The Assistant General Counsel (AGC), Division of Postsecondary Education (DPE), is responsible for advising the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, the Under Secretary, and other Department officials on issues involving postsecondary education and the Department’s student aid programs. The Division represents the Department in administrative litigation and, in cooperation with the Department of Justice, in judicial litigation.
Summary
The Assistant General Counsel (AGC), Division of Postsecondary Education (DPE), is responsible for advising the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary, the Under Secretary, and other Department officials on issues involving postsecondary education and the Department’s student aid programs. The Division represents the Department in administrative litigation and, in cooperation with the Department of Justice, in judicial litigation.
The AGC, DPE will be responsible for the following duties and responsibilities:
Providing guidance to the Deputy General Counsel for DPE and the General Counsel on postsecondary matters, as well as on management and personnel issues within the Division.
Providing leadership, mentorship, and direction to the Division’s staff attorneys and other personnel to facilitate and maximize staff performance, collaboration, and coordination. Tracks status of work across the division.
Providing and/or supervises the provision of legal services related to authorizing statutes and regulations within the Division’s purview including those governing grant programs and all major loan programs of the Department; grant law; questions pertaining to loan defaults, creditors' rights, commercial transactions, bankruptcy, truth-in-lending, equal credit opportunity, contracts, administrative law and constitutional law; other frequently amended laws affecting the postsecondary education programs, including procedural and substantive issues related to the award of funds and maintenance of effort; compliance matters; matters involving student financial assistance and institutional assistance programs; and other statutory provisions.
Drafts, reviews, and provides legal advice on regulations addressing issues related to the Division's areas of responsibilities.
Appearing on behalf of the Secretary or the Department or any officer or unit thereof, and supervises appearances by general attorneys, before administrative boards and (in cooperation with the Department of Justice) courts when such action pertains to matters within the Division's purview.
Preparing and/or examines, for legal form and effect, legal instruments such as grants, interagency and cooperative agreements, and promissory notes entered into by the Department as they pertain to the Division's matters.
Participating in the development of legislative programs related to postsecondary education and the Department’s student aid programs.
Representing the Department at conferences and meetings with Federal, state, and local officials and other program participants concerning program matters.
Participating with the Deputy General Counsel for Postsecondary Education and the General Counsel in the resolution of the most difficult and important legal problems involving postsecondary education and student financial assistance.
One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.
U.S. Citizenship.
Financial disclosure statement, OGE-278.
Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.
Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust Security Clearance.
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Qualifications
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):
Unless you are currently under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program approved by OPM, you must submit written statements (narrative format) describing accomplishments that would satisfy the ECQs. If you fail to do so, you will be rated as 'ineligible.' You should provide 2 written examples for each ECQ and your ECQs should not exceed ten (10) pages total. When uploading your ECQs, choose the Supporting Document Type called ECQ.
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 and customer expectations. 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.
To view additional information on the proper preparation of Executive Core Qualification statements available on the Office of Personnel Management's website please click here.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs): All applicants must submit written statements (narrative format) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualification. You must address each technical qualification separately. You must limit your narratives to two (2) pages per technical qualification. When uploading your MTQs, choose the supporting Document Type called MTQ.
MTQ 1 - Demonstrated knowledge of, or familiarity with, the postsecondary education and student financial assistance programs authorized by the Higher Education Act of 1965, administrative law, constitutional law, and other laws governing or affecting the work of the division.
MTQ 2 - Demonstrated experience in applying legal knowledge through senior-level legal counseling.
MTQ 3 - Experience and skills in legal advocacy and representing clients.
MTQ 4 - Experience in directing the activities of an attorney and non-attorney staff.
When responding to the MTQs and ECQs, 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 ECQs and MTQs.
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 use "see resume" as a response WILL NOT receive consideration for the position.
Current or Former Political Appointees: The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the HR Office. Failure to disclose this information could result in disciplinary action or removal from Federal Service.
Education
You must possess a J.D. or LL.M from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of a bar in a state/territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
Additional information
VETERAN'S PREFERENCE - Veteran's Preference does not apply to the SES.
SELECTIVE SERVICE- If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service, or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.
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 hiring agency directly. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.
EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY - 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, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor.
SECURITY CLEARANCE: This position is a high-risk and critical-sensitive position requiring that the incumbent undergo the appropriate security review before being appointed to this position.
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.
Applicants will be evaluated by a Qualifications Review Panel of senior officials. The panel will rate and rank applicants on the basis of the quality and extent of total accomplishments, experience and education. The panel will determine the degree to which candidates possess the required knowledge, skills, and abilities to perform the mandatory technical requirements of the position and the mandatory executive core qualifications requirements. Among the factors the evaluation panel will consider in determining the applicant's relative capacity and fitness for the position are education, training, experience and demonstrated executive level qualifications. The Panel will review the resume, Mandatory Executive Core Qualifications, and Mandatory Technical Qualifications to determine the best qualified candidates. Candidates determined to be best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration for the position.
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.
1. Resume: In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers
Educational information, including the name, city and state of the colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received
Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:
Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties and accomplishments
Employer's name and address
Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)
Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
2. MTQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing the mandatory technical qualifications. Each MTQ statement should not exceed two (2) pages.
3. ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligibles, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #5. ECQs should not exceed ten (10) pages total.
4. Bar Status: Proof of admission to the Bar of the highest court of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and must be a current member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
5. All current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.
6. All current Federal employees and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility).
Documents for Auto-Request:
CDP certification
ECQs
MTQs
Resume
SF-50
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.
You must complete an online application package to include the resume, your responses to the MTQs, and your responses to the ECQs. To apply, please select the 'Apply Online' button at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: your online resume may not be a complete application. Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., Resume, MTQs, ECQs and Bar Status) WILL NOT receive consideration for this position.
You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
NOTE: Applications submitted by means other than those described in this vacancy announcement will NOT be considered.
EDUCATION-OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Human Resources Services
Executive Resources Team
Washington, District of Columbia 20202
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. Resume: In addition to your written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications, the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications as applicable, submit a resume or any other written format you choose to describe your qualifications. Applicants typically provide the following information:
Full name, mailing address, and day email address and evening telephone numbers
Educational information, including the name, city and state of the colleges or universities you attended, as well as the type and year of any degrees received
Information about your paid and non paid work experience related to this position including:
Job title (include series and grade if Federal job)
Duties and accomplishments
Employer's name and address
Supervisor's name and phone number (indicate if we may contact your current supervisor)
Starting and ending dates of employment (month/year)
Information about honors, awards, and special accomplishments
2. MTQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing the mandatory technical qualifications. Each MTQ statement should not exceed two (2) pages.
3. ECQ Statement: A narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. In lieu of the narrative statement, current career SES members, reinstatement eligibles, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must provide the documentation in item #5. ECQs should not exceed ten (10) pages total.
4. Bar Status: Proof of admission to the Bar of the highest court of a state, territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico; and must be a current member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico.
5. All current and former career SES members must provide an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility. Candidates who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management approved SES Candidate Development Program must submit a copy of their ECQ certification.
6. All current Federal employees and reinstatement eligible applicants must submit proof of eligibility (i.e., an SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action documenting their status or reinstatement eligibility).
Documents for Auto-Request:
CDP certification
ECQs
MTQs
Resume
SF-50
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.
You must complete an online application package to include the resume, your responses to the MTQs, and your responses to the ECQs. To apply, please select the 'Apply Online' button at the bottom of this announcement. Please note: your online resume may not be a complete application. Be sure to carefully read this announcement to see if additional information is required and how it should be submitted.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., Resume, MTQs, ECQs and Bar Status) WILL NOT receive consideration for this position.
You have until 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement to complete the application process.
NOTE: Applications submitted by means other than those described in this vacancy announcement will NOT be considered.
EDUCATION-OFFICE OF THE GENERAL COUNSEL
400 Maryland Avenue, SW
Human Resources Services
Executive Resources Team
Washington, District of Columbia 20202
United States
Next steps
After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the best-qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation. You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 90 days of the closing date of the announcement.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
