Associate Chief Counsel (EEE) Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. CCAS-25-12791516-SES Department Internal Revenue Service
Salary $150,160.00 to $225,700.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 8/28/2025 Close Date 9/23/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

Office of Chief Counsel, IRS, seeks enthusiastic individuals to serve taxpayers fairly and with integrity by providing correct and impartial interpretation of the internal revenue laws and the highest quality legal advice and representation for the IRS.

To learn more, click the links below:
IRS Office of Chief Counsel Careers Site
Meet Our People
Learn about our Legal Divisions

Duties

As a key member of the executive staff of the Office of Chief Counsel, the Associate Chief Counsel, Employee Benefits, Exempt Organizations, and Employment Taxes (EEE) is responsible for coordinating and directing all guidance activities related to EEE. The Associate Chief Counsel (EEE) provides legal advisory services that support uniform interpretation, application, enforcement, and litigation of tax laws involving employee plans, exempt organizations, and federal, state, local and Indian tribal governments, employment tax, executive compensation, and health and employee benefits; works closely with the applicable IRS Division Commissioners and other Associate and Division Counsel on program matters (e.g., identifying and prioritizing emerging issues, developing published guidance needs, and supporting tax administration programs); works closely with the Office of Chief Counsel, TEGE Division Counsel on legal issues related to litigation and program support; and provides strategic leadership and focus in the development and management of organizational activities, capital budgeting, and forecasting and financial management.

As the Associate Chief Counsel (EEE), you will:

  • Serve as the principal legal advisor to the Chief Counsel and other top- ranking IRS, and Treasury officials on matters involving exempt organizations, employment tax, and employee benefits, including qualified plans, IRAs, executive compensation, and employer provided health care (referred to collectively as "EEE issues"); publish public and technical guidance on these issues; and advise Division Counsels on the direction and oversight of the Counsel-wide litigation program involving EEE issues; and represent IRS and Treasury on sensitive and controversial issues related to these areas.
  • Advise the Chief Counsel and Deputy Chief Counsel (Technical) concerning emerging issues and guidance needed for implementation of legislation involving EEE issues.
  • Direct the preparation and review of proposed regulations and Treasury Decisions, assess public comments on proposed regulations, and manage the movement of regulations through the review process within the Office of Chief Counsel, the IRS and Treasury.
  • Provide executive direction to staff engaged in drafting revenue rulings, revenue procedures, announcements, and news releases to be published for the guidance of taxpayers and IRS personnel; issue technical advice memoranda responding to questions raised by IRS examiners; issue private letter rulings and general information letters in response to requests from taxpayers; and prepare legal opinions for other Chief Counsel and IRS functions with respect to legal questions about EEE issues raised in litigation and IRS programs.
  • Work with Treasury officials to coordinate recommendations for legislation that particularly affects EEE issues; direct IRS participation in this aspect of the legislative process, including the furnishing of advice and guidance with respect to the development of new or revised legislative proposals; oversee IRS participation with legislative staffs in the drafting of such legislation and committee reports; and provide technical and programmatic support in IRS implementation of legislation involving EEE areas.
  • Guide the provision of legal advice and support as requested by Division Counsels with respect to the processing and review of non-docketed cases submitted for consideration. Coordinate with Division Counsels for consistency of legal positions with respect to legal advice and assistance rendered by Division Counsels to IRS personnel and other Chief Counsel personnel concerning EEE issues under examination in the audit of returns, or in the consideration of claims for refund.
  • Develop and monitor performance measures and program goals for the provision of legal services and published guidance, and the implementation, compliance, and outreach initiatives on EEE issues.
  • Direct and oversee the overall management of the EEE legal staff. In this regard provide continuing coordination, control, and direction of EEE operations to assure that Chief Counsel objectives, policies, procedures, and programs are implemented fully and effectively, including the development of programs and their evaluation in terms of effectiveness, efficiency, comprehensiveness, and timeliness.
  • Provide direct leadership to the Deputies Associate Chief Counsel (EEE), the Branch Chiefs, and the entire EEE Offices. Assure the full range of personnel activities are properly and timely addressed as necessary.
  • Perform other duties as assigned.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Refer to "Additional Information"
  • Click "Print Preview" to review the entire announcement before applying.
  • Must be a U.S. Citizen or National

Qualifications

To qualify for this position of Associate Chief Counsel (EEE), you must meet the following requirements:

  • Possess at least the first professional law degree (LL.B. or J.D.) from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association; AND
  • Applicants must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a State, U.S. Commonwealth, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico;
  • Desired Education/Experience: An LL.M. in Taxation is desired but not required. Seven (7) years of professional legal tax experience is desired.

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability. The ideal candidate will have experience supervising many employees through subordinate supervisors and have experience hiring, developing, and evaluating employees. Typically, experience of this nature is at the GS-15 or equivalent level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector.

To meet the minimum qualifications, you must submit a two-page resume that shows you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs). To be considered, the resume must not exceed two pages. If selected for this position you will be required to address each ECQ during a structured interview with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB). Written narratives for the ECQs are not required.

Current and former career SES employees, and OPM Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduates are exempt to address the ECQs.

By statute, OPM prescribes Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) for the appointment of career SES members. The ECQs were designed to evaluate executive experience and not technical expertise. The following ECQs provide the focus for certification of executive core qualifications for initial appointment to the Senior Executive Service. Your two-page resume should show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications listed below:

  1. Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
  2. Driving Efficiency: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  3. Merit and Competence: This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
  4. Leading People: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high- accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
  5. Achieving Results: This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Additional information and ECQ based resume samples are provided in OPM's Guide to SES Qualifications. Applicants are strongly encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action and Results model outlined in the guide, to prepare for the structured interview. Written narratives for the ECQs are not required; however, applicants must be prepared to address each ECQs in a structured interview with the QRB.

In addition to the ECQs, candidates must address Technical Qualifications (TQs). TQs are designed to assess an applicant's experience relevant to the specific position requirements. All applicants must clearly demonstrate in their two-page resume, experience and accomplishments related to the TQs below:

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):

  1. Demonstrate comprehensive, professional legal knowledge of and experience in at one or more of the following areas: (1) employee benefits; (2) exempt organizations; and (3) employment tax, and a general knowledge of the other two legal areas.
  2. Must have demonstrated experience in managing all aspects of a large-scale law program that involves substantial human and fiscal resources. Experience includes planning, directing, budgeting for, staffing, and evaluating such programs.

Desirable:

  1. A thorough understanding of the operations and organization of the Internal Revenue Service and Office of Chief Counsel.

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). You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. One year of experience refers to full-time work; part-time work is considered on a prorated basis. To ensure full credit for your work experience, please indicate dates of employment by month/year, and indicate number of hours worked per week, on your resume.

Education

For positions with an education requirement, or if you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.

A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page.

FOREIGN EDUCATION: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Additional information

  • Relocation expenses may be authorized for current Federal Employees.
  • This is a non-bargaining unit position.
  • We offer opportunities for telework.
  • We offer opportunities for flexible work schedules.
Conditions of Employment Continued:
  • Subject to a 1-year trial period (unless already completed).
  • You will serve a one-year Senior Executive Service (SES) probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
  • Have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
  • Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
  • Public Trust (85PS) Background Investigation required
  • Obtain and use a Government-issued charge card for business-related travel.
  • File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
  • Undergo an income tax verification.
  • The employment of any candidate, including a current employee or a new hire, selected for this position may be conditional upon classification and/or audit of federal tax returns. This audit may include up to 2 years of returns.
  • This position requires that the successful candidate undergo personnel vetting, which includes a background investigation and enrollment upon onboarding into "Continuous Vetting." Enrollment in Continuous Vetting will result in automated record checks being conducted throughout one's employment with Treasury. The successful candidate will also be enrolled into FBI's Rap Back service, which will allow Treasury to receive notification from the FBI of criminal matters (e.g., arrests, charges, convictions) involving enrolled individuals in near real-time.

    There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
  • Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back,
  • FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
  • SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

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.

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.

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be considered based on their overall background as it relates to the position to be filled. Interviews for the initial selection may be held at the option of the Executive Resources Board (ERB). All application materials and interviews, if conducted, will be used in the final evaluation and selection process.

Candidates found minimally qualified will be further evaluated by the ERB based on the extent and quality of their experience as it relates to the ECQs and technical qualifications (TQs) needed for this position. Appropriate consideration will be given for job-related training, education, awards, publications, and supervisory appraisals of job performance.

(Note: Current and former SES members, and other candidates who have already been OPM/QRB-certified, are not required to address the executive core qualifications. They must, however, provide documentation of certification in the form of an SF-50 showing career SES status, or an OPM issued SES qualification certificate.)

Referral: If you are among the top qualified candidates, you may be required to participate in a selection interview. We will not reimburse costs related to the interview, such as travel to and from the interview site.

Required Documents

A complete application includes 1. A resume, 2. Vacancy Questionnaire Responses, and 3. Submission of any required documents. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a two-page resume (NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES). To receive full credit for relevant experience, please list the month/year and number of hours worked for experience listed on your resume. Please view resume tips. Resume should clearly state your experience related to this position as described in the Duties section and Qualifications section.

2. VACANCY QUESTION RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: In addition, applicants are highly encouraged to submit the following supporting documentation:

  • Memorandum of Interest (MOI) summarizing your interest in the position
  • Performance Evaluation (not more than 2 years old)
SENIOR EXECUTIVE SERVICE (SES) NONCOMPETITIVE APPLICANTS: If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, proof of SES noncompetitive eligibility must be submitted:
  • SF-50 showing your status as a current Career SES appointee, former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive who is/was employed in a Federal government agency that has an interchange agreement with the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) allowing for movement between the agency's SES-equivalent personnel system and the SES; OR
  • A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (CDP). This applies only if your ECQs have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board through the SES CDP.
  • Note: Former Career Reserve Senior Executive Service employees and graduates of a SES Candidate Development Program who have been certified by OPM's QRB are not required to address the ECQs
EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details.

PROFESSIONAL CERTIFICATION: If selected, you will be required to submit an original Certificate of Good Standing from your State Bar if not already received by the agency.

How to Apply

The following instructions outline our application process. You must complete this application process and submit any required documents by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time (ET) on the closing date of this announcement. To preview the Application Questionnaire, please click the following link: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12791516

  • To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the Include Personal Information section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
  • You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete.
  • It is your responsibility to verify that your application package (resume, supporting documents, and responses to the questionnaire) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Uploaded documents may take up to one hour to clear the virus scan.
  • Additional information on how to complete the online application process and submit your online application may be found on the USA Staffing Applicant Resource Center.

Agency contact information

IRS CC Office of Executive Resources
Address
Office of Chief Counsel, IRS
Staffing and Classification Branch
1111 Constitution Ave, NW
Washington, DC 20224
US

Next steps

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Note: We cannot accept applications on behalf of Federal Agencies. Application instructions are listed within the Job Description.


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