The Programming Director serves Voice of America within the U.S. Agency for Global Media with responsibility for planning, directing and coordinating VOA Studio and Production Operations, the VOA News Center and VOA programming activities on digital, radio, television, web and for overall management and effective use of all human and financial resources employed in VOA's regional language service divisions.
Summary
The Programming Director serves Voice of America within the U.S. Agency for Global Media with responsibility for planning, directing and coordinating VOA Studio and Production Operations, the VOA News Center and VOA programming activities on digital, radio, television, web and for overall management and effective use of all human and financial resources employed in VOA's regional language service divisions.
As Programming Director, you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to:
Manages regional news divisions, Language Services, the VOA News Center, and Studio and Production Operations, provides oversight and guidance to operational, production, and programming elements.
Exercises news and editorial judgment in evaluating usage of all news products and other output to ensure that programming needs are being met with timely, high-quality material that is on a level competitive with that produced by other targeted news and information markets.
Advises VOA Director on broadcast and programming strategies to incorporate new ideas and technologies, as well as enhancements and improvements to existing programming formats to ensure that mission objectives are being met, including introducing new formats, updating presentations and increasing live coverages to provide an appropriate media mix of programming in the various target regions depending on the individual needs of each market.
Establishes and assures adherence to production and journalism standards to achieve quality VOA studio and production operations to further policy objectives of the U.S. Government.
Provides advice to top Agency officials on long-range operational and programming plans and requirements.
Monitors the production of programs for various media (digital, radio, TV, web) and ensures the proper mix is produced in the Language Services.
Deploys resources in an equitable manner to ensure appropriate balance between media platforms depending on the needs of various markets.
Ensures that material used in programs meets the requirements of the VOA Charter, including requirement to provide consistently reliable and authoritative news that is accurate, objective, balanced and comprehensive and to project significant American thought and institutions.
Monitors technological developments of various delivery systems.
Advises the VOA Director on programming impact, costs and long-term benefits.
Participates in planning and development of cooperative cross media ventures and with other broadcast outlets.
Works closely with appropriate organizational elements to facilitate the accomplishment of overall programming objectives.
Maintains contact with other international broadcasting entities and stays abreast of international broadcasting developments to advise and assist in the implementation of decisions, which will impact VOA programming.
Maintains contact with other U.S. government policy officials to keep up to date on U.S. domestic and foreign policy issues.
In conjunction with the Studio and Production Operations, News Center, and Language Service Division Directors, establishes and maintains competitive production values and creative and journalistic standards and practices for all original programming.
Ensures standards and practices are followed by Language Services and the News Center.
Assures effective integration of the physical and operational resources in VOA. This includes policy aspects of long-range planning for broadcast facilities and operations, news coverage and programming on all media platforms for all languages, and the technical and personnel support required for VOA's worldwide broadcast and programming activities.
Works with the VOA Director to ensure consistency in VOA operational and editorial strategies and policies.
Serves as Acting Voice of America Director in Director's absence.
Manages and supervises the staff of the Programming Directorate, Studio and Production Operations, regional divisions and language services, and the VOA News Center through subordinate managers, and supervisors.
Exercises delegated authority to oversee the overall planning, direction, and timely execution of the operations of the Programming Directorate, including development, assignment, and higher-level clearance of goals and objectives for supervisors or managers of subordinate organizational units or lower organizational levels.
Approves multiyear and longer-range work plans developed by the supervisors or managers of subordinate organizational units and subsequently manages the overall work to enhance achievement of the goals and objectives.
Oversees the revision of long-range plans, goals and objectives for the work directed.
Manages the development of policy changes in response to changes in levels of appropriations or other legislated changes.
Manages organizational changes throughout the organization directed, or major change to the structure and content of the program or program segments directed.
Exercises discretionary authority to approve the allocation and distribution of funds in the organization's budget.
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.
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.
All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date in which you are appointed unless this probationary period has already been served.
Selected candidate will be required to submit Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 278.
Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered.
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.
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.
TQ 1: Foreign Policy, Media, Communications, Broadcasting and Journalism Acumen: This qualification requires extensive subject matter expertise and coverage experience in a majority of regions and locations where VOA broadcasts and distributes content, enabling deeply considered editorial oversight of programming. It also requires knowledge and understanding of domestic and international affairs and U.S. foreign policy; experience leading coverage of major and sensitive events in large news organizations; demonstrated success in managing a newsroom or major division of a significant news operation with international reach; knowledge of international media and communications practices and procedures; demonstrated success in applying knowledge to grow audience size, increase engagement, and/or achieve industry recognition; programming development and implementation for digital, radio, television and web; cutting-edge communication techniques and emerging technologies; an awareness of, and sensitivity to, cultural and political influences affecting global audiences; and broad experience
in journalism, news reporting, broadcasting and media. The position requires a basic level of proficiency in at least two to the statutory VOA languages (i.e., Pashto, Kurdish, Persian, Ukrainian, Russian, Korean, and/or Mandarin). Competencies: External Awareness, Foreign Affairs, Journalism, News and Current Events, and Political Savvy.
TQ 2: Organizational Acumen: This qualification requires an extensive background in and understanding of the USAGM's key mission and functions and proven record of progressively responsible work experience at the top executive and managerial levels in government and/or the private sector, including the ability to deal with Congressional Representatives, Senators, senior Congressional office and committee staff, and executive level officials of Federal agencies. It also requires knowledge of management principles pertaining to large government and corporate organizations; and
demonstrated ability to lead change, lead people, and achieve results through building partnerships and coalitions.
TQ3: Organizational Management and Administrative Acumen: This qualification requires experience at the senior or executive level managing large organizations through multiple layers of managers and supervisors; knowledge of administrative processes, including budget and finance, human resources, and contracting; ability to analyze organizational and operational problems and develop solutions to improve business performance, and the ability to communicate in writing and orally, including meeting and dealing with others in a leadership capacity. Competencies: Administration and Management, Budget Administration, Change Management, Creative Thinking, Decision Making, Human Capital Management and Interpersonal Relations.
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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
Actual salary for Senior Executive Service positions may vary depending on the scope and the complexity of the qualifications and current compensation of the selectee.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.
Applicants must meet all of the qualification requirements 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)
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.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
Applicants that meet the qualifications requirements will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of their experience, training, and/or education indicated on their resume and the qualification responses described in the separate narrative statements. Applications will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel; the panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official. The best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by an OPM independent Qualifications Review Board, unless the selectee is a current SES executive or has successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program.
Applicants who do not submit required documentation or demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs and MTQs in their application will be determined ineligible for further consideration.
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: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.2. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/26/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact HROperations@usagm.gov or 202-920-2400 to request this.
After the announcement closes, the Human Resources Office will conduct a review of your application package. If your application is complete and you meet basic qualification requirements, it will be forwarded to a Rating Panel/Executive Resources Board (ERB) for further review of your narrative statements addressing the required ECQs and MTQs. The best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. The Rating Panel/ERB will decide which Best Qualified applicants will be referred to the Selecting Official. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final selection is made.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.2. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.
To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on 08/26/2026 of the announcement to receive consideration.
Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign (+) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact HROperations@usagm.gov or 202-920-2400 to request this.
After the announcement closes, the Human Resources Office will conduct a review of your application package. If your application is complete and you meet basic qualification requirements, it will be forwarded to a Rating Panel/Executive Resources Board (ERB) for further review of your narrative statements addressing the required ECQs and MTQs. The best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. The Rating Panel/ERB will decide which Best Qualified applicants will be referred to the Selecting Official. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final selection is made.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
