Chief Operating Officer Job in District of Columbia, DC

Vacancy No. NMB-26-SES-13015884MR Department National Mediation Board
Salary $151,661.00 to $209,600.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/24/2026 Close Date 8/10/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
District of Columbia, DC


Chief Operating Officer

National Mediation Board

Summary

This position is part of the National Mediation Board. The Chief Operating Officer (COO) has full responsibility for managing the NMB's internal programs and for implementing the Board's policies and general direction in all matters related to the budgetary, information technology, and administrative affairs of the National Mediation Board.

This job is open to

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Senior executives

Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Special authorities

Individuals eligible under a special authority not listed in another hiring path.

Clarification from the agency

Special Authorities: Other miscellaneous authorities

Duties

Assists the Board in all aspects of the administration of NMB operations, including, but not limited to, implementing the Agency's goals and priorities, improving program performance, formulating consistent policies and procedures for support services and insuring maximum support for other managers, directors and their staff.

In coordination with the General Counsel, the incumbent advises the Chairman and Members of the Board on policy and procedures required to carry out the mission of the NMB, and provides executive review and concurrence on policies, expense items and issue briefs that impact the NMB.

Supports and is an integral member of the Agency's senior leadership team, working closely with the Chairman and Members of the Board, the General Counsel, Department Directors and managers to ensure the structural integrity and operational consistency of all agency operations and services. Through the process of the delegation of responsibilities to the Department Directors, oversees the day to day operation of the Agency.

Provides critical technical assistance and advice to the Board and Department Directors regarding overarching priorities, specific goals, and strategic plans. Coordinates with appropriate managers and directors to create measures for evaluating progress in achieving identified goals and priorities.

Through delegated authority, coordinates, supervises, and manages NMB's executive staff and programs of a functional and an administrative nature of the Board, including: Mediation/Alternative Dispute Resolution, Arbitration, Administration, Fiscal Services and Information Services. As the incumbent is the central point of contact for programs which cross organizational lines, ensures that an integrated approach characterizes all programs which require attention in more than one office.

Manages human, financial, and other resources in accordance with law, regulations, and public policy as to achieve intended program results efficiently, economically, and effectively; and develops, guides, and supports agency initiatives to ensure continued compliance with rules relating to procurement, hiring and promotion, travel, expenditures, time and attendance, and IT security. Implements the NMB's goals for the strategic management of human capital resources, including an affirmative Equal Employment Opportunity program as an integral part of the human resources program.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

- US Citizenship is required.
- Suitable for Federal employment, determined by background investigation.
- Direct Deposit of pay is required.
- Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.
- Newly appointed SES members must serve a 1-year probationary period.
- Public Financial Disclosure: OGE-278 filing within 30 days is required.
- This position requires pre- and post-employment drug screening.

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.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the ECQ and MTQ related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. 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 this position.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the ECQs or the MTQs.

The ideal candidate will have experience managing employees through subordinate supervisors and have experience hiring, developing, and evaluating employees. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-14/15 grade level in the federal service or equivalent in the private sector or non-governmental organizations. Failure to meet these basic qualification requirements in addition to all executive and technical qualification factors will automatically disqualify an applicant.

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES), each applicant must provide evidence of progressively responsible executive leadership and supervisory experience that is indicative of executive-level management capabilities that are directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed below.

Your 2-page resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

MTQs:

MTQ 1: The incumbent must have demonstrated experience at the executive level leading a multi-functional organization that includes a full spectrum of federal government programs, or equivalent, including budget/accounting, human capital, information technology, procurement and program operations supporting a complex nation-wide labor relations agency mission.

MTQ 2: The incumbent must have demonstrated experience, at an executive level, developing and/or advising on the operational and management strategies, policies, and goals articulated by the Board; and collaborating with key staff to ensure that supporting policies and programs are implemented effectively and established priorities are achieved.

ECQs: In addition to the MTQ requirements listed above, all new entrants into the 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 TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:

  • ECQ 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.
  • ECQ 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.
  • ECQ 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.
  • ECQ 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.
  • ECQ 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.
Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

This position does not have an education requirement.

Additional information

Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)

OPM must authorize any employment offers made 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 Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

Telework Suitability:
The duties of this position are suitable for situational telework with supervisor approval.

Stipulations of Employment:
As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period. During which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

- Your performance and conduct;
- The needs and interests of the agency;
- Whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
-Whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period,your employment may be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

This position is subject to random drug testing while you occupy the position.

If selected, the position to which you will be appointed is subject to a financial disclosure report requirement and you will be required to complete a new entrant [insert Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278e) or Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 450) as applicable] within 30 days of your appointment.

Work Schedule:

This position allows for a flexible work schedule.

Miscellaneous:

uses E-Verify to confirm the employment eligibility of all newly hired employees. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, please visit http://www.uscis.gov/e-verify.

This vacancy announcement may be used to fill similar positions within 90 days.

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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

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

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the ECQ and MTQ listed above. ECQs and MTQs 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.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). 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/.

Required Documents

Require Documents:
A complete application includes items described below. 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).

Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.

1. RESUME: 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 MTQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.

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

3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:

CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: 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.

SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.

CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.

STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation

Do not submit photographs with your application package. Documents with photographs may not be seen by hiring officials - you must remove your image from any badges, licenses, etc.

Do not upload Adobe portfolio documents. Adobe portfolio documents are not viewable by our agency's staffing offices.

It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted prior to the closing date of the announcement.

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.

How to Apply

How To Apply:

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application and submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section of this vacancy. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration. The application process is as follows:

  1. To begin the application process, click Apply Online button.
  2. Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all necessary supporting documentation. You may preview the Application Questionnaire at: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13015884
  3. Click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59PM (ET) on the announcement closing date.
  4. Read the Eligibility questions carefully. The questions address if you are eligible to apply to this JOA. Your responses will affect your consideration for the position. You may qualify for more than one eligibility, so please choose carefully. You will only be considered under the options you have selected. If you respond that you do not meet any of the eligibility questions, you will not be considered for this position.
To update your application, including supporting documentation: During the announcement open period, return to your USAJOBS account (https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login). There you will find a record of your application, the application status, and an option to Edit Application. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To view the announcement status or your application status: Click on this: https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/howto/application/status/. Your application status page is where you can view your application status, USA Hire assessment completion status, and review your notifications sent by the hiring agency regarding your application.

Agency contact information

Michael Robie
Phone
303-969-7246
Email
Michael_Robie@ibc.doi.gov
Address
The National Mediation Board
1301 K Street NW, Suite 250E
Washington, DC 20005
US

Next steps

If you have questions about this job, please contact the HR Office representative listed in the "Agency Contact Info" section of this vacancy announcement. If you need assistance in applying on-line, please refer to the How to Apply section above and explore the Federal Application Process information on the USAJobs website.

For status updates on your application, please follow the directions listed above in the How to Apply section. Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. If you are selected for an interview for this position, you will be contacted directly. A final job offer for this position is typically made within several weeks after the closing date of the vacancy announcement. After confirming a job offer, all other applicants will be notified of their non-selection.

National Mediation Board

The National Mediation Board (NMB) promotes the flow of interstate commerce in the U.S. Airline and Railroad industries through mediation, representation, and arbitration of labor-management disputes.

Agency contact information

Michael Robie
Phone
303-969-7246
Email
Michael_Robie@ibc.doi.gov
Address
The National Mediation Board
1301 K Street NW, Suite 250E
Washington, DC 20005
US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what it's like to work at National Mediation Board, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

http://www.nmb.gov/about-nmb/