Job Description
CDAO - Strategy & Policy Analyst
Application Deadline: 25 June 2026
Department: Policy
Employment Type: Full Time
Location: Arlington, VA
Job Title: Strategy & Policy Analyst
JOA: CDAO-2026-000110
Pay Scale: $104,349-$161,313
Open Date: 28May 2026
Close Date: 25 June 2026
About the Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office
The Chief Digital and Artificial Intelligence Office (CDAO) mission is to accelerate the adoption of data, analytics, and artificial intelligence (AI) across the Department of War (DoW). As part of the Office of the Under Secretary for Research & Engineering, the CDAO works across the Military Departments and Services, Joint Staff, Combatant Commands (CCMDs), Office of the Secretary of War (OSW), and other DoW Components to design, develop, field, and scale technologies, capabilities, strategies, policies, and other guidance related to data, analytics, and AI in support of a wide range of critical DoW missions.
As a Strategy & Policy Analyst, you will be a key driver of strategic insight within the CDAO. You will be responsible for independently conducting high-impact research and analysis to inform and shape the decisions of CDAO leadership. In this role, you will tackle complex organizational challenges, formulate strategic recommendations, and design comprehensive efforts on issues of critical importance to the CDAO and the broader DoW.
Your work will directly influence the strategic direction of the organization, ensuring that the CDAO remains agile, effective, and aligned with its mission to accelerate the adoption of data and AI across the Department.
This position is covered by the Department of War DoW) Civilian Acquisition Workforce Personnel Demonstration Project (AcqDemo). The position is located in Washington, DC. The pay plan and broadband level for this role is NH-0301-03, which is equivalent to the GS-13 grade level.
This role will close for submissions at 11:59pm on June 15th, 2025.
What you'll do here:
- Independently conduct research and analysis on complex issues, developing recommendations that shape strategic direction and enhance organizational effectiveness for CDAO leadership.
- Analyze and evaluate the effectiveness of CDAO programs on both a quantitative and qualitative basis, recommending improvements to organizational structures, methods, and procedures to enhance efficiency and mission success.
- Produce insightful written analyses of organizational lessons learned to benefit the CDAO and the broader DoW data, analytics, and AI community, while also assessing, recommending improvements to, and implementing strategic DoW guidance.
- Utilize quantitative research methodologies to analyze technology management challenges and structure solutions for senior leadership.
- Consolidate analytical findings into high-quality reports, memos, and presentations suitable for senior leadership, ensuring a clear message supported by robust evidence.
Requirements
Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Candidate is encouraged to provide e-portfolio, project samples, Github, etc. to their submission package.
- Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service https://www.sss.gov/Home/Registration
- This position is subject to provisions of the WHS/OSW Priority Placement Program (please see details below)
- Must be determined suitable for federal employment.
- Required to participate in the direct deposit program.
- This position is subject to pre-employment and random drug testing.
- We may use this announcement to fill additional vacancies within 90 days of the closing date.
- Recruitment, relocation, or retention incentives may be authorized based on the availability of funds.
- This position requires a Top Secret/ Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) security clearance.
- If you are a veteran claiming veteran's preference, as defined by Section 2108 of Title 5 U.S.C., you must submit documents verifying your eligibility with your application package.
- This position may require work other than normal duty hours, which may include evenings, weekends, and/or holidays and/or mandatory overtime.
- This position may occasionally require travel away from the normal duty station via military or commercial aircraft.
Priority Placement Program Details
Military Spouse Preference (MSP) Eligible: Military Spouse Preference applicants, must be selected and placed at the highest grade level for which they have applied and been determined best qualified up to and including the full performance level. You must include a completed copy of the Military Spouse PPP Self-Certification Checklist dated within 30 days along with the documents identified on the checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Spouse Preference.
https://acpol2.army.mil/chra_dodea/PPP_MSP_self_certification_checklist.pdf
Military Reserve (MR) and National Guard (NG) Technicians Receiving Disability Retirement PPP Eligible: MR and NG technicians receiving disability retirement PPP applicants must be selected and placed at the full performance level if determined well qualified. You must include a completed copy of the Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability PPP Self-Certification Checklist to verify your eligibility for Military Reserve and National Guard Technician Disability preference.
https://www.dcpas.osd.mil/sites/default/files/military_reserve_and_guard_disability_ppp_self_cert_checklist.pdf
