09/04/2026
Your Next Career Move Might Not Be What You Think.
I found three opportunities this week that span federal technology, IT strategy, and corporate finance, and each one could be a compelling move for someone whose experience goes beyond the obvious job title.
First, if COBOL, CICS, JCL, DB2, VSAM, and IDMS are part of your background, the Social Security Administration has IT Specialist (APPSW) COBOL Developer openings in Woodlawn, MD. The role is GS-14/15, $143,913–$197,200, permanent, and the announcement specifically points to legacy modernization, technical leadership, and AI-enabled development.
Second, the Defense Human Resources Activity is looking for an IT Specialist (Policy and Planning) in Seaside, CA or Alexandria, VA. This GS-13/14 opportunity pays $121,785–$197,200, is telework eligible, and has promotion potential to GS-14. The work centers on strategic planning, investment management, product roadmaps, enterprise IT, risk, and executive-level decision support.
Third, Meta is hiring a Director, Corporate Finance in Menlo Park, CA +1 location. The listed U.S. base salary is $219,000–$288,000, plus bonus, equity, and benefits. The role calls for 15+ years in finance or capital markets, complex financing ex*****on, infrastructure financial modeling, due diligence, negotiation, and communication with executives and credit rating agencies.
For the SSA opportunity, your application needs to make specialized technical depth and modernization experience unmistakable. For the DHRA role, your story needs to show that you can translate technology, investment, risk, and policy into strategic decisions. For Meta, the value proposition is broader: financing expertise, infrastructure knowledge, executive communication, and the ability to move complex transactions from structure to close.
That is the career-marketing bridge I want you to think about. The strongest application is not simply a record of what you have done. It makes it easier for the decision-maker to see why your experience fits the problems this role needs solved.