ONCD Launches Cybersecurity Hiring Sprint
The Office of the National Cyber Director (ONCD) is gearing up for a significant recruitment initiative this fall aimed at filling approximately 3,000 open cybersecurity positions within the federal government. As cybersecurity threats continue to escalate with increasing frequency and sophistication, the need for qualified professionals in this sector has never been more crucial. The ONCD's hiring sprint is part of a broader strategy to bolster the nation's cyber workforce while addressing the critical skills gap plaguing the federal technology sector.
Inventory and Focus Areas
As part of its efforts, the ONCD is collaborating with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) to develop a comprehensive inventory of cybersecurity-related jobs within the federal government. Seeyew Mo, the Assistant National Cyber Director for Workforce, Training, and Education, revealed that during their assessment, approximately 3,000 job openings were identified in the 2210 series, which encompasses IT management positions.
“We aim to socialize this data with interagency partners to figure out how we can collaboratively fill these roles more effectively,” said Mo. This statement underscores the urgent focus on inter-agency collaboration to optimize recruitment strategies in order to fill these essential roles.
While the exact positions the sprint will target remain under discussion, the emphasis will largely be on the 2210 series jobs. This aligns with a nationwide trend; according to the U.S. Bureau of Labor Statistics (BLS), employment in information security is projected to grow 33% from 2020 to 2030, significantly faster than the average for other occupations.
In a clear effort to bridge the gap, the ONCD is not only looking to fill existing positions but also engaging with private sector employers to create opportunities for interns, apprentices, and entry-level talent within the national cyber workforce.