ZipRecruiter

Log In

1

Homeland Defense Jobs (NOW HIRING)

Red Gate Group

Program Manager

Arlington, VA · On-site

Description The Program Manager / Senior Strategic Advisor (Homeland Defense) serves as the senior representative and primary point of contact responsible for the overall management, execution ...

AI Chopping Block

$166 - $249/hr

All of this serves an ultimate goal of delivering cutting‑edge agentic AI to orchestrate portfolio management for defense of the homeland. You will: * Own technical execution for one or more ...

New

next page

Showing results 1-20

All JobsGovernment JobsHomeland Defense Jobs

Homeland Defense information

See salary details

$70.5K

$134.4K

$350K

How much do homeland defense jobs pay per year?

As of Sep 4, 2026, the average yearly pay for homeland defense in the United States is $134,409.00, according to ZipRecruiter salary data. Most workers in this role earn between $81,000.00 and $117,500.00 per year, depending on experience, location, and employer.

What is homeland defense?

Homeland defense refers to the protection of a nation's territory, population, and infrastructure from external threats and aggression. It primarily involves the military's role in defending the country against attacks by foreign adversaries, including conventional, cyber, and terrorist threats. Homeland defense is coordinated with other government agencies and often includes preparedness, deterrence, and rapid response measures. Its goal is to ensure national security and maintain the safety and stability of the homeland.

What are the key skills and qualifications needed to thrive in homeland defense, and why are they important?

To thrive in Homeland Defense, you need a solid background in security operations, risk assessment, and emergency management, often supported by a degree in criminal justice, homeland security, or a related field. Familiarity with surveillance systems, threat detection technologies, and certifications like Certified Homeland Protection Professional (CHPP) are commonly required. Strong analytical thinking, teamwork, and effective communication are vital soft skills for coordinating with diverse agencies and responding to crises. These skills and qualifications are crucial for safeguarding national security, preventing threats, and ensuring rapid, coordinated responses to emergencies.

What are some common challenges faced by professionals working in homeland defense roles?

Professionals in Homeland Defense often encounter challenges such as rapidly evolving security threats, the need for constant vigilance, and staying current with technological advancements. Collaboration across multiple agencies—including federal, state, and local partners—is essential but can be complex due to differing protocols and communication systems. Additionally, the role may involve high-pressure situations and the necessity to make quick, informed decisions to protect public safety. Despite these challenges, many find the work rewarding due to its direct impact on national security.

What is the difference between Homeland Defense vs Homeland Security Officer?

AspectHomeland DefenseHomeland Security Officer
Required CredentialsMilitary or federal security training, security clearancesSecurity certifications, background checks, sometimes military experience
Work EnvironmentMilitary bases, federal agencies, strategic locationsGovernment agencies, border crossings, public events
Employer & Industry UsageDepartment of Defense, military branchesDepartment of Homeland Security, federal agencies

Homeland Defense primarily involves military and strategic operations to protect the nation from external threats, often working within military or defense agencies. Homeland Security Officers focus on safeguarding borders, public safety, and emergency response within civilian government agencies. While both roles aim to protect the country, Homeland Defense is more military-oriented, whereas Homeland Security Officers work in civilian security roles.

What type of jobs are in homeland defense?

Homeland defense jobs include roles such as security analysts, intelligence officers, border patrol agents, emergency management specialists, and cybersecurity professionals. These positions often require security clearances, specialized training, and knowledge of national security protocols to protect the country from threats.
More about Homeland Defense jobs

What cities are hiring for Homeland Defense jobs?

Cities with the most Homeland Defense job openings:

What states have the most Homeland Defense jobs?

States with the most job openings for Homeland Defense jobs include:

What job categories do people searching Homeland Defense jobs look for?

The top searched job categories for Homeland Defense jobs are:

Homeland Defense jobs near you
Infographic showing various Homeland Defense job openings in the United States as of August 2026, with employment types broken down into 93% Full Time, 4% Part Time, 2% Contract, and 1% Nights. Highlights an 92% Physical, 3% Hybrid, and 5% Remote job distribution, with an average salary of $134,409 per year, or $64.6 per hour.

Program Manager

Red Gate Group

Arlington, VA • On-site

Full-time

Medical, Dental, Vision, Life, Retirement

Re-posted 5 days ago

Key responsibilities

  • Manage the overall execution, quality, and delivery of technical, analytical, policy advisory, and operational support services to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense.

  • Provide senior-level strategic advice, develop policy recommendations, and support operational planning related to homeland defense, domestic operations, and interagency coordination.

  • Oversee contract performance, monitor performance metrics, manage staffing and workload, and ensure compliance with contractual and quality standards.

Job description

Description
The Program Manager / Senior Strategic Advisor (Homeland Defense) serves as the senior representative and primary point of contact responsible for the overall management, execution, quality, and delivery of technical, analytical, policy advisory, and operational support services provided to the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Homeland Defense
Key Responsibilities
Program Leadership and Contract Management
  • Serve as the primary interface between Government leadership, the Contracting Officer (KO), Contracting Officer Representative (COR), and contractor personnel.
  • Provide overall leadership, direction, and management of contract operations supporting ASD(HD&ASA) and DASD(HD).
  • Ensure performance meets all contract requirements, performance objectives, quality standards, and mission priorities.
  • Manage staffing, workload allocation, workforce continuity, and operational readiness across all labor categories.
  • Lead contract transition, phase-in, phase-out, and continuity-of-operations activities.
  • Monitor contract performance metrics and implement corrective actions when required.
Strategic Advisory Support
  • Provide senior-level strategic advice and policy recommendations related to homeland defense, DSCA, DSFLE, interagency operations, and domestic response activities.
  • Advise Government leadership on emerging threats, operational risks, capability development initiatives, and strategic policy considerations.
  • Develop recommendations that support informed decision-making by ASD(HD&ASA), DASD(HD), and other senior leaders.
  • Integrate operational, policy, intelligence, and analytical insights into concise decision-support products.
Homeland Defense and Domestic Operations Support
  • Direct contractor support to homeland defense, domestic operations, and DSCA missions.
  • Oversee efforts supporting domestic incident response, interagency coordination, contingency planning, and operational integration activities.
  • Ensure contractor personnel maintain the ability to respond to rapid-response, surge, or time-sensitive mission requirements.
  • Coordinate support to ongoing, emerging, and contingency homeland defense operations.
Interagency and Stakeholder Coordination
  • Lead coordination activities involving DoD Components, Combatant Commands, federal departments, law enforcement agencies, and interagency partners.
  • Facilitate collaboration among stakeholders to address homeland defense challenges and operational priorities.
  • Support senior leader engagements, working groups, planning forums, and interagency coordination efforts.
  • Develop and maintain productive relationships with Government and external mission partners.
Strategic Planning and Integration
  • Oversee development of strategies, plans, concepts, executive briefings, and analytical products supporting homeland defense and domestic operations.
  • Ensure alignment of planning efforts across DoD, interagency, and external stakeholders.
  • Support deliberate planning, crisis-action planning, and time-sensitive planning efforts.
  • Provide strategic integration support to ensure unity of effort across mission areas.
Capability Integration and Emerging Threat Analysis
  • Lead analytical and advisory support related to capability integration, force protection, and emerging threat response initiatives.
  • Support identification of operational capability gaps and recommendations for mitigation.
  • Oversee support related to counter-unmanned aerial systems (C-UAS), emerging technology integration, and evolving homeland defense requirements.
  • Coordinate assessments and recommendations supporting capability development and operational effectiveness.
Oversight and Tasking Management
  • Oversee responses to Congressional inquiries, Government Accountability Office (GAO) requests, audits, and senior leader taskings.
  • Ensure timely coordination, tracking, consolidation, and review of taskers and action items.
  • Manage multiple concurrent requirements while maintaining responsiveness and accuracy.
  • Provide executive-level review of written products prior to Government submission.
Quality Control and Performance Assurance
  • Develop, implement, and maintain the contract Quality Control Program (QCP).
  • Establish internal review procedures to ensure products are accurate, timely, complete, and actionable.
  • Identify, prevent, and correct performance deficiencies.
  • Monitor customer satisfaction and continuously improve service delivery.
  • Ensure compliance with security, operational, and contractual requirements.
Reporting and Executive Communications
  • Prepare and present executive briefings, status reports, risk assessments, performance metrics, and program reviews.
  • Provide regular updates to Government leadership regarding contract performance, emerging issues, and mission support activities.
  • Communicate clearly and effectively with senior executives, operational leaders, and stakeholder organizations.
  • Ensure all reports, briefings, and analytical products are professionally prepared and suitable for senior-level decision-makers.
Required Qualifications
  • Active Top Secret (TS) Security Clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI).
  • Master's degree from an accredited institution.
  • Minimum of 10 years of experience supporting homeland defense, DSCA, domestic operations, interagency missions, or related national security programs.
  • Demonstrated experience providing strategic advice and analytical support to senior government leaders.
  • Experience coordinating across DoD Components, Combatant Commands, federal agencies, and interagency partners.
  • Proven experience managing complex programs, personnel, deliverables, and customer relationships.
  • Exceptional written and verbal communication skills.
  • Experience operating in dynamic, high-visibility, and time-sensitive environments.

Preferred Qualifications
  • 15 or more years of homeland defense, DSCA, domestic operations, or national security experience.
  • Prior support to ASD(HD&ASA), DASD(HD), OSD, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands, or comparable headquarters organizations.
  • Experience supporting support-to-federal-law-enforcement activities and domestic incident response operations.
  • Experience supporting homeland defense capability integration initiatives.
  • Familiarity with DoD strategic planning, policy development, operational coordination, and interagency processes.
  • Demonstrated success leading multidisciplinary teams supporting national-level missions.
  • PMP, Lean Six Sigma, or equivalent leadership certification.
Company Description
The Red Gate Group, founded in 2006, is a Service-Disabled Veteran-Owned Company based in Chantilly, VA. As an SDVOSB, the Red Gate Group has established a reputation for delivering quality multi-tiered services in intelligence analysis, strategic planning, program management, policy development, operational design, and technology integration. RGG delivers high-quality, customer-centric solutions around the world-from the foxhole to the highest levels of Government. Our motto, "Making a Difference for Country and Client," reflects our deep commitment to national security and service excellence. As an employer of choice, we offer comprehensive benefits including flexible time off, 11 paid holidays, immediate 401(k) eligibility with a generous match, and full medical, dental, and vision coverage. Our employees enjoy 100% company-paid life insurance and disability benefits, along with professional development assistance for degrees and certifications. We foster a culture of growth and work-life balance, backed by our commitment to supporting both our clients' missions and our employees' success. Join our team and be part of an organization that values both service excellence and employee wellbeing.

Apply