Deputy Director

Offices, Boards and DivisionsWashington, District of Columbiausajobspublished 10/30/2026
Must-have:SecuritySeniorLead

The Civil Division of the Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking individuals who wish to be considered for appointment to multiple Career Senior Executive Service Deputy Director vacancies within the Federal Programs Branch. The Branch defends the Executive Office of the President, the Cabinet, other government officials, and virtually all federal agencies and departments of the Executive Branch in district court cases challenging the legality of government policies and decisions.

Major duties

The Deputy Director of Federal Programs Branch: Consults with the Directors, the DAAG, and the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) on significant matters concerning the Branch. Participates in the formulation of and plan for implementation of new policies, legislation, or organizational changes having an impact on the Branch and the Division. Prepares analysis and policy papers, as needed, given the policy and program concerns of the Directors and the DAAG. Analyzes and reviews proposed and pending legislation that may affect the office's areas of expertise. Comments on and makes recommendations to revise, support, or oppose such legislation in formulating the Department's position. Either independently or as a team leader, reviews and analyzes the facts pertaining to the case and develops the necessary evidence to support the government's position. In carrying out these duties, the incumbent works closely with others in management and with officials at senior levels of the Department, in client agencies, and in the U.S. Attorneys' Offices. May be called upon to argue major cases of unusual complexity or conduct negotiations with opposing parties in sensitive situations. Serves as an expert in laws affecting all functions involving one of three broad litigation areas: (1) domestic policy; (2) personnel & miscellaneous litigation; or (3) security & foreign affairs. Serves as a resource to attorneys throughout the Division and the Department in the planning, briefing, and tactical approaches to the handling litigation within his or her purview. Provides advice and assistance to client agencies and U.S. Attorney's Offices, including through supporting formal and informal training. Represents the Branch, the Division, and Department, as applicable, formally or informally, in inter- or intra- agency meetings, task forces, working groups, or committees dealing with issues pertaining to the Branch's expertise and interests.

Qualifications

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. Applicants must show clear evidence of their demonstrated leadership ability by addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) embedded within their resume. The resume-based application should not exceed 2 pages (1-sheet double-sided or 2 sheets one-sided) **Note: Applicants who have completed the SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. Candidates must still satisfy the MTQs of the position. We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Deputy Director of Federal Programs Branch. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess. ECQ1 - 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. ECQ2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY. Demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE. Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ4 - LEADING PEOPLE. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals; To drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. ECQ5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS. Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to state goals from superiors. For this position, the following Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) have been established and should be addressed within the resume application. MTQ 1. FEDERAL LITIGATION AND COMPLEX LEGAL MATTERS MTQ 2. EXECUTIVE-LEVEL LITIGATION AND ORGANIZATIONAL MANAGEMENT MTQ 3. FEDERAL AGENCY, POLICY, AND INTERAGENCY LEGAL EXPERTISE

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for citing J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes.

Requirements

You must be a United States Citizen or National. Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service. Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file. You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position. You will be required to undergo a drug screening and obtain favorable results prior to being appointed. You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date in which you are appointed. This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines. You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered. As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.