This position serves as Deputy Director for Conscience and Religious Freedom within HHS's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Supports OCR's mission to prevent unlawful discrimination, protect conscience and religious freedom rights, and safeguard protected health information. Responsibilities include enforcement, complaint investigations, compliance reviews, policy and regulatory development, technical assistance, and public outreach to promote equal access to health care and human services.
Summary
This position serves as Deputy Director for Conscience and Religious Freedom within HHS's Office for Civil Rights (OCR). Supports OCR's mission to prevent unlawful discrimination, protect conscience and religious freedom rights, and safeguard protected health information. Responsibilities include enforcement, complaint investigations, compliance reviews, policy and regulatory development, technical assistance, and public outreach to promote equal access to health care and human services.
Current employees within the Federal civil service. Senior Executive Service (SES) reinstatement eligibles and SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) graduates may also apply for noncompetitive consideration.
The Deputy Director serves as a senior executive and principal advisor to the OCR Director on all matters related to conscience and religious freedom. The incumbent is responsible for the national leadership, direction, and execution of OCR's conscience and religious freedom program, ensuring the consistent, lawful, and effective implementation of Federal statutes and regulations protecting conscience and religious freedom in HHS-conducted or HHS-funded programs and activities, as well as related Departmental policies.
Provides executive leadership for OCR's national conscience and religious freedom program, with accountability for achieving measurable outcomes in enforcement, policy and regulatory development and implementation, and program performance. Leads priority enforcement initiatives within the conscience and religious freedom program, including coordination of high-impact investigations and compliance reviews. Ensures timely resolution of assigned conscience and religious freedom complaints to Conscience and Religious Freedom staff consistent with performance metrics and compliance standards.
Implements enforcement and policy priorities established by the Secretary and OCR Director, in coordination with other OCR components, translating strategic direction into operational plans, program guidance, and performance expectations across OCR headquarters and field offices. Provides subject-matter leadership for outreach, public education, and technical assistance efforts, in coordination with field-based outreach conducted through the Enforcement Division, to promote awareness of and compliance with applicable laws and policies.
Leads the development and implementation of program-specific tools, model templates, and guidance to support OCR's enforcement, policy, and outreach activities and promote consistency, efficiency, and quality in program execution. Identifies and designs conscience and religious freedom-specific training and technical guidance for OCR staff to support consistent implementation of program requirements. Collaborates with other OCR Deputy Directors to identify areas of overlap, ensure coordination, and integrate conscience and religious freedom activities with broader OCR programs and operations.
Ensures the consistent and legally sound implementation of Federal conscience and religious freedom statutes, regulations, and policies, including that enforcement and policy activities achieve legal sufficiency and consistency in their application across OCR programs and regions.
Oversees the development and execution of regulations, sub-regulatory guidance, and policy interpretations in alignment with governing legal authorities and Departmental priorities. Serves as the principal advisor to the OCR Director on complex and sensitive enforcement and policy matters. Advises senior leadership on risks related to inconsistent interpretation or application of Federal conscience and religious freedom laws and implements strategies to mitigate such risks.
Directs program operations to ensure efficiency, effectiveness, and accountability. Works in collaboration with the Deputy Director of Enforcement on strategies for improving timely resolution of civil rights case backlogs, and for meeting CRF-specific OCR performance outcomes. Oversees the development and use of data systems, analytical tools, and performance metrics to identify national trends, assess program effectiveness, and improve operational processes. Ensures the integrity and maintenance of program data to support reporting requirements and inform decision-making.
Collaborates with organizational leadership responsible for operations, resources, and performance management to ensure effective collection, analysis, and use of data to assess program efficiency and effectiveness.
This employer participates in the E-Verify Program
You must be a U.S. Citizen
You will be subject to a 1-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).
Executive qualifications must be approved by OPM before appointment. If selected and you do not already have OPM QRB certification, you must complete a structured ECQ interview with OPM before being appointed to the position.
You must meet the qualification requirements of this position no later than the closing date of the job opportunity announcement.
You must 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, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
You must file a Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278e, before assuming the SES appointment and annually from then on.
You will 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.
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: Demonstrated executive-level knowledge and experience in the development and administration of Federal conscience and religious freedom laws, regulations, policies, and programs within a complex, high-visibility national environment. Demonstrated executive-level knowledge and experience in investigative, compliance, and enforcement methodologies necessary to evaluate complex cases, determine legal compliance, and guide appropriate corrective actions.
TQ 2:Demonstrated executive-level experience building strategic partnerships and leading collaboration across organizational and governmental boundaries to achieve mission objectives. Experience advising senior executives on complex and sensitive issues, influencing policy and program decisions, representing an organization in high-level interagency and external engagements, and fostering productive relationships with internal and external stakeholders to advance organizational priorities.
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.
Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or MTQs.
Education
Additional information
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, research emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
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.
Preferred Experience:
Prior supervisory experience required; Prior experience with HHS programs preferred.
Salary:
Salary for Senior Executive Service positions varies depending on qualifications. The annual salary range may be found at the top of this announcement. This position may be eligible for performance bonuses and performance-based pay adjustments.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure
HHS inspires public confidence by maintaining high ethical principles, and all Federal Government employees are subject to the conflict-of-interest statutes and regulations, including the Standards of Ethical Conduct, that govern activities with outside organizations and reporting financial holdings. The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521 also requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278e, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
If applying online poses a hardship to you, you may submit your application by contacting. BreAnna Stewart in the agency contact section.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the POC in the agency contact section. Requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
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.
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.
You will be evaluated on the quality and extent of your total accomplishments, experience, and education (if applicable). Your application will be rated and ranked by an Executive Resources Board (ERB) Panel, comprised of at least three SES members, using only the information required within the application package. Applicants who do not demonstrate in their application sufficient possession of the ECQs and TQs will be determined ineligible for further consideration.
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/.
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: 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.
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 submit the complete online application and documentation specified in the Required Documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the CLOSINGDATE 11/02/2026 of this 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 résumé 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.
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Next Steps:
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: 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.
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 submit the complete online application and documentation specified in the Required Documents by 11:59 PM (EST) on the CLOSINGDATE 11/02/2026 of this 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 résumé 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.
Office for Civil Rights
200 Independence Avenue, S.W.
Washington, DC 20201
US
Next steps
Next Steps:
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.
