About this role
Job SummaryThis position is in the U.S. Department of Education (ED), Federal Student Aid (FSA), Technology Directorate (TD). The Technology Directorate provides information technology services for all FSA systems, promoting the effective and secure use of technology to achieve FSA's strategic objectives through sound planning, investments, integrated technology architectures and standards, effective systems development, production support, and cybersecurity services.
QualificationsMinimum Qualification Requirements You may meet the minimum qualifications for the GS-14, if you possess the specialize experience. Specialized Experience for the GS-14: One year of experience in either federal or non-federal service that is equivalent to at least a GS-13 performing two (2) out of three (3) of the following duties or work assignments: Experience serving as the product expert in the development of a scaled technology platform. Experience serving as a product manager, overseeing internal and external software development, testing, integration, and operation. Experience communicating technical concepts to non-technical audiences and translating business requirements into technical user stories. Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities (KSAs) The quality of your experience will be measured by the extent to which you possess the following knowledge, skills and abilities (KSAs). You do not need to provide separate narrative responses to these KSAs, as they will be measured by your responses to the occupational questionnaire (you may preview the occupational questionnaire by clicking the link at the end of the Evaluations section of this vacancy announcement). Knowledge of product management principles, with a focus on user-centered design and measurable outcomes. Skill in translating policy and technical requirements into intuitive, scalable product solutions. Skill in managing vendors and cross-functional teams to deliver results and drive tangible product improvements. Ability to inspire and sustain a mission-driven product culture and drive collaborative efforts amongst the teams. Knowledge of building and operating large-scale, mission-critical systems or comparable technology infrastructure.
Major DutiesThis is an open continuous announcement with cutoff dates. Applications will be referred based on receipt of application and established cutoff dates as follows: 1st cutoff date: 07/20/2026 Last cutoff date: 07/24/2026 This is a term position with a Not to exceed 13 months which can be extended up to ten year with a possibility of being converted to permanent. Note: There is a full time permanent competitive position being announced at the same time for another position under FSA-2026-0125, if you would like to be considered for both. Applicants must apply for both announcements as they are two different appointment lengths. We encourage you to read this entire vacancy announcement prior to submitting your application. As an IT Specialist (System Analysis) "Product Manager", GS-2210-14, you will be responsible for: Leading the development of FSA products by understanding the needs of students, families, and stakeholders, translating insights into product roadmaps, prioritizing high-impact features, and measuring success by user outcomes. Serving as the bridge between policy goals, technical systems, and user needs by translating complex constraints into actionable requirements and ensuring compliant, secure, and user-friendly solutions at national scale. Collaborating and aligning with contractors, partner agencies, and cross-functional teams to align efforts with the product vision, hold vendors accountable for outcomes, and deliver tangible improvements for users. Fostering a product culture of experimentation, data-driven decision-making, and continuous improvement while providing vision and expert recommendations that align government staff and vendors around shared goals for students and families. Applying deep experience building and managing products at scale to ensure FSA systems deliver accurate, secure, reliable, and seamless experiences while protecting sensitive personal and financial data.RequirementsCondition of Employment: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a probationary period or trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: Your performance and conduct; The needs and interests of the agency; Whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period OR trial period your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. You must meet all qualification requirements within 30 days of the closing date of this vacancy announcement. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills, and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. We will consider all qualifying experience, including any volunteer experience.