Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all qualified current or former Federal government employees. Current SES employees, individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must apply to be considered for this position.

Serves as a member of the MPS leadership team and as the primary assistant to the Assistant Director in all aspects of management of the MPS Directorate. The mission of MPS is to harness the collective efforts of the mathematical and physical sciences communities to address the most compelling scientific questions, educate the future advanced high-tech workforce, and promote discoveries to meet the needs of the Nation.

The Directorate consists of the Divisions of Astronomical Sciences, Chemistry, Materials Research, Mathematical Sciences, Physics, and the Office of Multidisciplinary Activities. These organizations provide the basic structure for MPS support of research and education. They support both disciplinary and interdisciplinary activities and partner effectively with each other, with other parts of NSF, with other agencies, and internationally.

The Deputy Assistant Director participates with the Assistant Director in the coordination and overall management of Directorate activities with the directorate's senior managers and a staff of approximately 180. The Deputy Assistant Director’s focus is on management of the internal affairs of the Directorate, the integration and coordination of Directorate-wide initiatives, and providing leadership in the area of human capital management; including performance planning and evaluation, conflict management, recruitment, and professional development of directorate staff. Participates fully in all phases of planning, implementation, representational and policy-related activities involving the Directorate. In addition, assists with interagency coordination of the Directorate’s research activities as well as support and oversight of the development and operation of world-class, multi-use facilities.

The successful candidate will possess an established record of significant achievement in research administration as well as leadership responsibility in academe, industry, or government. In addition to having a strong record of research and education accomplishments within his or her technical communities, the Deputy Assistant Director must be experienced and competent in technical, financial, and administrative management. He/she must work well with people, be an effective communicator, and act as a mentor to continuously develop the diversity of talent and skills of his or her colleagues at all levels.

Conditions of employment

• US Citizenship.
• Selective Service registration required for male applicants, unless exempt.

• One year probationary period required for all new Career SES appointments.
• Requires an "Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report" (OGE-278).
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret/SCI Security Clearance.

It is NSF policy that NSF personnel employed at or IPAs detailed to NSF are not permitted to participate in foreign government talent recruitment programs.  Failure to comply with this NSF policy could result in disciplinary action up to and including removal from Federal Service or termination of an IPA assignment and referral to the Office of Inspector General. Foreign Talent Definitions

Qualifications

EXECUTIVE/MANAGERIAL (E/Ms): Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the E/Ms.  If you fail to do so, you will be rated as "ineligible."

Essential

1. Leading Change.  Demonstrated ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Includes the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

2. Leading People. Demonstrated ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Includes the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

3. Results-Driven Leadership. Demonstrated ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Includes the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

4. Business Acumen. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

5. Building Coalitions. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, non-profit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL (P/Ts): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the P/T qualifications.  You must address each P/T qualification separately. 

Essential

1. Education, strongly preferred at the Ph.D. level, or equivalent professional experience, or a combination of education and equivalent experience in mathematical sciences, chemistry, physics, astronomy, materials science or other related field or sub-discipline.
2. Knowledge of current research capabilities, policy issues related to the needs of the academic and industrial research communities (including human resources, equipment, and facilities) and experience in scientific research support (including grant and contract administration, fiscal management and budget preparation).
3. Demonstrated ability to liaise with high-level officials of the federal government, scientific/engineering academic communities, and with officials of major scientific professional organizations.
4. Demonstrated ability to identify, interpret and clarify the intent and impact of Administration and Congressional initiatives and mandates, and to recommend appropriate procedures for implementation.

When responding to the P/T and E/M qualifications, you must clearly show that you possess the experience, knowledge, skills and ability to perform the duties of this position by submitting narrative responses in which you detail your experience in each of the E/Ms and P/Ts.

Your examples should be clear and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope, and complexity of the programs managed and program accomplishments with results of your actions, policy initiatives and level of contacts.

Applicants who do not provide narrative statements addressing both the E/M and P/T qualifications will be deemed ineligible.

Applicants currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment, eligible for reinstatement into SES, or have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM are not required to address the Executive/Managerial (E/M) Qualifications (ECQs); but a narrative statement for each of the Professional/Technical (P/T) Qualifications is required.

To view additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification (ECQs) statements, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications.

(http://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/executive-core-qualifications/)

Security Clearance: Top Secret/SCI - Background Investigation

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants will be screened for basic eligibility according to the qualification requirements.  Eligible applicants will be reviewed by an Evaluation Panel according to the criteria based on the qualification requirements.  The best qualified candidates will be referred to the appropriate official who will recommend selection.  All applicants will be considered without regard to race, color, religion, sex, national origin, political affiliation, marital status, physical disability, age, membership in an employee organization, or other non-merit reason.