DHS looking for private sector executives

The Department of Homeland Security wants to tap private sector executives to share their experience in a variety of temporary roles at the agency.

An announcement posted on March 7 on DHS’s Web blog, said the agency is starting a new program that invites top executive-level talent from the private sector to work at DHS in its “Loaned Executive Program.” It is initially looking for a cyber security advisor and a strategic planning advisor under the program.

“We're looking to our nation's top executives to partner with us as we strive to solve problems, improve processes, and fully realize our mission,” it said. Most of the positions DHS is looking to fill would be short-term-initially six months with option for another six month rotation, according to DHS. The positions would be unpaid, with loaned executives drawing their regular salary and benefits from their private-sector jobs, it said. DHS said “by serving as a loaned executive, executives will have an opportunity to make a difference in securing our nation.”

DHS has been hungry for private sector expertise. At a March 1 conference in Washington marking the eighth anniversary of the agency, former DHS Secretary Tom Ridge drew applause from the audience, which included Congressmen and other Washington officials, when he called for a loosening of restrictions that reins in government from working with private industry experts on technology. “Congress should look at changing the rules on bringing in private citizens to sit with government” to help solve technological problems. “It’s very difficult” to do that now, he said. “It’s about time we recognized the wealth of private sector experience should be brought in,” he said.

DHS initially wants to draw a senior advisor for strategy development and implementation in the Department's Office of Strategic Plans. The loaned executive will  advise on the department's strategic direction and examine the long-term impact of evolving threats, challenges and trends, said the agency.

It also wants a senior advisor for Cyber security and communications integration planning to work in the Department's Office of Cybersecurity and Communications. The executive would help evaluate the National Cyber security and Communications Integration Center's capabilities and refine the department's Cyber security strategy, according to DHS.

The deadline for applications is March 21, 2011, said DHS. Those interested can apply via the Loaned Executive Program Current Openings page on dhs.gov.  Questions can be emailed to loanedexecutive@dhs.gov.