of State to guide the implementation of critical foreign service personnel actions—including severance, retirements, and staff transitions—while ensuring compliance with U.S. Government regulations and facilitating coordination with interagency partners.  The Civil Service Staffing (CSS) Lead serves as the senior technical and supervisory authority over USAID’s delegated examining, merit promotion, and other staffing programs for civil service positions. The incumbent manages a team of staffing professionals, ensures compliance with OPM and USAID hiring policies, and leads workforce planning, recruitment, and placement strategies that align with agency priorities. The CSS Lead acts as a key advisor to senior leadership, providing authoritative guidance on staffing policy, process improvement, and program compliance.

Responsibilities:

Supervisory & Leadership (25%)

• Lead and supervise a team of staffing specialists responsible for civil service recruitment and placement.
• Set performance expectations, provide regular feedback, conduct evaluations, and implement development plans.
• Resolve employee concerns, administer discipline when appropriate, and promote a high-performance, inclusive, and compliant workplace.
• Ensure team members receive appropriate training and comply with safety, EEO, and affirmative action policies.

Civil Service Staffing Program Management (25%)

• Oversee the Delegated Examining Unit (DEU) and merit promotion programs, ensuring compliance with OPM regulations, veterans’ preference requirements, and agency policy.
• Monitor staffing processes for efficiency and implement improvements to meet time-to-hire goals.
• Provide oversight and final signature authority for civil service personnel actions.
• Prepare for and lead internal and external staffing audits (e.g., OPM HCASS reviews).

Strategic Workforce Planning & Analysis (25%)

• Conduct nationwide workforce assessments, including retirement projections, diversity metrics, retention trends, and labor market analysis.
• Recommend strategies to attract and retain a highly skilled, diverse workforce.
• Serve as USAID’s representative on interagency and cross-functional work groups addressing complex recruitment and staffing issues.
• Develop policies, standard operating procedures, and best practices for civil service staffing programs.

Advisory & Policy Guidance (25%)

• Provide authoritative advisory services to HR staff, managers, and executives on staffing regulations and hiring strategies.
• Interpret and apply complex federal laws, executive orders, and agency directives related to staffing and placement.
• Advise on program impacts of legislative or regulatory changes, drafting policy recommendations as needed.
• Lead program improvement initiatives across multiple HR disciplines to enhance service delivery.

Location: Remote, must be willing and able to be on-site in VA on a regular basis

• Education: Bachelor’s degree in Human Resources Management, Public Administration, or related field; advanced degree preferred. Equivalent federal HR experience may substitute for education.

• Experience:
• Minimum 10 years of progressive federal HR staffing experience, with at least 5 years in a supervisory or team lead capacity.
• Demonstrated mastery of OPM Delegated Examining and Merit Promotion rules, veterans’ preference regulations, and workforce planning methodologies.
• Proven ability to lead staffing audits and implement corrective action plans.
• Experience advising senior executives on complex staffing and policy matters.
• Skills:
• Expert knowledge of federal staffing regulations, policies, and automated hiring systems (e.g., USA Staffing).
• Strong leadership, conflict resolution, and team management abilities.
• Advanced analytical and problem-solving skills, with the ability to synthesize complex data into actionable recommendations.
• Exceptional written and verbal communication skills, including the ability to negotiate and influence outcomes.

Preferred Qualifications:

• OPM-issued Delegated Examining Certification.
• Experience in USAID or other foreign affairs agencies.
• Familiarity with HCASS metrics, GPRA goals, and agency workforce diversity initiatives.

The Company

We believe in generating success collaboratively, enabling long-term mission success, and building trust for the next challenge. With you as our partner, let’s solve challenges, think innovatively, and maximize impact. As a valued member of our team, you have the unique opportunity to work in a diverse range of technology and business career paths, all while supporting our nation and delivering innovative technology solutions. We are a close community of experts that pride ourselves on creating an environment defined by teamwork, dedication, and excellence.

We hold three ISO certifications (27001:2013, 20000-1:2011, 9001:2015) and two CMMI ML 3 ratings (DEV and SVC).

Industry Recognition

Growth | Inc 5000’s Fastest Growing Private Companies, DC Metro List Fastest Growing; Washington Business Journal: Fastest Growing Companies, Top Performing Small Technology Companies in Greater D.C.

Culture | Northern Virginia Technology Council Tech 100 Honoree; Virginia Best Place to Work; Washington Business Journal: Best Places to Work, Corporate Diversity Index Winner – Mid-Size Companies, Companies Owned by People of Color; Department of Labor’s HireVets for our work helping veterans transition; SECAF Award of Excellence finalist; Victory Military Friendly Brand; Virginia Values Veterans (V3); Cystic Fibrosis Foundation Corporate Breath Award

Benefits

We offer competitive benefits package including paid time off, healthcare benefits, supplemental benefits, 401k including an employer match, discount perks, rewards, and more.  We invest in our employees – Every employee is eligible for education reimbursement for certifications, degrees, or professional development.  Reimbursement amounts may fluctuate due to IRS limitations. We want you to grow as an expert and a leader and offer flexibility for you to take a course, complete a certification, or other professional growth and networking. We are committed to supporting your curiosity and sustaining a culture that prioritizes commitment to continuous professional development.

We work hard; we play hard. Kentro is committed to incorporating fun into every day. We dedicate funds for activities – virtual and in-person – e.g., we host happy hours, holiday events, fitness & wellness events, and annual celebrations. In alignment with our commitment to our communities, we also host and attend charity galas/events. We believe in appreciating your commitment and building a positive workspace for you to be creative, innovative, and happy.

Commitment Equal Opportunity Employment & VEVRAA

Kentro is an equal opportunity employer.  All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran or any other status protected by applicable federal, state or local law.

Kentro is strongly committed to compliance with VEVRAA and other applicable federal, state, and local laws governing equal employment opportunity. We have developed comprehensive policies and procedures to ensure our hiring practices align with these requirements.

As part of our VEVRAA compliance efforts, Kentro has established an equal opportunity plan outlining our commitment to recruiting, hiring, and advancing protected veterans. This plan is regularly reviewed and updated to ensure its effectiveness.

We encourage protected veterans to self-identify during the application process. This information is strictly confidential and will only be used for reporting and compliance purposes as required by law. Providing this information is voluntary and will not impact your employment eligibility.

Our commitment to equal employment opportunity extends beyond legal compliance. We are dedicated to fostering an inclusive workplace where all employees, including protected veterans, are treated with dignity, respect, and fairness.

How to Apply

To apply to Kentro Positions- Please click on the: “Apply for this Job” button at the bottom of this Job Description or the button at the top: “Application.”  Please upload your resume and complete all the application steps. You must submit the application for Kentro to consider you for a position.  If you need alternative application methods, please email [email protected] and request assistance.  

Accommodations

To perform this job successfully, an individual must be able to perform each essential duty satisfactorily. Reasonable Accommodations may be made to enable qualified individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. If you need to discuss reasonable accommodations, please email [email protected].