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 managerial capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at or above the GS-15 grade level in the Federal service, or its equivalent with state or local government, the private sector, or nongovernmental organizations. An earned doctorate and senior leadership experience in an accredited institution of higher education or equivalent as both a highly skilled executive and as an accomplished educator are preferred but not required. The successful candidate will be a motivated leader who has a record of sound fiscal management, experience in a senior administrative position, and proficiency in community engagement.
Each applicant is required to submit a comprehensive narrative statement, which addresses BOTH the mandatory Technical and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) outlined below.
Applicants who do not submit a supplemental narrative statement that addresses these factors will be ineligible for further consideration. The narrative portion for the Technical Qualifications MUST NOT EXCEED 6 PAGES TOTAL. The supplemental narrative statement for the Executive Core Qualifications should address the necessary level of management skills, characteristics, qualities, specialized knowledge, and technical competence that would indicate successful performance in the SES. This evidence must include clear and concise examples that emphasize the applicant’s level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of programs managed, program accomplishments, policy initiatives, and level of contacts.
The narrative portion for the Executive Core Qualifications MUST NOT EXCEED 10 PAGES. For guidance in preparing a narrative statement addressing the ECQs, applicants can access OPM’s website at
https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/The following categories of applicants may omit the mandatory Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), but MUST address the Technical Qualification factors:
- Applicants who are currently serving under a SES career appointment (must provide a copy of Standard Form 50--Notification of Personnel Action that documents career appointment to the SES).
- Applicants who are eligible for reinstatement to the SES (must provide a copy of Standard Form 50--Notification of Personnel Action that documents career appointment to the SES).
- Applicants who are graduates of OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Programs (must provide proof of OPM Qualifications Review Board certification).
All required application materials will be reviewed to determine if applicants meet the mandatory qualification requirements. Qualification and experience determinations will be based only on the information supplied by the applicant. The best-qualified candidates for this position will be distinguished from other applicants by an evaluation committee to determine the degree to which qualification requirements are met. Applicants should provide specific evidence of possession of the mandatory Technical and Executive Core Qualifications, as outlined under Qualifications Criteria, to assist the evaluation committee in determining the best-qualified candidates that will be considered for final selection. The Executive Core Qualifications of the selectee are subject to approval by the Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board (QRB). Unless you have already been certified by an OPM QRB in the past, your ECQs must be certified by an OPM QRB before appointment can occur.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS – MANDATORY1. Authoritative knowledge of and experience with financial management authorities and regulations, program policy development, and business management functions to include budget development and execution, accounting and finance operations, multi-year contracting and procurement, and recruitment, hiring, and retention for a diverse workforce. 2. Substantive ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing, with strong interpersonal skills in order to meet and deal effectively with officials at all levels, both within and outside of Government, including but not limited to the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congressional Appropriations Committees.3. Authoritative knowledge of and experience with program risk management to include internal control over financial management, effectiveness and efficiency of operations, reliability of reporting, and compliance.