Website White House
Executive Office of the President (EOP) – 2026 Cycle
A premier opportunity to serve the Executive Branch. This cycle offers two distinct employment pathways: Political Appointments and Career Civil Service roles for the upcoming 2026 term.
Job Description
Securing a role within the Executive Office of the President during the 2026 term involves navigating two distinct employment tracks. Candidates must differentiate between Political Appointments and Career Civil Service pathways, as the application mechanisms and long-term expectations vary significantly between them.
Positions Available
Professional vacancies for the 2026 calendar year fall into several primary categories across both full-time and part-time capacities.
Political Appointee Roles
Senior Policy Advisors, Communications Directors, Counsel to the President, Special Assistants, and Legislative Liaisons.
Career Civil Service Roles
Positions within the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Office of Administration, Information Technology, and Security sectors.
Part-Time / Seasonal
Appointments to Presidential Boards and Commissions (unpaid/prestigious) and intermittent administrative or IT support roles.
Locations
Primary duty stations are located within the Washington, D.C. Metropolitan Area, specifically at the White House Complex and the Eisenhower Executive Office Building (EEOB). Remote work is generally not an option for EOP staff due to high-security requirements. Relocation assistance for political tracks is not provided.
Requirements
Strict adherence to federal standards is mandatory.
- U.S. Citizenship: Required for every position without exception.
- Conflict of Interest: Mandatory disclosure of all financial assets is required. In many instances, divestiture of holdings is a condition of employment to prevent ethical conflicts.
- Security Clearance: Most roles demand an SF-86 (Top Secret) clearance. This involves an exhaustive deep dive into financial history, previous employment, and personal conduct.
Qualifications
Career Track
Eligibility is determined by General Schedule (GS) grade levels, typically ranging from GS-7 to GS-15. A Bachelor’s degree serves as the minimum baseline, while higher GS levels require specialized experience or advanced degrees.
Political Track
Selection emphasizes alignment with the current administration’s 2026 policy agenda and a proven track record in policy, law, or high-level communication.
Benefits and Salary (2026 Update)
Compensation follows the January 2026 federal pay adjustments. All figures below include the specific Washington-Baltimore-Arlington locality adjustment.
| Position Level | 2026 Estimated Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Junior Staffers / Assistants | $60,000 – $81,000 |
| Special Assistants to the President | $122,000 – $151,000 |
| Deputy Assistants / Senior Counsel | $156,000 – $197,200 |
| Assistants to the President (Top Tier) | $197,200 – $225,700 |
Federal Benefits Package:
- Healthcare: Enrollment in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program.
- Retirement: Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Matching: Agency matching of up to 5% for TSP contributions.
How to Apply (Application Process)
The method of application is strictly dictated by the type of position sought. There is no central “White House Job Board” for all roles.
- For Career Positions: Applications must be submitted through USAJobs.gov.
- For Political Positions: Submit interest through the White House Presidential Personnel Office (PPO) Portal.
- For Mid-Career Fellowships: Apply through the White House Fellows Program website.