Research Director Job in Arlington, VA

Vacancy No. IA # 2024-77-12439485-PC Department Office of the Inspector General, USPS
Salary $163,964.00 to $191,900.00 Grade 15 to 15
Perm/Temp Permanent FT/PT Full-time
Open Date 6/26/2024 Close Date 7/11/2024
Job Link Apply Online Who may apply Status Candidates
Locations:
Arlington, VA


Job Description (Please follow all instructions carefully)

Summary

*PLEASE NOTE THAT THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT IS ONLY OPEN TO CURRENT UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE OFFICE OF INSPECTOR GENERAL, UNITED STATES POSTAL SERVICE, UNITED STATES POSTAL INSPECTION SERVICE AND POSTAL REGULATORY COMMISSION EMPLOYEES. OTHER APPLICANTS WILL NOT BE CONSIDERED.

This job is open to

Clarification from the agency

Current United States Postal Service Office of Inspector General, United States Postal Service and United States Postal Inspection Service and Postal Regulatory Commission Employees only.

Duties

In-Office Requirement:
The U.S. Postal Service, Office of Inspector General, values collaboration, teamwork, and effective communication to foster our dynamic working and learning environment. The position adheres to our agency's telework policy and requires an in-office presence of at least two days per pay period. Remote work is not authorized for this role.

This announcement provides the opportunity for a reassignment/promotion to the position of Research Director in the Research and Insights Solution Center (RISC), located in Arlington, Virginia. Bring your skills and voice to our team!

The Research Director will be responsible for directing the activities of staff engaged in conducting inspections and evaluations; planning, writing, and editing reports on significant issues affecting Postal Service operations; implementing innovative communications methods through the use of dynamic and digital content; coordinating and corresponding with USPS OIG and Postal Service officials; briefing the USPS OIG's executive leadership team on key developments and research findings; and ensuring effective and efficient use of agency resources and the delivery of quality services in meeting the USPS OIG's mission.

Candidates will be evaluated on the skills they possess that are directly related to the duties of the position and the experience, education, and training that indicate the applicant's ability to acquire particular knowledge and skills needed to perform the duties of the position. Only those candidates who meet all qualification and eligibility requirements and who submit the required information by 11:59 PM EST on 07/11/2024 will be considered.

The USPS OIG uses a Pay Banding system, which is equivalent to the Federal GS scale. Grade and salary determinations will be made based upon a candidate's education and professional experience.

This position is being advertised at the Director Band level, equivalent to a GS-15. The salary range for this position is $163,964.00 - $191,900.00. The salary figures include locality pay.

Please note that the duties and responsibilities associated with this position may vary based upon the agency's needs at the time of hire. The following description of major duties and responsibilities is only intended to give applicants a general overview of the expectations.

Areas of responsibility include, but are not limited to:
  • Overseeing multiple teams involved in planning, organizing, and conducting formal inspections and evaluations into Postal Service operations that involve major areas of uncertainty in approach, methodology, or interpretation to identify appropriate solutions.
  • Identifying, developing, and presenting new ideas related to emerging or significant areas of importance for Postal Service operations which teams can use for current or future research projects.
  • Actively managing the formulation and execution of the Research Directorate's financial resources and budgetary process, strategic planning and policy assessment functions, procurement and contracting processes, and workforce planning.
  • Creating work plans to ensure agency, directorate, and team-specified performance goals are achieved. Determining goals and objectives that need additional emphasis; developing measures that evaluate performance; and making recommendations for program improvement.
  • Collaborating with peers and executive leadership in RISC, the USPS OIG, and the Postal Service, to share information, clear obstacles, and achieve goals. Participating in working groups to improve efficiency and effectiveness of business operations, processes, and policies.
  • Representing and speaking for the work of the USPS OIG, RISC, and the Research Directorate at internal and external meetings, trainings, and conferences, using traditional communication methods as well as implementing innovations through the adoption of dynamic content and digital media.
  • Addressing employees' developmental needs by providing opportunities, which maximize employees' capabilities and contribute to the achievement of organizational goals, while also developing the management team through coaching and mentoring.

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

  • Must be a U.S. citizen
  • Must be able to pass a drug screening and medical assessment questionnaire
  • Must be able to pass a background investigation
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain Moderate Background Investigation security clearance
  • Must be able to obtain and maintain a government-issued credit card
  • May be required to successfully complete a 12-month probationary period

Qualifications

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

You must meet ALL of the minimum qualifications listed below.
  • Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

AND
  • Must have at least 5 years of specialized experience in planning, organizing, and conducting research on complex issues, and managing projects and programs.
AND
  • Must have at least one (1) year of specialized experience at the equivalent to the GS-14 in directing the activities of staff engaged in conducting inspections and evaluations; planning, writing, and editing reports on significant issues; and implementing innovative communications methods using dynamic and digital content.

DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS
  • An advanced degree or advanced studies in public policy, economics, business administration, journalism, or any other related discipline.

EVALUATION FACTORS
You must have the experience, knowledge and skills as listed in EACH of the evaluation factors. Failure to demonstrate that you meet all of the evaluation factor requirements as listed below will result in a score of zero (0); an ineligible status, and you will not be referred for further consideration. Include your major accomplishments relevant to the position requirements in your resume.
  • Demonstrated experience in managing and leading a team that includes conducting research methodologies and analyzing complex regulatory, operational, public policy, or business issues.
  • Knowledge of how to conduct evaluations in accordance with the Council of the Inspectors General on Integrity and Efficiency's Quality Standards for Inspection and Evaluation (Blue Book).
  • Ability to serve as a high-level expert and advise senior leadership in developing and/or analyzing overall policies, programs, regulations and short- and long-range plans.
  • Demonstrated ability to review and evaluate programs for assessing their effectiveness against overall organizational goals and objectives, and the ability to design and implement program improvements as necessary to increase efficiency and enhance organizational performance.
  • Skill in written and verbal communications, including the ability to make presentations to various levels of management and to external organizations.
  • Demonstrated ability to serve as a director establishing work plans and/or directly supervising a staff of subordinates.

Education

Education must be accredited by an institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Applicants can verify accreditation here: www.ed.gov/admins/finaid/accred. Special Instructions for Candidates with Foreign Education: Education completed outside the United States must be deemed equivalent to that gained in U.S. education programs. You must submit all necessary documents to a private U.S. credential evaluation service to interpret equivalency of your education against courses given in U.S. accredited colleges and universities. For further information visit: http://www2.ed.gov/about/offices/list/ous/international/usnei/us/edlite-visitus-forrecog.html.

Additional information

Pay is only part of the compensation you will earn working for the USPS OIG. We offer a broad array of benefits programs:

Health, Dental, Vision, Life and Long-Term Care Insurances with Flexible Spending options.

For more information about these programs visit www.opm.gov/insure.

Retirement and Thrift Savings. For more information about these programs see www.opm.gov/retire and http://www.tsp.gov/.

Flexible Work Schedules. USPS OIG offers a range of family friendly flexibilities including flexible work schedules, telework and employee assistance programs.

Leave and Holidays. In addition to 11 paid holidays each year, you will earn 13 days of paid sick leave and 13 to 26 paid vacation days each year depending on your years of service.

For further information, please refer to our website at:
https://www.uspsoig.gov/frequently-asked-questions

Fair Labor Standards Act (FLSA) Status: Exempt (Nonexempt employees are entitled to overtime pay; Exempt employees are not).

This agency provides Reasonable Accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you require accommodations for any part of the application and/or hiring process, please send an email to jobs@uspsoig.gov. The decision on granting an accommodation request will be made on a case by case basis.

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.

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.

The Human Resources Office will review your resume and supporting documentation to ensure that you meet the minimum qualifications required for this position. You will no longer be considered for this position if you: receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor; fail to attach all required documentation; if your application materials indicate that you are not minimally qualified for this position; or if you fail to qualify for the interview. Only the top-rated candidates will be referred to a reviewing official or the selecting official for further consideration. Top-rated applicants may be required to participate in an interview. Your rating may be further adjusted or rated as ineligible by the reviewing official or the selecting official based on your interview performance. Once all applicant scores are finalized, the selecting official will make a final decision. NOTE: If you receive a zero (0) rating on any evaluation factor or on the interview, you will be considered NOT MINIMALLY QUALIFIED for the position and rated ineligible.

Required Documents

You must submit all required documents by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date of this announcement, Vacancy Announcement 12439485, by closing date 07/11/2024.

1. RESUME. When completing your online application or uploading your resume, you must categorize it as a "Resume" document). IMPORTANT: You will be asked questions in the self-assessment questionnaire. It is essential that your resume and supporting documentation provide sufficient information to substantiate your responses to the self-assessment questionnaire.

2. SF-50. You can access your Form 50 by logging into LiteBlue.usps.gov and accessing your eOPF.

3. UPLOAD SUPPORTING DOCUMENTS which may include:
  • Certificates or Licenses, if applicable. Upload and save as "Professional Certification" document.

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 the online application and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents section below. The complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date,07/11/2024, to receive consideration.

  • To begin, click Apply Online to access an online application. Follow the prompts to select your USAJOBS resume and/or other supporting documents.
  • You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account or you may need to create a new account. You will be taken to an online application. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation, and submit the application.
  • You will receive an email notification when your application has been received for the announcement.
  • To verify the status of your application, log into your USAJOBS account, https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login, select the Application Status link and then select the More Information link for this position. The Application Status page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and your responses submitted to the online application.
  • Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • You are strongly urged to read and print the entire vacancy announcement.

Agency contact information

Vacancy Inquiries
Address
AIG Research Insight Solution Center
1735 North Lynn Street
Arlington, VA 22209
US
Learn more about this agency

Next steps

Once the Occupational Questionnaire has been received you will receive an acknowledgement e-mail that your submission was successful. After a review of your application package has been completed, you will be notified of your rating and/or referral to the Selecting Official.


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