Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? If yes, then come and join the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), ranked among top Best Places to Work in Federal Government (www.bestplacestowork.org).
The Director of the Appellate Staff, Civil Division, is a Senior Executive Service position within the U.S. Department of Justice. The Appellate Staff is principally responsible for the appellate work of the Civil Division, covering a wide range of procedural and substantive issues. The incumbent oversees all aspects of the litigation and administrative functions of the Staff, develops policy for the Staff, and supervises both attorney and support positions. The office's caseload involves some of the most important, complicated cases over which the Civil Division has jurisdiction in the federal courts of appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court when assigned by the Solicitor General. The Staff's cases typically involve questions of great national interest, including cases with foreign policy or national security implications, and are of utmost importance to the conduct of the Government's business. In many cases, they are cases with potential monetary ramifications for the Government in the millions of dollars. The incumbent serves as the primary career appellate litigation specialist in the Civil Division, with responsibility for the most difficult, precedent-setting or sensitive cases. The Director also provides expert advice and counsel to the Deputy Assistant Attorney General and the Assistant Attorney General on litigation strategy, precedents, and mission impact.
Summary
Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? If yes, then come and join the U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ), ranked among top Best Places to Work in Federal Government (www.bestplacestowork.org).
The Director of the Appellate Staff, Civil Division, is a Senior Executive Service position within the U.S. Department of Justice. The Appellate Staff is principally responsible for the appellate work of the Civil Division, covering a wide range of procedural and substantive issues. The incumbent oversees all aspects of the litigation and administrative functions of the Staff, develops policy for the Staff, and supervises both attorney and support positions. The office's caseload involves some of the most important, complicated cases over which the Civil Division has jurisdiction in the federal courts of appeals, and before the U.S. Supreme Court when assigned by the Solicitor General. The Staff's cases typically involve questions of great national interest, including cases with foreign policy or national security implications, and are of utmost importance to the conduct of the Government's business. In many cases, they are cases with potential monetary ramifications for the Government in the millions of dollars. The incumbent serves as the primary career appellate litigation specialist in the Civil Division, with responsibility for the most difficult, precedent-setting or sensitive cases. The Director also provides expert advice and counsel to the Deputy Assistant Attorney General and the Assistant Attorney General on litigation strategy, precedents, and mission impact.
As Director, Appellate Staff, the incumbent is responsible for management of the Appellate Staff with assistance from Deputy Directors and other managers. Establishes office policy, resolves employee complaints, takes action on disciplinary matters, identifies training needs and develops performance standards. Assigns work among attorneys, reviews and approves briefs and other papers filed with the courts, and counsels attorneys concerning approaches and strategies to be followed in preparing for or presenting a case. Provides guidance on all aspects of work performance. Advises staff on new programs or directives and ensures that adequate resources will be available for implementation. Evaluates organizational structures and makes changes based on new caseload requirements or policy directives. Analyzes proposed and pending legislation which may affect the work of staff or which is in any way related to its responsibilities, through Deputy and Assistant Directors. Makes recommendations to revise, support, or oppose such legislation and assists in formulating the Department/Division's position. Represents the Assistant Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorney General to the officials and judges of the Courts of Appeals in connection with all matters relating to the Staff and the Division's business with the courts. Also represents the Division on various inter-departmental committees or activities with respect to related matters and in dealings with counsel for litigants or others, including, as appropriate, congressional staff representatives, the media, and the public. Maintains close contact with Civil Division attorneys and responsible officials of the agencies that are involved in appellate matters in order to consult with them on special problems which may arise. Directs Division staff and agency officials in the development of the appellate litigation strategy, including the preparation of the legal arguments, marshaling of factual material, etc. Counsels agencies as appropriate on agency procedures and policies which are affected by court decisions. Advises and consults with the Deputy Assistant Attorney General and the Assistant Attorney General on appellate matters. Formulates and presents new policies or organizational changes affecting the operations of the Staff. Advises on significant cases and their impact/ramifications concerning the staff, the Branches and the Division.
You must be a U.S. citizen to qualify for this position.
Relocation expenses will not be paid.
Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered.
A negative drug test reading is required before you may be appointed to this position.
You must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance with eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI) access depending on organizational assignment/duty location. You must successfully complete a background security investigation before you can be appointed to this position.
Before entering on duty, you will be required to complete a Financial Disclosure Report, SF-278. This information must be reported annually.
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 Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.
To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show in your resume that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs).
Please see Application Procedures for specific instructions.
Qualifications
Applicant must be a graduate from a full course of study in a School of Law accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of the bar of a state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
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 Director, Appellate Staff. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.
YOU WILL BE EVALUATED ON ALL OF THE FOLLOWING MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ): Your responses to the MTQs should be submitted in one document, that includes separate narrative statements addressing each of the 4 Mandatory Technical Qualifications.
MTQ 1. Demonstrated expertise in civil law and appellate litigation.
MTQ 2. Demonstrated experience supervising and reviewing the work product of attorneys.
MTQ 3. Demonstrated writing ability.
MTQ 4. Demonstrated ability to serve as spokesperson for one's organization.
IN ADDITION, YOU MUST CLEARLY DOCUMENT AND DEMONSTRATE THE FOLLOWING EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQ) EVIDENCE BY ADDRESSING EACH OF THE (5) ECQs IN A SEPARATE RESPONSE FOR EACH:
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN.This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
Qualifications include both general management skills and characteristics that are applicable to all SES positions and technical or program responsibilities specific to this position. Applicants must have a substantive general experience which provides a good basic or general knowledge of the principles of organization, management, and administration; and substantive specialized (operating, administrative or managerial) experience in a type of work or a combination of functions directly related to this position.
Additional information
DOJ offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes, in part, paid vacation; sick leave; holidays; telework; life insurance; health benefits; and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. This link provides an overview of the benefits currently offered to Federal employees.
The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)of the selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive employee (Title V) must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment. In addition, individuals entering the Senior Executive Service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.
EEO Policy Statement: The United States Government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit factor. The complete DOJ EEO Statement/Policy is found at: http://www.justice.gov/jmd/eeos/08-eeo-policy.pdf.
Reasonable Accommodation
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Legal and Regulatory Guidance
Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number is requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you. Failure to provide your Social Security Number on your application materials will result in your application not being processed.
Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.
Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.
False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.
Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.
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.
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 Office of Personnel Management (OPM) is required by law to review the executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment. To be considered for this position, applicants must show evidence of experience related to the five (5) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Applicants must address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs).
Please see Application Procedures for specific instructions. The resume should demonstrate 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.
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.
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.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., resume, and other documents as applicable) will not receive consideration for this position. You must send this information to CIVIL/OA prior to the closing date of this announcement.
ECQ responses are not required for current or former career members of the SES. Indicate in your resume that you are a current or former member of the SES. You must submit responses to the MTQs, and submit a copy of the most recent SF-50 documenting your SES career appointment.
Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. SES CDP graduates must also submit responses to the MTQs. Responses to the ECQs are not required.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Separate narrative statements addressing the (4) Mandatory Technical Qualifications and the (5) Executive Core Qualifications.
Your application must be submitted by Email, hand-delivered, or sent via mail to:
Civil.SES-vacancies@usdoj.gov
Please use Announcement #
SES-10143191-18-CR as your Subject Line.
Via U.S. Postal Service:
Crystal Roy
DOJ/Civil Division/ HR
P. O. Box 14660 Ben Franklin Station, NW
Washington, DC 20044-4660
Via other mail carriers:
Crystal Roy
DOJ/Civil Division/HR
2nd Floor
1100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
You must ensure that your application is received no later than 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Please note that sending your application other than by hand-delivery or email may result in a delay in your package being received in Civil/OA prior to the deadline; therefore, you would not receive consideration. Please note that application materials mailed in franked government envelopes will not be considered for this position.
Civil Division
1100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
A panel of senior executives will distinguish the best-qualified candidates from other applicants based on a review of each applicant's ECQs, as appropriate, and MTQs. Failure to meet all qualification requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant. Eligibility for this position will be based upon a clear showing that the applicant has experience, knowledge, skill, and ability of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the assignments of the position. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. If you are tentatively selected for appointment to this SES position, your ECQs must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., resume, and other documents as applicable) will not receive consideration for this position. You must send this information to CIVIL/OA prior to the closing date of this announcement.
ECQ responses are not required for current or former career members of the SES. Indicate in your resume that you are a current or former member of the SES. You must submit responses to the MTQs, and submit a copy of the most recent SF-50 documenting your SES career appointment.
Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. SES CDP graduates must also submit responses to the MTQs. Responses to the ECQs are not required.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
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.
Separate narrative statements addressing the (4) Mandatory Technical Qualifications and the (5) Executive Core Qualifications.
Your application must be submitted by Email, hand-delivered, or sent via mail to:
Civil.SES-vacancies@usdoj.gov
Please use Announcement #
SES-10143191-18-CR as your Subject Line.
Via U.S. Postal Service:
Crystal Roy
DOJ/Civil Division/ HR
P. O. Box 14660 Ben Franklin Station, NW
Washington, DC 20044-4660
Via other mail carriers:
Crystal Roy
DOJ/Civil Division/HR
2nd Floor
1100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
You must ensure that your application is received no later than 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the closing date of the vacancy announcement.
Please note that sending your application other than by hand-delivery or email may result in a delay in your package being received in Civil/OA prior to the deadline; therefore, you would not receive consideration. Please note that application materials mailed in franked government envelopes will not be considered for this position.
Civil Division
1100 L Street, NW
Washington, DC 20530
US
Next steps
A panel of senior executives will distinguish the best-qualified candidates from other applicants based on a review of each applicant's ECQs, as appropriate, and MTQs. Failure to meet all qualification requirements automatically disqualifies an applicant. Eligibility for this position will be based upon a clear showing that the applicant has experience, knowledge, skill, and ability of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the assignments of the position. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. If you are tentatively selected for appointment to this SES position, your ECQs must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM).
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
