Deputy Executive Director for the Senate Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. DEST-12757607-25-LO Department Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
Salary $184,000.00 to $203,616.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Temporary FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 7/18/2025 Close Date 8/7/2025
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The person selected will serve at the pleasure of the Office of Congressional Workplace Rights (OCWR) Chair and Board of Directors for a term limited by statute not to exceed five years, with the possibility of being reappointed to a second five-year term. This position is one of two deputies who report directly to the Executive Director, and the person selected will be an integral part of the OCWR leadership team.

Duties

This officer, a position created through statute, will serve as the deputy responsible for the program and administrative functions described below. Though the Executive Director (ED) (or the Board or General Counsel in certain circumstances) retains ultimate authority by statute, the Deputy Executive Director for the Senate (DED-S) will lead the functions described below and will have the authority necessary to do so. The DED-S will also work closely with the ED on the entirety of the portfolio to ensure the success of the OCWR staff reporting through the DED-S. The following areas fall within the DED-S portfolio:

  • The DED-S will serve as Solicitor to the OCWR Board of Directors, preparing legal memoranda and opinions and orders in cases pending before the Board on petitions for review of OCWR hearing officer decisions.
  • The DED-S will prepare for the Board and the ED a wide range of annual, semi-annual, and biennial reports to Congress and congressional oversight committees concerning administration of the Congressional Accountability Act (CAA) in the legislative branch.
  • As an integral member of the office's executive management team, the DED-S will serve as a principal point of contact with congressional oversight committees. The DED-S will regularly meet with those committees and prepare responses to inquiries from oversight and appropriations committees on matters concerning the CAA, as well as materials for OCWR officials testifying as witnesses at committee hearings.
  • The DED-S supports the OCWR ED in planning, developing, and coordinating internal OCWR employment/HR policies, including preparing employment-related documents and participating in internal personnel matters.
  • The DED-S will also assist the Chief Financial Officer on preparation of the OCWR annual budget justification.
  • The DED-S must be able to lead, hold other leaders accountable, supervise, and motivate teams so that the OCWR succeeds in its mission. Through subordinate supervisors, the DED-S will be responsible for all aspects of administrative and other mission support to the OCWR's Administrative Dispute Resolution program, Records Management program, and such other programs as may be designated to the DED-S by the ED. The DED-S also directly supervises attorney advisors assigned to assist in performing the responsibilities above.
  • In cooperation with the DED House and DED-S will recommend appropriate regulations or regulatory updates to the OCWR regulations implementing the CAA. Related to this, the DED-S will work with the other OCWR officers to assist the Board in developing and implementing its legislative agenda.
  • As an integral member of the office's executive management team, the DED-S will serve as a leadership partner with the ED and other officers to ensure the OCWR meets its mission, and its strategic goals and performance initiatives under its Strategic Plan. To that end, the DED-S also assists the ED with special projects related to OCWR operations and performs other duties as assigned by the ED.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

The individual selected for this position must meet the following requirements:

  • May not be engaged in, or be otherwise employed in, lobbying of the Congress; and not required under the Federal Regulation of Lobbying Act to register with the Clerk of the House of Representatives or the Secretary of the Senate.
  • May not hold nor have held the position of Member of the House of Representatives or Senator. May not hold the position of officer or employee of the House of Representatives, Senate, or instrumentality or other entity of the legislative branch (other than the OCWR), nor may have held such a position (other than the position of an officer or employee of the General Accounting Office Personnel Appeals Board, an officer or employee of the Office of Fair Employment Practices of the House of Representatives, or officer or employee of the Office of Senate Fair Employment Practices) within 4 years of the date of appointment.
  • Must be a U.S. citizen or otherwise have status eligible for federal employment per Title VII, Sec. 704 of the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2022.
  • Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for the Selected Service.
  • Must successfully complete a security investigation and background check.
  • Must be willing to file statutorily required Public Financial Disclosure Reports periodically.
Please also note that the individual appointed to the position must be selected solely based upon fitness to perform the duties of the office without regard to political affiliation.


Qualifications

The right person for this job will be an attorney possessing exceptional writing skills and employment law-related experience, and who is an outstanding manager. This is an incredible opportunity for a seasoned leader to make a real difference in the lives of those who work for the legislative branch.

Applicants should have excellent academic credentials, possess superior oral and written communication skills and some litigation experience, preferably at least 5 years. Ideal candidates will also have a background that includes several of the following:
  • Broad knowledge and expertise in labor, employment, and civil service law;
  • Broad knowledge and expertise in the administrative rulemaking process;
  • Legislative, congressional and/or government relations experience;
  • Prior supervisory experience.
Applicants should also possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required to successfully perform the duties described above, and a demonstrable commitment to the mission of the organization.

Education

  • JD from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
  • Member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.

Additional information

This announcement is open to all who meet citizenship and eligibility requirements.

Clarification from the Agency

Because the OCWR is in the Legislative Branch, its executive positions are not in the Executive Branch's Senior Executive Service (SES). This Deputy Executive Director position, however, is equivalent to a position in the SES.

Applications must be submitted via a non-automated email that contains the required attachments (cover letter, resume, writing sample, and if applicable, SF-50). See "How to Apply" for more specific instructions.

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.

The selected candidate may participate in the Federal Employees Health Benefits (FEHB) program, with costs shared with your employer. Life insurance coverage is also provided. New federal government employees are automatically covered by the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). If you are transferring from another federal agency and covered by CSRS, you may continue in this program. You will earn annual leave and sick leave. You will be paid for federal holidays that fall within your regularly scheduled tour of duty. If you use public transportation, part of your transportation costs may be subsidized. You may elect Health Care Flexible Spending Accounts for expenses that are tax-deductible, but not reimbursed by any other source, including out-of-pocket expenses and non-covered benefits under FEHB plans.

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.

Upon review of all résumés, the Office will determine which candidates will be asked to interview. Candidates will be notified and scheduled for interviews, if selected. All applicants will be evaluated based on their educational and relevant work experience.

The OCWR does not discriminate against candidates based on their race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, or disability.

Required Documents

  1. Cover Letter
  2. Resume
  3. Writing Sample
  4. Proof of Bar Membership (a printout from a bar website is sufficient)
  5. Most recent SF-50, if applicable.
See 'How to Apply' section

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

Send a cover letter, resume, writing sample, proof of bar membership (a printout from a bar website is sufficient) and, if a current or former federal employee, your most recent SF-50. The required documents should be sent as individual attachments via email to DED-SJOB@OCWR.GOV with no substantive text in the email.

Only applications containing all required documents submitted via email by the closing date will be considered. Applications submitted via any job posting website or automated service, including through an "Apply Now" or similar function, will NOT be considered.

Agency contact information

Human Resources
Address
Office of Congressional Workplace Rights
110 Second Street, SE
Room LA-200
Washington, DC 20540
US

Next steps

A selection panel will review all complete applications and set up an interview with those individuals who are considered most qualified for the position.


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


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