KEY REQUIREMENTS



• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must complete a Background Investigation and fingerprint check.
• Must complete a One-year Probationary Period.
• Relocation Expenses will not be paid.
• Drug Testing (if applicable)

Analyzes and evaluates on a quantitative/qualitative basis the
effectiveness of line program operations in meeting established
goals and objectives.

Evaluates and advises on organization structures, methods, and
procedures.

Analyzes management information requirements.

Develops, analyzes, and evaluates new or modified program/management policies, regulations, goals, or objectives.

Develops procedures and systems for assessing the effectiveness of programs/management processes.

Strong desire to support state educational agencies (SEAs) and other partners in reaching Race to the Top goals, including increases in student achievement and graduation rates.

Possesses substantial knowledge of education reform in one or more of the following areas:  college-and career-ready standards and assessments, turning around low-performing schools, state longitudinal data systems and using data to drive instruction, and teacher and principal effectiveness.

Possesses substantial knowledge of cross-area interaction among issues in educational reform and understands broader comprehensive issues.

Experience successfully supporting states with their needs related to policy development and implementation; understands the challenges faced by state educational agencies (SEAs), and also local educational agencies and/or schools, in implementing reforms and improving outcomes for all students.

Exemplifies solution-oriented, customer-focused disposition that considers states as the recipients of technical assistance support, such as partnering with ED grantees in order to assess their needs and provide proactive technical assistance.

Analyzes states' needs, recognizes common challenges, and identifies opportunities for states to work collaboratively to solve common problems by keep abreast of economic, political and social trends that effect SEAs and/or LEAs.

Monitors and evaluates a grants management process to identify the best available research and best practices to support SEAs in implementing their reform efforts.

Produces high-quality documents and other written materials (e.g., meeting summaries, research syntheses) integrating information and data from a variety of sources.  This includes coherent and concise materials for state chiefs and other high-level audiences.

Reviews and recommends improvements in policies, procedures, legislation, or other complex documents.

Reviews materials and provides constructive feedback that leads to high-quality documents that are useful for the intended audiences; implements processes to ensure the quality of products and reports.

Ensures that the implementation support is aligned and consistent with Department policies and initiatives.  Develops strategies to provide technical assistance to States in a manner that maximizes resources; works with offices in the Department to coordinate efforts and ensure that resources to support states and other entities are used effectively and efficiently.

Uses technology, as appropriate, to ensure that support is provided in a manner that is most accessible and usable for the intended audience.

Adapts well to changing situations and circumstances, often in the late stages of completing a project or assignment.

SELECTIVE FACTORS: APPLICANTS MUST HAVE EXPERIENCE SUPPORTING STATES OR DISTRICTS WITH POLICY DEVELOPMENT AND/OR IMPLEMENTATION RELATED TO THE PRIORITY FOCUS AREAS (ARRA FOUR ASSURANCES) COVERED BY RACE TO THE TOP GRANTEES. AND EXPERIENCE WRITING, REVIEWING AND IMPROVING KEY DOCUMENTS FOR SENIOR INTERNAL AND EXTERNAL POLICY LEADERS.  AND EXPERIENCE ENSURING THAT INITIATIVES ARE ALIGNED AND CONSISTENT WITH BROADER ORGANIZATIONAL POLICIES AND PRIORITIES. (ALL APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE SELECTIVE FACTORS OR WILL BE RATED INELIGIBLE FOR THIS POSITION)

(GS-12)

One year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  This experience must be equivalent to the GS-11 level in the Federal government.  

Examples of such experience may include: identifying procedural problems in program operations using qualitative or quantitative methods; conducting studies on operating programs; studying proposed legislation or regulations for their impact on programs; researching current or new management practices for their application to programs and operations; and making improvement recommendations in reports.


(GS-13)

One year of specialized experience that equipped the applicant with the particular knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform successfully the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the work of the position to be filled.  This experience must be equivalent to the GS-12 level in the Federal government.  

Examples of such experience may include: conducting detailed analyses of complex functions and work processes; makings recommendations for improving the efficiency and effectiveness of work operations; developing new organizational structures or management processes; and advising program managers on methods, procedures, management surveys, management reports, and control techniques.

For full qualifications go to:  http://www.opm.gov/qualifications/index.asp

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APPLICANTS MUST MEET THE QUALIFICATION REQUIREMENTS BY THE CLOSING DATE OF THIS VACANCY ANNOUNCEMENT.  

Applicants are expected to possess the Knowledge, Skills and Abilities (KSAs) listed below to qualify for this position.  These KSAs are addressed in the self-assessment questionnaire that you will complete for this announcement.  You do not need to respond separately to the KSAs listed below.  Your answers to the on-line
experience questions will serve as responses to the KSAs.

Your application will be evaluated based on your ability to demonstrate the following knowledge, skills, and abilities/competencies (KSAs):

1.  Knowledge of the application of analytical and evaluative methods and techniques to issues or studies concerning the efficiency/effectiveness of program operations or substantive
administrative support functions and organization structures.

2.  Knowledge of pertinent laws, policies, regulations, and precedents applicable to the program and related resources in the
area being studied.

3.  Knowledge of the major issues, program goals, and objectives,
work processes, and administrative operations of the organization.

4.  Skill in adapting analytical techniques and evaluation criteria to measure/improve program effectiveness/organizational productivity.

5.  Skill to plan, schedule, and conduct projects and studies to
evaluate and recommend ways to improve work operations in a program or support setting.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

WARNING! High self-assessment in the vacancy questions that is not supported by information in your resume, and/or supporting documents may eliminate you from best-qualified status or result in a lowered score. Your responses to the vacancy questions must be substantiated by your on-line resume.  Be sure that the experience/education as described on your resume contains accurate and sufficient information that clearly supports your responses to all of the questions by addressing experience and education relevant to this position.   If you exaggerate or falsify your experience, education and/or your responses to questions, your ratings can/will be changed, or you may be removed from employment consideration.  You should make a fair and
accurate assessment of your qualifications.  Applicants who do not respond to the application questions will be rated ineligible.

Eligible candidates will be placed for selection consideration into three (3) categories as described below:

1 - Qualified Category - Applicants who have a "Q" score between 70 and 84.99 meets the specialized experience outlined in the Minimum
Qualification Requirements section of this announcement.

2 - Well Qualified Category - Applicants who have a "WQ" score between 85 and 94.99 exceeds the Minimum Qualification Requirements based on review of resume and vacancy specific questions.

3 - Best Qualified Category - Applicants who have a "BQ" score between 95 and 100 Outstanding level based on review of resume and vacancy specific questions.

Do not overstate or understate your level of experience and capability. You should be aware that your ratings are subject to evaluation and verification.
To preview questions please click here.

The Department of Education offers a comprehensive benefits package including paid vacation and sick leave, federal holidays, health and life insurance, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS), including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).  Click on Benefits to find out more about federal benefits.

Why Work at ED?
The U.S. Department of Education (ED) is a great place to work. For more detailed information regarding our various work sites, please click on the link below:
Work Site Locations

As an ED employee, you will benefit from our family-friendly work environment.  As part of our commitment to maintain a productive balance between work and home, we offer excused leave for Parent/Teacher Conferences (4 hours); excused leave for annual health screenings (4 hours); and matching leave for community volunteer service.  Other incentives such as Telecommuting and Alternative Work Schedules also may be available to you.

ED offers positions that are fair and competitive in compensation; developmental opportunities to exhibit teamwork and goal-oriented projects to enrich your federal career.

Student Loan Repayment may be paid if negotiated and approved prior to appointment.

OTHER INFORMATION:

The Federal Government is committed to expanding access to employment by hiring people with disabilities; providing technical assistance and information on reasonable accommodations for people with disabilities; and identifying and removing barriers to work.  Persons with disabilities may apply for jobs filled either competitively (where qualified individuals compete with one another through a structured process), noncompetitively (where a qualified individual may be selected based on a special appointing authority), or through an excepted appointing authority for people with disabilities (i.e. Schedule A).  People who are selected for a Federal job must meet the qualification requirements for the position and be able to perform the essential duties of the job with or without reasonable accommodation.  For information on "People with Disabilities" please visit http://opm.gov/disability/PeopleWithDisabilities.asp

Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP)- Eligible federal employees who were in positions and who were displaced from their positions may be eligible for selective priority over other candidates, under the ICTAP or the CTAP.  Information about these programs may be found at the following links. In order to qualify, your application must receive a score of 85 in comparison with the knowledge, skills and abilities criteria.  If you believe you are eligible for this special consideration, it is critical that you read the information provided in the links below.

CTAP

ICTAP

Student Loan Default
Applicants selected for positions are subject to a background check to verify that he or she has not defaulted on any loan funded or guaranteed by the U.S. Department of Education.  Applicants found to be in default will be contacted to make arrangements for repayment prior to being made an official offer of employment.

Veterans' Preference
If you are entitled to veterans' preference, you should indicate the type of veterans' preference you are claiming on your application.  Your veterans' preference entitlement will be verified by the employing agency.  If you believe you are entitled to veterans' preference, it is critical that you read the information provided in the link below.
Veteran Eligibility

Selective Service
Any male applicant who was born after December 31, 1959, and who is
subsequently selected for this position must certify that he is
registered for the military selective service by the date he
is to enter on duty.  False certification may result in termination
after appointment.

Reasonable Accommodation
THIS AGENCY PROVIDES REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS TO APPLICANTS WITH
DISABILITIES.  IF YOU NEED A REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION FOR ANY PART OF THE APPLICATION AND HIRING PROCESS, PLEASE NOTIFY THE AGENCY.  THE DECISION ON GRANTING REASONABLE ACCOMMODATIONS WILL BE ON A CASE-BY-CASE BASIS.  EEO STATEMENT ALL APPLICANTS WILL RECEIVE CONSIDERATION REGARDLESS OF RACE, COLOR, RELIGION, GENDER, SEXUAL ORIENTATION, NATIONAL ORIGIN, AGE, POLITICAL AFFILIATION, UNION AFFILIATION OR NONAFFILIATION, MARITAL STATUS, NON-DISQUALIFYING PHYSICAL HANDICAP, OR ANY OTHER NON-MERIT REASON.    

ADDITIONAL SELECTIONS MAY BE MADE WITHIN 90 DAYS OF THE OPENING DATE OF THIS ANNOUNCEMENT, SHOULD VACANCIES OCCUR.

Please carefully read the information provided under the link listed below.  The section entitled "How to Apply" provides detailed instructions on faxing your supporting documentation.  All required supporting documentation MUST be received by midnight Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.  You are encouraged to thoroughly review the list of supplement documents required.  It is critical to note that many documents may not pertain to you.  You are only required to submit those that apply to you.  Required Documents

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

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AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

We will inform you of the status of your application at four stages: (1) Upon receipt of your application; (2) Upon minimum qualification determinations; (3) Upon issuing the highly qualified candidates to the hiring official; and finally (4) once a selection is made.  It is essential that you have a current e-mail address on file with USAJOBS.  You be notified of our application status by the servicing Human Resources Specialist via email.  You may also check the status of your application at USA JOBS.