DHS SPRINT TO HIRE CYBERSECURITY PROFESSIONALS

By Chris Westbrook, Curriculum Director

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The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) recently finished hiring “Sprints” to onboard nearly 300 cybersecurity professionals and the extension of an additional 500 tentative job offers. “This hiring initiative,” according to a DHS press release, “exceeded its goal by almost 50 percent, is part of a 60-day Cybersecurity Workforce Sprint focused on building a more diverse cybersecurity workforce.”

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In early May, DHS Secretary Alejandro N. Mayorkas declared the start of a hiring surge aimed at bringing onboard 200 cybersecurity experts and executives across the Department by 1 July.

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“As cybersecurity threats to our communities continue to rise, we must recruit and retain diverse top talent to defend against today’s threats and build a more resilient future,” said Secretary Mayorkas. “DHS is dedicating significant energy toward exceeding our cybersecurity hiring goal by recruiting talented experts, investing in diverse talent pipelines, and ensuring equitable access to professional development opportunities at every level. The Department’s 60-day Cybersecurity Workforce Sprint has enabled DHS to fill 12 percent of our more than 2,000 cybersecurity vacancies during a time when our country is facing extraordinary cyber threats. While I am proud of the progress we have made to date, we still have more work to do.” 

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This was the second phase of a series of 60-day hiring “Sprints” the Department initiated in March 2021.

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Heads up! This is only 200 recruits against more than 2,000 cyber-related positions in DHS!

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So, check out DHS hiring needs and help our country address a key security threat. DHS has direct-hire authority for many of these positions — e.g., IT specialist and computer engineers, computer scientists, and electrical engineers for cybersecurity, etc. This means hiring is accelerated for these mission-critical positions.

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Learn more about DHS’ efforts to hire cybersecurity professionals at DHS Actions: Cybersecurity | Homeland Security.

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And check out other careers at DHS DHS is Hiring | Homeland Security.

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About the Author

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Chris Westbrook is a talent development professional with a passion for career development, leadership, and change management. In 2018, she recently retired from the federal government after 38 years of service in the executive and legislative branches.