Continuity of Operations Program Manager (COOP SME)
This Continuity SME Program Manager supports the U.S. Department of Commerce in managing daily Continuity of Operations (COOP) programs and reporting to the Continuity Coordinator. This position focuses on Continuity of Operations, not Test, Training, and Exercise (TT&E).
The SME PM supports federal-level continuity policy, planning, and execution across Departmental bureaus and provides subject matter expertise on PPD-40, FEMA Federal Continuity Directives, and resilience-focused program management.
Background
Supports Commerce continuity programs, national-level exercises, and the Domestic Resilience Group with a COOP/Continuity Programs focus.
Works within the Office of Continuity, Policy and Operations (CPOP), part of OSIRC, supporting continuity policy, risk assessment, communications, and compliance across Commerce.
Ideal candidates are mid- to senior-level Continuity Managers with headquarters-level experience, strong knowledge of PPD-40 and FEMA FCDs, excellent communication skills, and the ability to remain calm and decisive under pressure.
Work is performed in unclassified and SCIF environments at Commerce HQ.
Occasional local travel and rare deployment to a Commerce continuity facility (within 2-hour drive) may be required.
Work Schedule
Full-time, on-site, day-shift schedule.
Standard 8-hour workday, coordinated with the assigned Commerce manager.
Must-Have Qualifications
Minimum 4 years of COOP/Continuity of Government (COG) SME experience (non-TT&E) as a federal employee or federal HQ contractor within one or more of the following: USDA, DOC, DOE, HHS, DHS, DOS, DOT, or Treasury.
At least 1 year of supervisory or leadership experience in continuity program management.
Experience working directly with PPD-40 and FEMA Federal Continuity Directives (FCDs) supporting National Essential Functions.
Solid working knowledge of:
Federal Executive Branch Continuity Program Management Requirements FCD
Essential Functions Risk Identification and Management FCD
Continuity planning experience across all four phases of continuity.
Ability to “connect the dots,” assess risk, stay calm, and make decisions under pressure.
Strong spoken and written communication skills, with a high degree of professionalism and diplomacy.
Dependable personal transportation for travel to a continuity facility.
Active Top Secret clearance with SCI crossover eligibility (must be currently SCI-indoctrinated or debriefed within the last 23 months).
Nice-to-Have Qualifications
Experience using the Federal Continuity Assessment Tool (FCAT).
Key Responsibilities
Evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of Continuity and Emergency Management Programs and implement approved improvements.
Recommend resilience enhancements, including mitigations for identified risks and capability gaps.
Review, assess, and update COOP Plans and Emergency Plans to ensure compliance and program improvements.
Develop content for an online COOP Awareness Training program for Department employees.
Assist with preparation of materials supporting Commerce’s COG mission.
Support staffing and tracking of Interagency and National Security Council taskings.
Participate in interagency and internal Continuity and Emergency Management and TT&E working groups.
Collaborate to enhance the Department’s Continuity and Emergency Management TT&E program when requested.
Travel to Commerce continuity facilities (within a 2-hour radius) as required.