Director Office of Export Enforcement Job in Washington, DC

Vacancy No. 26-BIS-12868870-ES Department Bureau of Industry and Security
Salary $151,661.00 to $228,000.00 Grade 00 to 00
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 2/19/2026 Close Date 3/5/2026
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Public
Locations:
Washington, DC


Summary

The Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) protects U.S. national security, foreign policy, and economic interests by investigating violations, prosecuting violators of export control laws, interdicting illegal exports, and educating parties to export transactions on how to improve export compliance practices. OEE staff members work to prevent the export of items from falling into the hands of unreliable users, which can prove damaging to U.S. national security and foreign policy interests.

This job is open to

The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Senior executives

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

Clarification from the agency

This position is open to Senior Executives, the Public, Federal Employees - Competitive Service, and Federal Employees - Excepted Service

Duties

The Director of the Office of Export Enforcement (OEE) directs and manages that office's personnel, resources, and enforcement activities. OEE is mandated to identify, investigate, and prevent violations of specified laws and regulations pertaining to the U.S. system of dual-use export controls. Specifically, the Director's responsibilities include but are not limited to:

  • Implementing the Export Enforcement Coordination Procedures adopted by OEE and the Department of Homeland Security's Customs and Border Protection and ICE, the Memorandum of Understanding between the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS) Export Enforcement and Export Administration concerning licensing recommendations, and arrangements with other law enforcement and intelligence agencies.
  • Overseeing the conduct of field criminal and administrative enforcement activities to ensure that these enforcement activities are accomplished in a manner that makes effective use of OEE's resources and results in high-quality criminal and administrative investigations.
  • Coordinating criminal enforcement activities with other law enforcement agencies and appropriate U.S. Attorneys' Offices in furtherance of the objectives of the U.S. criminal justice system.
  • Coordinating administrative enforcement activities with the Bureau of Industry and Security's (BIS's) Office of Chief Counsel in support of U.S. Government policy on export control and fastener quality matters.
  • Developing ways in which the export and fastener quality enforcement programs can be enhanced and the effectiveness of OEE's staff improved.
  • Developing and maintaining OEE's policies and guidelines concerning the use of firearms.
  • Providing policy guidance and technical assistance to foreign governments on the development of foreign national export control laws and enforcement programs.

SPECIAL FEATURES: The incumbent is authorized to make arrests, execute search warrants, and detain shipments, and may be confronted with personal danger in the execution of these duties. The incumbent is therefore required to carry and use firearms, to qualify for continued use of firearms on a regular basis, and to associate with individuals who also use firearms. Physical stamina, excellent eyesight and hearing, and emotional stability are essential. Work is performed in a constantly changing environment and may involve extraordinary risks and discomforts. Enforcement operations require travel by any mode of transportation with little or no advance notice at any hour of the day or night.

This position is a secondary Law Enforcement Officer (LEO) position covered under 5 U.S.C. 8336 (6) Civil Service Retirement System (CSRS) and General Provisions for Law Enforcement Officers 5 U.S.C. 8412(d), Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS). The conditions for coverage of a secondary position are contained in 5 C.F.R. 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 C.F.R. 842.803 (FERS).

Requirements

Conditions of employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
  • May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.
  • Initial Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointee is subject to a one-year probationary period.
  • 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.
  • 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:

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.

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

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

  1. Demonstrated executive-level experience in leading and managing a complex organization composed of multiple offices or divisions. Proven ability to develop, implement, and analyze performance metrics to drive organizational effectiveness, ensure accountability, and support strategic decision-making.
  2. Demonstrated knowledge and experience supervising investigations of complex federal regulations involving both civil and criminal penalties. Demonstrated expert level knowledge and competence in applying Export Control Reform Act and the Export Administration Regulations in a criminal and civil investigations, and administrative enforcement matters.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements 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 TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

  • 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.

This position has an Individual Occupational Requirement: Specialized Experience in law enforcement or other responsible work that demonstrated the ability to: Make arrests and exercise sound judgment in the use of firearms; deal effectively with individuals or groups of persons in a courteous, tactful manner in connection with law enforcement matters; analyze information rapidly and make prompt decisions or take prompt and appropriate law enforcement action in light of applicable laws, court decisions, and sound law enforcement procedures; and develop and maintain contact with a network of informants.

Secondary Law Enforcement Officer Special Retirement Coverage: Employees in secondary positions must meet the following conditions in order to be eligible for special retirement provisions: moved directly from a rigorous position to a secondary position without a break in service; completed 3 years of service in a rigorous position; and have been continuously employed in a secondary position(s) since moving from a rigorous position without a break in service exceeding 3 days.

Mandatory Prerequisite for Secondary Administrative LEO Retirement Covered Position: This position has been identified as administrative, that is, an executive, managerial, technical, semiprofessional, or professional position for which experience in a primary/rigorous law enforcement or firefighting position, or equivalent experience outside of the Federal government, is a mandatory prerequisite, as defined by 5 CFR 831.902 (CSRS) and 5 CFR 842.802 (FERS).

Note: if you currently serve in a permanent Secondary LEO Retirement-covered position, you are exempt from this mandatory prerequisite.

Firearms: This position requires the incumbent to carry a firearm while performing duties and maintain firearm proficiency and successfully pass periodic firearm qualifications. Any person who has been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition in accordance with 18 USC 922 (Lautenberg Amendment). Applicants for the Criminal Investigator position who have been convicted of a misdemeanor crime of domestic violence are not eligible for employment.

Lautenberg Amendment: This position authorizes the incumbent to carry a firearm. Any person convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence cannot lawfully possess a firearm or ammunition (Title 18, USC Section 992(g)). A felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence is generally defined under the statute as any offense involving the use or attempted use of physical force or the threatened use of a deadly weapon committed by the victim's current or former domestic partner, parent, or guardian. The term "convicted," as defined in the statute, excludes any person whose conviction has been expunged, set aside, or pardoned, or any person whose civil rights have been restored, so long as such restoration does not restrict the shipping, transport, possession, or receipt of firearms or ammunition. Candidates convicted of a felony or misdemeanor crime of domestic violence within the meaning of the referenced statutes are not eligible for the position.

Individual Occupational Requirements - Medical Requirements: The duties in this position in this series require moderate to arduous physical exertion involving walking and standing, use of firearms, and exposure to inclement weather. Manual dexterity with comparatively free motion of finger, wrist, elbow, shoulder, hip, and knee joints is required. Arms, hands, legs, and feet must be sufficiently intact and functioning for applicants to perform their duties satisfactorily. Sufficiently good vision in each eye, with or without correction, is required to perform the duties satisfactorily. Near vision, with corrective lenses permitted, must be sufficient to read printed material the size of typewritten characters. As measured by an audiometer, hearing loss must not exceed 35 decibels at 1000, 2000, and 3000 Hz levels. Since the duties of these positions are exacting and responsible and involve activities under trying conditions, applicants must possess emotional and mental stability. Any physical condition that would cause the applicant to be a hazard to himself/herself or others is disqualifying.

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement.

Additional information

Age Requirement: The maximum entry age for this position is 37 years of age at time of acceptance of employment, unless the candidate has prior Federal service in a covered law enforcement position.

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

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

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)

False Statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be subject to a fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.

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.

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 Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ) listed above. ECQs and PTQs 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

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: To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES.

Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed and will be disqualified. Your resume should be 2 pages or fewer and must not include images or graphics.

Do NOT include photographs (or links to social media such as LinkedIn), inappropriate content, classified information, nor personal information such as age, gender, religion, social security number, etc. on your resume.

Your resumes 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.

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 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.
  • 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.
  • Law Enforcement SF-50 - Applicants age 37 or over, or those who will reach age 37 at any time during the process up to entry on duty must submit proof of a Federal civilian law enforcement position covered by Federal civilian law enforcement retirement provisions. Documentation must include two SF-50s with the earliest and most recent dates serving in a covered Law Enforcement Officer position or as defined in 5 USC 8336(c) so that the number of months can be determined. Examples of applicable retirement codes in Box 30 include but are not limited to: 6, E, M, MF, MR, O, OF and OR. Candidates who have a break in their time serving as a Federal Law Enforcement Officer must provide ALL applicable non-award SF-50s.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.

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

To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.

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 and upload your résumé and/or other required 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.

It is the applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.

Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process, at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.

To view the application form, visit: https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12868870

Agency contact information

Christine Covington
Phone
202-482-2613
Email
CCovington1@doc.gov
Address
Bureau of Industry and Security
1401 Constitution Ave NW
Washington, DC 20230
US

Next steps


To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The application status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.

Once your online application is submitted, you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.