Deputy Assistant Secretary for Program Operations

Summary This position is located in the U.S. Department of Labor (DOL), Employee Benefits Security Administration (EBSA). All qualified applicants are encouraged to apply. The "Required Documents" section of this announcement identifies all documents that must be uploaded in order to be considered a complete application package. Applicants that do not submit a complete application will not receive further consideration. Responsibilities Supports the Assistant Secretary in developing long-term policies, goals, and program strategies to ensure the effective accomplishment of EBSA's mission. Oversees and coordinates agency program functions in partnership with the Assistant Secretary, Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary, and EBSA office directors, including enforcement, reporting and disclosure, regulatory initiatives, outreach, and assistance programs. Provides high-level technical expertise and recommendations to the Assistant Secretary and, as appropriate, the Secretary of Labor on ERISA-related interpretations, policies, and program execution. Develops and maintains effective working relationships with external stakeholders (industry, labor, management, advocacy groups) and coordinates EBSA activities with other federal agencies. Acts as spokesperson for EBSA programs, serves on interagency committees, and represents the Assistant Secretary in executive-level meetings with authority to commit the agency to courses of action. Oversees staff and resource allocation across EBSA, ensuring effective program delivery; recommends program adjustments; and serves as Acting Assistant Secretary in the absence of senior leadership. Requirements Conditions of Employment Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. citizen. Must meet Executive Core Qualifications. Must complete one year SES probationary period if not previously covered. Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency. Appointment to this position may require a background investigation. 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. If selected, the candidate must receive approval from OPM's Qualifications Review Board in order to be appointed to the SES. 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. May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. Candidates must possess technical and management experience and have developed the knowledge and skills required for effective performance of the specific duties of the position. Candidates must have had experience at a major management level (normally equivalent to the GS-15 level in the federal service). Applicants must meet all legal and regulatory requirements. Reference the "Required Documents" section for additional requirements. 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 be hired based on merit and competence. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. 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 the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ 1: Executive Leadership in Employee Benefits Administration, Participant Protection, and Program Delivery Demonstrated mastery-level knowledge of the structure, administration, operation, and governance of employee pension and welfare benefit plans covered under Title I of ERISA, including the roles and responsibilities of plan sponsors, fiduciaries, administrators, service providers, and other stakeholders. This includes extensive understanding of the investment practices, funding arrangements, administrative processes, and financial systems that affect plan operations and participant protections. Also requires the ability to apply this knowledge in leading a complex organization responsible for advancing compliance with Title I of ERISA through outreach, education, technical assistance, enforcement, training, research, and other participant- and stakeholder-focused programs. TQ 2: Expert Knowledge of ERISA, Compliance Assistance, and Strategic Oversight of National Programs Demonstrated comprehensive, expert-level knowledge of Title I of ERISA and related laws, regulations, legal interpretations, policies, and precedents, together with a strong understanding of compliance principles, investigative processes, and risk-based oversight approaches. This qualification requires the ability to lead and direct national programs that promote understanding of legal rights and responsibilities under ERISA; through effective outreach, education, and assistance to participants, beneficiaries, plan officials, service providers, and other stakeholders; research and training initiatives; and enforcement to ensure that organizational resources are aligned to strengthen participant protections and support the effective administration of employee benefit plans. 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. 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 There is no education requirement for this position. Additional Information DOL seeks to attract and retain a high-performing workforce in which employee differences are respected and valued to better meet the varying needs of the customers we serve. DOL fosters a work environment that promotes collaboration, flexibility, and fairness so that all individuals are able to participate and contribute to their full potential. 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. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service: (see 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. Refer to these links for more information: GENERAL INFORMATION, ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTATION, FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES As a condition of employment, all personnel must undergo a background investigation for access to DOL facilities, systems, information and/or classified materials before they can enter on duty: BACKGROUND INVESTIGATION Based on agency needs, additional positions may be filled using this vacancy. The Fair Chance Act (FCA) prohibits Federal agencies from requesting an applicant's criminal history information before the agency makes a conditional offer of employment. If you believe a DOL employee has violated your rights under the FCA, you may file a complaint of the alleged violation following our agency's complaint process Guidelines for Reporting Violations of the Fair Chance Act. Note: The FCA does not apply to some positions specified under the Act, such as law enforcement or national security positions. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to screening for illegal drug use prior to the appointment. All Department of Labor employees are subject to the provisions of the Drug-Free Workplace Program under Executive Order 12564 and Public Law 100-71.