Legal Careers
Deputy Assistant Attorney General
Washington, DC 20530 - United States
The National Security Division (NSD) of the Department of Justice executes the Department's highest priority: to combat terrorism and other threats to national security. The NSD, which consolidates the Department's primary national security elements within a single Division, currently consists of the Office of Intelligence, the Counterterrorism Section, the Counterintelligence and Export Control Section, the Foreign Investment Review Staff, the Office of Justice for Victims of Overseas Terrorism, and the Office of Law and Policy. This organizational structure ensures greater coordination and unity of purpose between prosecutors and law enforcement agencies, on the one hand, and intelligence attorneys and the Intelligence Community, on the other, thus strengthening the effectiveness of the Department's national security efforts. The Division's organizational chart can be found at: http://www.justice.gov/sites/default/files/pages/attachments/2015/05/20/nsd-org-chart-may2015.pdf. The Division is led by an Assistant Attorney General (AAG).
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) performs all duties assigned or required to execute the AAG's policy, programmatic, legal, and administrative agenda including but not limited to the following:
-Provides supervisory and management oversight of a staff of lawyers and non-lawyers within the Division's Counterintelligence and Export Control Section and Foreign Investment Review Staff, who handle extremely sensitive matters of significance to NSD, including, but not limited to: cybersecurity and counterintelligence-related matters; reviews of foreign acquisitions of domestic entities that might affect national security; tracking and monitoring of transactions that have been approved and identifying unreported transactions that might merit review; and responding to Federal Communication Commission (FCC) requests for the Department's views relating to the national security implications of certain transactions relating to FCC licenses.
-Plans, directs, and reviews work to be accomplished by subordinates. As required, establishes program emphasis, develops operating policies and guidelines, and communicates policies and priorities. In furtherance of these functions, determines and implements internal organization, practices, training needs, and improvements in work processes and procedures.
-Prepares legal policy analyses, papers, memoranda, reports, and advice insuring that all policies or recommendations are legally and administratively sound and consistent with Department objectives. Participates in discussions and implements policies advocated by the AAG. Works closely with the intelligence community on national security matters.
-Performs research for various written issuances concerning legal areas in which the Department has an interest. Assignments require personal contacts and discussions with the staff members throughout the Department and other agencies as required to obtain information and assistance in preparation of materials and reports.
-Prepares or reviews legal or other memoranda for the attention or signature of the Principal Deputy Assistant Attorney General (PDAAG) and the AAG. In this connection, engages in research appropriate to the legal or quasi-legal problem at hand. Provides written and oral recommendations to the PDAAG and AAG.
-Analyzes and prepares reports on questions or problems of interest to the AAG. These include issues in individual cases, as well as questions of Department of Justice policy or legal administration. Relays the AAG's policies and philosophies concerning sensitive matters.
-Reviews and evaluates proposed legal actions and recommendations submitted for the approval of the AAG. Analyzes evidence and legal theory of proposed, litigation, and summarizes findings for the AAG.
-Participates in conferences between the AAG and members of the executive staff, or officials of other government agencies or private organizations.
-Represents the AAG at governmental meetings and conferences and speaks for the AAG on delegated subject-matter topics outlining policies and issues of a sensitive nature.
-Provides strong advocacy and commitment to the Division's priorities concerning workforce diversity and equal employment opportunity and demonstrates strong commitment for merit promotion principles in all aspects of hiring, selection, development and performance management of employees.
Applicants must have a J.D. degree, be an active member of the bar (any U.S. jurisdiction), and have at least five (5) years post-J.D. legal or other relevant experience.
The selectee will undergo a suitability review conducted by the Office of Attorney Recruitment and Management.
You must submit a resume and a separate narrative statement/response that addresses each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements related to this position as well as the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) related to all positions in the Senior Executive Service.
Current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employees who have had their Executive Core Qualifications approved by a Qualifications Review Board (QRB) at the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) are not required to address the ECQs, but must address all Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualifications.
OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf
Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements:
1. Demonstrated expertise and experience in one or more of the following substantive areas: national security law, including but not limited to export control, cybersecurity, sanctions, foreign investment, economic espionage, trade secrets, espionage, and protection of classified information; federal criminal practice, including experience handling complex federal criminal cases; telecommunications law and policy; administrative law; and/or technology issues.
2. Ability to effectively communicate complex and technical issues, both orally and in writing, including the ability to advocate successfully with diverse stakeholders and external partners, on matters related to the successful execution of a large -scale organization's mission, programs and projects; and
3. Demonstrated experience in training, supervisory and management roles.
Candidates will be evaluated on the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements identified above based on their total background, i.e., education, training, self-development, awards, outside activities, performance appraisal, as well as work history. If candidates are found to possess all technical requirements, they will then be evaluated based on the Executive Core Qualifications as established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) outlined below.
Executive/Managerial Requirements:
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop and implement an organizational vision, which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity.
· Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, Continual Learning, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Service Motivation, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement strategies, which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
· Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Cultural Awareness, Integrity/Honesty, Team Building
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
· Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making.
· Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Technology Management, Human Resources Management
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
· Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication
Other Information:
The Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) of a selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee (Title V) must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment.
In addition, individuals entering the SES career service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period. Applicants who have completed the Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application.
If the selectee is not a current employee of the Offices, Boards, or Divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice, he/she will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of color, race, religion, national origin, politics, marital status, disability, age, sex, sexual orientation, membership or non-membership in an employee organization, or on the basis of personal favoritism.
The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities and will reasonably accommodate the needs of those persons. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, and to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced.
HOW TO APPLY:
Your application must be submitted by mail, fax, email (ses/sl.applications@usdoj.gov ), or hand-delivery; however; You must ensure that your application is received in JMD/HR at the address specified in the announcement no later than 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the closing date of the vacancy announcement. Please note that sending your application other than by fax or email may result in a delay in your package being received in JMD/HR prior to the deadline; therefore, you would not receive consideration.
Please note that application materials mailed in franked government envelopes will not be considered for this position.
REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:
Applicants must submit the following: A resume, SF-50, and Performance Appraisal, narrative statement for the Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and a narrative statement for the Executive Core Qualifications.
You must send this information to the JMD/HR prior to the closing date of this announcement.
Applicants who fail to submit all information and documents (i.e., resume, written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications and Mandatory Technical Qualifications, and other qualifications as applicable) MAY NOT receive consideration for this position.
If you are a current career member of the SES, or are eligible for reinstatement in to the SES, or have completed an SES Candidate Development Program and obtained Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board certification, you can apply to be considered non competitively.
To be considered non competitively, you must submit your resume, written statements addressing the technical qualifications, and other qualifications, as applicable, however, you need not submit written statements addressing the Executive Core Qualifications.
You must submit your application so that it will be received by 11:59 p.m. (EDT) on the closing date of the announcement.
KEY REQUIREMENTS
· We must receive your application by 11:59 pm (EDT) on the closing date.
· You must meet all minimum qualifications to be considered eligible.
· You must receive written notification that your application was received.
INTERNET SITE: This vacancy announcement is also posted on the USAJobs website at https://www.usajobs.gov/GetJob/ViewDetails/428408600
AGENCY CONTACT INFO:
Linda Anderson
Phone: (202)532-4589
Fax: (202)514-0673
Email: SES/SL.APPLICATIONS@USDOJ.GOV
Agency Information:
National Security Division
JMD Human Resources
145 N Street NE Room 9W300
Washington, DC 20530
USA
Fax: (202)514-0673
WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.
$123,175.00 to $185,100.00 / Per Year
* * *
Department Policies
Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.
Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities: The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.
Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
USAO Residency Requirement: Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
* * *
This and other vacancy announcements can be found under Attorney Vacancies and Volunteer Legal Internships. The Department of Justice cannot control further dissemination and/or posting of information contained in this vacancy announcement. Such posting and/or dissemination is not an endorsement by the Department of the organization or group disseminating and/or posting the information.