Clarification from the agency

All groups of qualified individuals may apply. Additionally, current career Senior Executive Service (SES) members, OPM certified graduates of an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP), and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility may be considered noncompetitively.

The CDO leads a team of data professionals, combining strategic vision with hands-on technical expertise to ensure the effective design, implementation, and maintenance of the agency's data infrastructure. This role oversees the development of an enterprise-wide data strategy, manages data collection, storage, quality, and protection, and ensures compliance with all relevant federal data privacy and protection regulations. The CDO collaborates closely with the Chief Information Officer (CIO), Chief Information Security Officer (CISO), senior analytics and AI professionals, and other key stakeholders to drive data-driven improvements in agency processes. The CDO must be a hands-on data expert, actively engaging with teams on data modeling, schema design, API development, and query optimization, and not just an executive strategist.

The CDO is responsible for the following:

• Developing and Implementing Data Governance: Establishing and maintaining robust data governance frameworks and policies to ensure the accuracy, integrity, quality, and security of SSA data. Leading the creation and enforcement of standardized practices for data collection, storage, and usage.
• Providing Hands-On Data Expertise: Actively participating in data modeling, schema design, API development, and query optimization. Providing direct technical guidance and support to teams, ensuring best practices in database design and data architecture.
• Driving Data Quality Initiatives: Leading agency-wide efforts to improve data quality, including data cleansing, validation, and the establishment of data quality metrics. Overseeing lifecycle data management practices to promote data standardization, interoperability, and reliability.
• Developing Data Classification: Developing and implementing comprehensive data classification standards and processes to ensure that SSA data assets are appropriately categorized based on sensitivity, regulatory requirements, and business value. Overseeing the consistent application of classification protocols across the agency.
• Ensuring Data Readiness for AI: Assessing and enhancing the readiness of SSA data assets for artificial intelligence and advanced analytics initiatives. Collaborating with key stakeholders to ensure data is properly structured, labeled, and accessible for AI model development and deployment.
• Identifying Authoritative Sources of Information: Establishing and maintaining processes for identifying, validating, and documenting authoritative sources of information within SSA. Ensuring that agency data users have access to trusted, high-quality data sources for decision-making and reporting.
• Promoting Data Innovation: Partnering with key officials to identify and implement innovative data solutions. Exploring emerging technologies and driving the adoption of advanced analytics tools to enhance agency capabilities.
• Optimizing Data Infrastructure: Collaborating with IT and business teams to modernize and optimize the agency's data infrastructure, supporting advanced analytics and actionable insights. Ensuring the availability, usability, and integrity of SSA data assets.

Conditions of employment

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan).

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• Subject to a 1-year supervisory probationary period (unless already completed).
• 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.
• May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests
• Must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
• You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.

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).

Qualifications

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. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME BASED. It is important that your resume be complete and thorough, following the requirements outlined below.

As a basic requirement, to meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, applicants MUST demonstrate progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Executive Core Qualifications and the Technical Qualification within their resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2, or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualification (TQ).

To be considered minimally qualified for this position, candidates must have had responsible professional experience at a senior level (equivalent to the GS-15 in either the General Schedule (GS) or a comparable pay plan). Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet this basic qualification requirement and all executive and technical qualification factors automatically disqualifies an applicant.

NOTE: If you are (1) a member of the SES, (2) have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or (3) have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATION (TQ):
Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualification.

• Senior level experience establishing and governing effective data strategies that incorporate data governance and advanced experience in areas such as data management principles, data quality, data integration, data lifecycle management, and data integrity across business lines.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification requirement listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQ, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

DESIREABLE QUALIFICATION (DQ):

• Senior level experience with data architecture principles and the proven ability to design and optimize data infrastructure to support areas such as data management, analytics initiatives, and business operations.

There are five ECQs:

ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - 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;

ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades;

ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality;

ECQ 4: Leading People - 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; and

ECQ 5: Achieving Results - Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

**Note for Current and/or Former Political Appointees: OPM must authorize any employment offers we make to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office within your application package.

How you will be evaluated

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

Do not list a Social Security Number or Date of Birth on any attachment.

Once the application process is complete, a Human Resources Specialist will conduct a review of your resume and supporting documentation. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and the Technical Qualifications (TQ) listed above. The ECQs and TQ must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration, including reference checks.

You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your accomplishments and experience. Your application will be rated and ranked by an SES Rating Panel, comprised of at least three SES members, using only the information submitted within the application package. Applicants determined to be Highly Qualified must demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs, and any TQs and DQs, and will be referred to the hiring component for further consideration.

Upon selection, if you have not provided evidence of noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible), you must participant in a Structured Interview assessment based on the ECQs conducted by an OPM Qualifications Review Board prior to appointment. Your application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB.

Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified, and by the closing date of the announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).

• Resume (2-page maximum) - All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
• Vacancy Assessment Questionnaire Responses - Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs/Application Manager when you apply to this vacancy.
• Additional Required Documents - Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation, if applicable:
  • CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. You must meet all the TQ.
  • SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. You must meet the TQ.
  • CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEES: If you are a current Federal employee, you must submit a recent Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) to substantiate your minimum qualifications eligibility. The provided SF-50 must reflect your grade/step (e.g., a Within-Grade Increase or Promotion/Reassignment), tenure, and type of service. Providing an SF-50 that does not contain the required information (such as an award SF-50), may result in an ineligible rating.
    • Failure to provide the proper documentation may result in the rating and ranking of your application under competitive procedures, which requires you to demonstrate possession of the ECQs within your 2-page resume.
• Strongly Recommended: Most recent performance evaluation
• If you are a current or former political appointee within the last five (5) years, including Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES, please submit documentation of your appointment, including a copy of your SF-50.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement (04/27/2026) will result in your removal from consideration for this position.

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