Summary
This position is located within the U. S. Department of Education (ED), Institute of Education Sciences (IES), Office of the Director of the Institute. IES provides national leadership in expanding fundamental knowledge and understanding of education from early childhood through postsecondary study, in order to provide parents, educators, students, researchers, policymakers, and the general public with reliable information about educational practices.
Clarification from the agency
You are encouraged to read the entire announcement before you submit your application package. Your application may not get full consideration if you do not follow the instructions as outlined in the section "How to Apply."
Duties
Serves as principal advisor to the Director of the Institute in the areas of administration and policy. Participates on a continuing basis in the overall management of the Institute and in the formulation, development, and implementation of Institute policies, plans, and programs. Provides advice to the Director on a myriad of policy and program issues, recommends short- and long-range priorities, interprets the impact of national trends on program requirements, and provides maximum support to the Director regarding the national leadership and direction of Institute programs.
Provides direction and coordination of the day-to-day operation of the Institute involving a staff of approximately 200 persons involved in administering a nationwide program of grants and contracts totaling more than $500 million.
Provides comprehensive direction to Institute activities, actively participates in resolving major policy and planning conflicts among units, provides advice and direction and participates in decisions on allocation of personnel and fiscal resources, oversees the implementation of major program modifications to accommodate changing priorities and new initiatives, and assures that appropriate steps are taken so that programs operate within the broad framework established by the Director. Keeps the Director informed of all major program changes, significant or potentially sensitive program issues, and the status of initiatives of special interest to the Director and the Secretary.
Represents the Director at formal and informal conferences at the highest levels within the Department and is authorized to make commitments that obligate the Institute to a course of action. Exercises considerable discretion in advocating and refusing to advocate proposals under discussion and applies the highest degree of professional capability to obtain concessions of benefit to the Institute and the Department.
Under general guidelines from the Director, directs subordinates to ensure that appropriate steps are taken for effective development and implementation of policies, policy coordination, development and supervision of quality control procedures, management operations, development of program plans, development of legislative initiatives, internal evaluation of programs and policies, interagency coordination, and oversight activities associated with the operation of a major office of the Department.
As directed by the Director, coordinates activities across all Institute components. Ensures close cooperation and resolves conflicting priorities to ensure timely accomplishment of objectives. Organizes presentations to the Director and keeps an open line of communication between the Director and the staff units.
On behalf of the Director, consults with Commissioners and other officials concerning current and potential program needs. Chairs top level meetings with key staff who bring high-level expertise to bear on major issues. Makes decisions and issues directives on planning, management, and program and policy matters, including formulation of cross-cutting operating plans and activities.
Works in concert with Commissioners, the Deputy for Science, and the Deputy for Communications to establish and maintain liaison with professional organizations as well as Federal, state, and local agencies and officials and non-public school organizations interested in education research, statistics, and evaluation.
Supervises the planning, formulation, and execution of program and salaries and expenses budgets for the Institute. Ensures that the budget submission and quarterly operating plans conform with the Chief Financial Officer's directives and/or instructions. Develops alternative spending plans that match program and administrative allocations with program mandates and/or objectives for review and decision by the Director.
Institutes policies for managing financial resources. Reviews and evaluates the effectiveness of Institute financial programs. Directs the financial management system for funds allocated to the Institute to include control over expenditures, documents, issuance of monthly reports, and reconciliation and correction.
Directs a small immediate staff engaged in carrying out policy planning and coordination activities. In addition, directs two staff units.
- Executive Operations Staff, which is responsible for managing and coordinating personnel activities, administrative functions related to budget execution, financial administration, small purchase procurements, facilities and equipment, information systems, and the Institute's executive secretariat and
- Grants Administration Staff, which is responsible for administrative and management functions related to the award and oversight of grants supported by the Institute.
Conditions of Employment
- One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.
- U.S. Citizenship is required.
- Requires a financial disclosure statement, OGE-278.
- Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Security Clearance
Qualifications
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as 'ineligible.' You should provide 2 written examples for each ECQ and your ECQs should not exceed ten (10) pages total. When uploading your ECQs, choose the Supporting Document Type called ECQ.
ECQ 1 - Leading Change: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent in this ECQ is ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2 - Leading People: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent in this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
ECQ 3 - Results Driven: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent in this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4 - Business Acumen: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ 5 - Building Coalitions: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
To view additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements available on the Office of Personnel Management's website please click here.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualification. You must address each technical qualification separately. You must limit your narratives to two (2) pages per technical qualification. When uploading your MTQs, choose the supporting Document Type called MTQ.
MTQ 1: Demonstrated experience in effective management of budgetary resources, including formulation and execution; leading mission support programs including human capital management/oversight, facilities, and procurement; and overseeing information technology functions of a mid-size office.
MTQ 2: Demonstrated experience in conducting analyses and evaluation of program data to determine progress towards short and long-term objectives and continuous improvement.
MTQ 3: Demonstrated ability in leading the development of strategic planning activities and organizational capacity building efforts.
When responding to the MTQs and ECQs, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the ECQs and MTQs.
Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of the programs managed and program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.
Applicants who use "see resume" as a response WILL NOT receive consideration for the position.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action or removal from Federal Service.
Benefits
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Review our benefits
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Applicants will be evaluated by a Qualifications Review Panel of senior officials. The panel will rate and rank applicants on the basis of the quality and extent of total accomplishments, experience and education. The panel will determine the degree to which candidates possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the mandatory technical requirements of the position and the mandatory executive core qualifications requirements. Among the factors the evaluation panel will consider in determining the applicant's relative capacity and fitness for the position are education, training, experience and demonstrated executive level qualifications. The Panel will review your resume against each mandatory technical qualifications and mandatory executive core qualifications to determine the best qualified candidates. Candidates determined to be best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration for the position. You may preview questions for this vacancy.
1. Resume: In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers
Educational information, including the name, city and state of the colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received
Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:
- Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
- Duties and accomplishments
- Employer's name and address
- Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
- Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)
- Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
2. MTQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing the mandatory technical qualifications. Each MTQ statement should not exceed two (2) pages.
3. ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligibles, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #4. ECQs should not exceed ten (10) pages total.
4. All current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.
5. All current Federal employees and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit an SF-50 as proof of eligibility.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from
schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
You must complete an on line application package to include the resume, SF-50 (if applicable), your responses to the MTQs, and your responses to the ECQs. To apply, please select 'Apply Online' button at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: your online resume may not be a complete application. Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents such as the resume, SF-50 (if applicable), MTQs, and ECQs WILL NOT receive consideration for this position.
You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
NOTE: Applications submitted by means other than those described in this vacancy announcement will NOT be considered.
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.
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