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Director, Office of Budget and Program Performance

Department of Transportation
Office of the Secretary of Transportation

Summary

The Director, Office of Budget and Program Performance provides direction and leadership necessary to develop  Departmental Budget requests, and keep current budget policies, procedures, and instructional materials. 

Overview

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Accepting applications
Open & closing dates
04/15/2026 to 04/29/2026
Salary
$151,661 - $218,800 per year
Pay scale & grade
ES XX
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
Remote job
No
Telework eligible
Yes—This position may be eligible for situational telework. Telework approval will be determined by your immediate supervisor or manager following the agency’s telework policy and guidance. If participating in the telework program, you will be required to sign a telework agreement detailing agency telework policy requirements, working conditions, and expectations for the position.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - Occasional travel is required.
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Appointment type
Permanent - Career
Work schedule
Full-time - Permanent
Service
Senior Executive
Promotion potential
00
Job family (Series)
Supervisory status
Yes
Security clearance
Top Secret
Drug test
Yes
Position sensitivity and risk
Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High Risk
Trust determination process
Financial disclosure
Yes - You must file a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
Bargaining unit status
No
Announcement number
OST.SES-2026-0004
Control number
864792200

Duties

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The Director works closely with all top executives of the Department, including the Administrators and Assistant Secretaries, and assists the Secretary of Transportation in developing, assessing, and evaluating Departmental policies and programs, budget formulation, presentation, execution, programming, and special high-level projects.

The Director, Office of Budget and Program Performance, participates in and advises other top officials of the Department in decisions concerning multi-year fiscal plans submitted by the operating elements. The Director consults with and advises the Secretary, Deputy Secretary, Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer, other Assistant Secretaries, and the heads of the operating elements on the planning of new programs and on changes in program emphasis. Duties within this position include:

  • Provides expert advice and counsel to the Assistant Secretary for Budget and Programs and Chief Financial Officer, the Deputy Secretary, the Secretary, other officials of the Department, and the Office of Management and Budget (OMB) on the composition of Departmental programs and the allocation of resources among them;
  • Directs the review and analysis of proposed budget requests, justifications, and program information submitted by operating elements for conformity with Departmental and Executive Branch policies;
  • Responsible for the collection and presentation of relevant budgetary and program performance data to top management of the Department;
  •  Plans and directs the consolidation and review of the budget estimates submitted by operating elements and the Office of the Secretary into a comprehensive budget for the Department;    Makes recommendations on the level of programs and specific items to be included in the budget estimates and oversees the preparation of budget estimates for presentation to OMB and to Congress;
  •  Assures the appraisal of the budget process of the operating elements and the Office of the Secretary for effectiveness, efficiency, and compliance with applicable laws and regulations, taking into consideration: apportionments, reapportionments, requests for reprogramming, and implementation of executive and Congressional limitations; and
  • Assists in the review of Departmental legislative proposals to determine their financial impact upon the Department so that the fiscal implications of the proposals may be adequately considered by the Secretary.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
  • Submit application and resume online by 11:59 PM EST on the closing date.
  • Provide all required documents by closing date.
  • A Top Secret clearance is required.

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT:

As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider:

  • your performance and conduct;
  • the needs and interests of the agency;
  • whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and
  • whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service.

Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.

  • PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Complete a one-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).
  • Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency
  • If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)
  • SECURITY CLEARANCE: You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
  • WRITING SAMPLE: A writing sample may be required.
  • DRUG TEST: This is a drug testing position. You will be required to complete a drug test upon entry of this position and are subjected to at random drug testing.

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ1: Demonstrated mastery of the federal budget formulation and execution process, including developing, reviewing, and consolidating large, complex departmental budgets in accordance with Executive Branch policies, Congressional requirements, and federal appropriations law. Demonstrated success overseeing fund apportionments, allotments, reprogramming actions, and compliance with statutory and administrative requirements while ensuring fiscal accountability and transparency. 

TQ2: Extensive experience leading strategic planning, program performance management, and policy integration across large, complex organizations. Demonstrated ability to design and implement performance measurement systems that support executive decision-making, track program outcomes, and improve operational efficiency in alignment with statutory requirements such as the Government Performance and Results Act.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.

There are five ECQs:

  • ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
  • ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency -This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
  • ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
  • ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
  • ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:

Additional information

Veterans Preference: Veterans’ preference is not applicable to the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.

(Only use if applicable) Tiering: The Department/Agency structures its SES positions into categories (i.e. tiers) to determine the pay range for each position. The categories are based on the position scope, breadth, functions, and placement within the structure of organizational levels across the Department/Agency.

Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

Retirement/Pension Plan - You will be covered by a defined benefit, contributory Federal retirement system that provides benefits for both normal retirement (with as few as 5 years of civilian service) and for circumstances that might occur earlier, such involuntary retirement because of disability.

Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) - You may participate in a retirement savings investment plan that offers before-tax savings and tax-deferred investment earnings. For more details, please visit the TSP website

Employee Assistance - Employees and their immediate families can take advantage of free confidential counseling with health professionals as part of the Federal Employees Assistance Program.

Transit Benefits - We subsidize up to $315 of mass transit commuting costs each month.

Information related to performance, suitability, and security will be verified. 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.

The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Transportation and its Operating Administrations from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment.

To learn more, please visit our page at: The Fair Chance to Compete Act | US Department of Transportation

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

How you will be evaluated

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

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

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (MTQ) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual’s application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.

OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch.  If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.


You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Office of the Secretary of Transportation

The U.S. Department of Transportation strives to ensure that equity, transparency, accountability, collaboration, and communication permeate all that we do for the betterment of the Department, the traveling public, and our nation. As such, DOT values a highly diverse workforce of persons who promote a culture of belonging by respecting the personal dignity and worth of each individual and fostering a positive environment where all feel safe and welcome.  If these commitments coincide with your personal ideals and professional aspirations, please consider joining the DOT family.

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Agency contact information

Automated Staffing Office
Phone
000-000-0000
Fax
000-000-0000
Email
TRANSJOBS@dot.gov
Address
DOT, OFFICE OF THE SECRETARY
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, District of Columbia 20590
United States

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