Federal Position Descriptions
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Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy

Ambassador at Large for Cyberspace and Digital Policy, Department of State
Responsibility
Management Scope

The position has six direct reports and oversees the Digital Freedom Unit. The Bureau of Cyberspace and Digital Policy had an adjusted enacted budget for fiscal 2023 of $20.65 million with 99 direct positions.2

Primary Responsibilities
  • Formulates and implements the department’s international cyberspace, information, communications technology and digital policy.
  • Represents the U.S. on cyberspace policy, international telecommunications policy, internet governance, digital policy, digital freedom and other diplomatic engagements.
  • Leads the department’s interagency participation in cyberspace and digital policy.3
  • Reports on U.S. government international engagement priorities in cyberspace and develops strategies to strengthen its deterrence posture.
  • Works to ensure the internet and other connected technologies remain valuable and viable tools for future generations.
  • Facilitates a multi-stakeholder approach to internet governance, partnering with U.S. businesses, civil society, and foreign governments to promote U.S. leadership in digital issues, especially within multilateral institutions.4
  • Leads the Department of State’s cyber capacity building efforts and co-chairs the Digital Connectivity and Cybersecurity Partnership.5
Strategic Goals and Priorities
Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.
Requirements
  • Professional background or expertise in cybersecurity or related field.
  • Experience working with emerging technologies at a leadership level.
  • Previous experience in foreign policy. Prior work in national security and defense policy spaces is highly valued.
Competencies
  • Strong communication and diplomacy skills.
  • Energy for travel.
  • Ability to establish and maintain relationships in Congress.
  • Ability to work across large organizations to achieve common strategic goals and priorities.
Past Appointments
  • Nathaniel C. Fick (2022 to present): Director, board of directors, Center for a New American Security; chief executive officer, Endgame Inc.; team member, Department of Veterans Affairs Team, President-Elect Obama Transition Team, Executive Office of the President.6
AGENCY

Department of State

Mission: The Department of State is the lead institution for the conduct of U.S. diplomacy and the secretary of state is the president’s principal foreign policy advisor.

COMPENSATION

Level IV $176,300 (5 U.S.C § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

Deputy Secretary of State

SENATE COMMITTEE

Foreign Relations

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Footnote
  1. https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/pay-leave/salaries-wages/salary-tables/22Tables/exec/html/EX.aspx
  2. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2023/06/508-compliant-FY-2024-CBJ-Appendix-1-Full-Document-Proof-Review-Complete.pdf
  3. https://fam.state.gov/FAM/01FAM/01FAM0490.html#M491_1
  4. https://www.state.gov/wp-content/uploads/2019/04/Recommendations-to-the-President-on-Protecting-American-Cyber-Interests-Through-International-Engagement.pdf
  5. https://www.state.gov/key-topics-bureau-of-cyberspace-and-digital-policy/
  6. Leadership Directories.
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