The Chief Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor to the Director of the United States Mint and senior leadership on complex legal, regulatory, policy, and operational matters. The incumbent provides executive leadership of the Mint's legal program, manages legal risk, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The position represents the Mint before Treasury leadership, Congress, oversight entities, and other key stakeholders.
Summary
The Chief Counsel serves as the principal legal advisor to the Director of the United States Mint and senior leadership on complex legal, regulatory, policy, and operational matters. The incumbent provides executive leadership of the Mint's legal program, manages legal risk, and ensures compliance with applicable laws and regulations. The position represents the Mint before Treasury leadership, Congress, oversight entities, and other key stakeholders.
The incumbent is responsible for interpreting the statutes and regulations pertaining to all operations of the Mint, including the manufacture of coins and medals; matters of procurement; construction of Mint facilities; Freedom of Information and Privacy Act matters; the Federal Tort Claims Act; and matters arising from the bureau's personnel management program.
Incumbent is responsible for the drafting of Treasury proposed legislation involving Mint activities, commenting on legislation proposed by other government agencies or members of Congress, and providing appropriate supporting documentation with respect to Mint legislative matters. He/she is also responsible for the drafting of formal Mint regulations and instructions.
Provide legal interpretation pertaining to construction and procurement and against the Government arising out of the operations of the Mint and reviews for legal sufficiency all administrative regulations, contracts and other matters relating to the operations and administration of the Mint.
Prepare replies to inquiries from the general public relating to the various operations of the Mint or reviews for legal sufficiency replies prepared by administrative officials which often have a substantial impact upon the planned activities and conduct of individuals and corporations and prevents unnecessary litigation. He/she prepares legal rulings as to the interpretation of the statutes and regulations pertaining to Mint activities.
Confer with key officials of the Mint and advises such officials on the legal aspects of all matters arising within the jurisdiction of the Mint. From time to time, incumbent also meets with representatives of other departments, as well as representatives of businesses and private law firms, with respect to the interpretation and application of the laws and regulations pertaining to the operations of the Mint, including laws and regulations pertaining to contracts for procurement.
Must have graduated from an accredited law school.
Must be an active member in good standing of the bar of a U.S. state, territory, or the District of Columbia.
A one-year SES probationary period is required, if not previously completed.
An initial SES career appointment becomes final only after the individual successfully completes a 1-year probationary period.
Must successfully complete personnel security vetting (e.g., investigation, evaluation, and adjudication).
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
Must have your salary sent to a financial institution of your choice by Direct Deposit/Electronic Funds Transfer.
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.
Go through a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the Form I-9. Federal law requires verification of the identity and employment eligibility of all new hires in the U.S.
File a Public Financial Disclosure Report within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on.
Disclosure of Political Appointments.
Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
All qualification requirements must be met by the closing date of this announcement.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"
Qualifications
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.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ1 -Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level legal counsel and strategic advice on highly complex, sensitive, and high-impact legal, regulatory, and policy matters.
TQ2 - Demonstrated expertise in providing executive-level legal counsel on complex procurement, contracting, litigation, administrative law, and legal risk management matters.
TQ3 - Demonstrated ability to provide executive leadership of a professional legal organization and engage effectively with senior leaders and key stakeholders.
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.
ECQ 1 - Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: 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. Leadership Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government, Commitment to the Rule of Law, Civic-Mindedness.
ECQ 2 - Driving Efficiency: Demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. Leadership Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility, Managing Resources, Leveraging Technology.
ECQ 3 - Merit and Competence: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. Leadership Competencies: Technical Skill, Problem Solving, Agility and Resilience.
ECQ 4 - Leading People: 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. Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Developing Others, Executive Judgement.
ECQ 5 - Achieving Results: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Leadership Competencies: Operational Mindset, Innovation, Strategic Thinking.
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.
Education
Applicants must possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) or Bachelor of Laws (LL.B.) degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association (ABA) at the time the degree was obtained.
In addition, applicants must be actively licensed and in good standing to practice law in a State, territory, or the District of Columbia. Proof of current bar membership may be required prior to appointment.
Additional information
Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES.
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.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application process should follow the instructions in the job opportunity announcement. For any part of the remaining hiring process, applicants should contact the hiring agency directly. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. A reasonable accommodation is any change to a job, the work environment, or the way things are usually done that enables an individual with a disability to apply for a job, perform job duties or receive equal access to job benefits.
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.
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.
Following the close of this announcement, applications will be reviewed in accordance with the process outlined below:
Initial Qualification Review: Applications will undergo an initial review by a Human Resources Specialist to determine applicant eligibility and verify that minimum qualification requirements for the position are met.
Qualification Assessment: Applicants who meet eligibility and minimum qualification requirements will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel to identify those candidates deemed best qualified. This assessment will be based on the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) outlined in the Job Opportunity Announcement (JOA). As required, ECQs and any Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) must be fully addressed within the applicant's two-page resume. Separate narrative statements or supplemental documentation will not be accepted.
Referral and Selection: Applicants determined to be among the best qualified will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Referral does not guarantee selection or an interview.
Executive Review Board (ERB): Final selection recommendations are subject to approval by the Department of the Treasury's Executive Review Board prior to the extension of a tentative offer.
Qualification Review Board (QRB): Individuals selected for initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service must receive approval from the Office of Personnel Management's Qualification Review Board. QRB certification is not required for non-competitive candidates, including current or former career SES members and SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduates.
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.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Applicants must submit a copy of their SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 documenting current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. The SF-50(s) must clearly reflect the applicant's pay plan, occupational series, grade, and salary, as applicable.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Applicants must submit documentation verifying successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program and certification by OPM of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Failure to provide this documentation may result in a determination that the applicant is ineligible for non-competitive appointment eligibility under SESCDP provisions.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Applicants claiming federal status or eligibility based on current or prior Federal service must submit a complete copy of their SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing their pay plan, occupational series, grade, and salary. Failure to provide a complete SF-50 containing all required information may result in a determination that the applicant is ineligible or not qualified for further consideration.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: Applicants are not required to submit transcripts during the initial phase of the application process. Qualification determinations will be based on the information provided in the application package and the applicant's self-certification. If selected, applicants will be required to submit official transcripts verifying their educational qualifications before a final job offer is made.
A degree from an accredited law school is required. Applicants may submit a copy of their transcripts or a list of completed courses showing the course title, credit hours earned, grade received, and date of completion.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to
Education must have been obtained from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college, university, or law school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For information regarding accreditation, please visit the Department of Education Accreditation page.
Applicants qualifying based on education obtained outside the United States must submit documentation verifying that the foreign education is equivalent to education received at an accredited U.S. educational institution. Additional information is available on the OPM instructions regarding foreign education evaluation requirements.
PROOF OF ACTIVE BARSTATUS: Applicants must be a member in good standing of the bar of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory and be authorized to engage in the active practice of law. Applicants may be required to provide documentation verifying active bar membership and good standing prior to appointment.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
Applicants who fail to submit ALL required documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position. Application will result in an "Incomplete" rating.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Applicants must submit a copy of their SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) and an SF-50 documenting current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. The SF-50(s) must clearly reflect the applicant's pay plan, occupational series, grade, and salary, as applicable.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Applicants must submit documentation verifying successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program and certification by OPM of Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Failure to provide this documentation may result in a determination that the applicant is ineligible for non-competitive appointment eligibility under SESCDP provisions.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Applicants claiming federal status or eligibility based on current or prior Federal service must submit a complete copy of their SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, showing their pay plan, occupational series, grade, and salary. Failure to provide a complete SF-50 containing all required information may result in a determination that the applicant is ineligible or not qualified for further consideration.
EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: Applicants are not required to submit transcripts during the initial phase of the application process. Qualification determinations will be based on the information provided in the application package and the applicant's self-certification. If selected, applicants will be required to submit official transcripts verifying their educational qualifications before a final job offer is made.
A degree from an accredited law school is required. Applicants may submit a copy of their transcripts or a list of completed courses showing the course title, credit hours earned, grade received, and date of completion.
A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to
Education must have been obtained from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college, university, or law school recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For information regarding accreditation, please visit the Department of Education Accreditation page.
Applicants qualifying based on education obtained outside the United States must submit documentation verifying that the foreign education is equivalent to education received at an accredited U.S. educational institution. Additional information is available on the OPM instructions regarding foreign education evaluation requirements.
PROOF OF ACTIVE BARSTATUS: Applicants must be a member in good standing of the bar of a State, the District of Columbia, the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico, or a U.S. territory and be authorized to engage in the active practice of law. Applicants may be required to provide documentation verifying active bar membership and good standing prior to appointment.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
Applicants who fail to submit ALL required documents WILL NOT receive consideration for this position. Application will result in an "Incomplete" rating.
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.
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your resume and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
To verify the status of your application, sign in to your USAJOBS account (https://www.usajobs.gov/), all of your applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each Application Status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to.
Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. Your application will be evaluated by the Human Resources Office to determine your eligibility for the position. After the evaluation is complete, you will receive another notification regarding the status of your application.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
