Enforcement Director (Attorney)

Summary

The mission of the Office for Civil Rights (OCR) is to ensure equal access to education and to promote educational excellence through vigorous enforcement of civil rights in our nation's schools. This position may be detailed to another Federal agency.

Duties

The Enforcement Director provides expert policy and legal advice on the agency's civil rights enforcement program to the Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary and provides direction to Regional Office Directors to ensure that enforcement and compliance efforts are consistent with Department policy and support the mission of the Department. The OCR operates under the jurisdiction of Title VI of the Civil Rights Act of 1964, Title IX of the Education Amendments of 1972, Section 504 of the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, the Age Discrimination Act of 1975, Title II of the Americans with Disabilities Act of 1990, and the Boy Scouts of America Equal Access Act and their implementing regulations. The Enforcement Director provides leadership and legal guidance in the enforcement of civil rights in education programs that receive Federal financial assistance, as well as public educational entities regardless of whether they receive Federal financial assistance, including the investigation and resolution of the agency's annual case load, and proactive compliance activities such as compliance reviews, policy/educational outreach and technical assistance activities. The candidate for the position also provides advice to the Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary in the planning of priority issue activities. The incumbent will work directly with the Assistant Secretary and Deputy Assistant Secretary to support the mission of the agency in achieving effective civil rights enforcement and will provide legal direction to the regional offices in the formulation of strategies and plans to accomplish OCR's enforcement activities. Additionally, the incumbent directly supervises assigned Regional Office Directors, providing leadership and sound legal guidance in the development and execution of regional enforcement dockets (proactive compliance activities). The incumbent is also responsible for assessing and adjusting docket priorities to meet changing needs of the Department. Among other things, the incumbent also reviews investigative plans, compliance decisions, case resolution agreements, proposed enforcement actions, and litigation, ensuring that they are legally supportable; comply with the statutes and implementing regulations that OCR enforces; are based upon relevant policy and case law; and are consistent with the goals and objectives of the Assistant Secretary. Provides professional leadership to the regional offices to establish effective and open relationships with OCR's senior management in matters concerning enforcement of civil rights laws, productivity, quality control, and consistency. Assists Regional Office Directors in meeting expectations, provides feedback on performance, and holds regional directors responsible to achieve organizational standards.

Requirements

One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation. U.S. Citizenship Financial disclosure statement, OGE-278. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance. Relocation expenses will NOT be paid. Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable). Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. All initial appointments to an SES position are contingent on approval from OPM's Qualification Review Board. Must be an active member of the Bar in good standing.

Qualifications and evaluation

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. Your Application Package will be further reviewed by a panel to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications. 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.

Education

You must possess a J.D. or LL.M. from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be a member in good standing of a bar in a state/territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of a territory of the United States. PROOF MUST BE SUBMITTED WITH THE APPLICATION.

How to apply

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.

Required documents

Some jobs require additional professional certifications. See the job announcement for details. Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade. A complete application consists of all items listed below. Required materials must be submitted by the conclusion of the staffing process. Applications that are incomplete at that time may not be considered. 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), minimum size 10 font, showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. 2. VACANCY QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy. 3. ADDITIONAL DOCUMENTS: Applicants may submit the following supporting documentation if applicable: CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: May 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 OR FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (including current U.S. Department of Education employees): may also submit: A Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which demonstrates your eligibility. To verify your eligibility, we will review your SF-50 to determine your tenure (block 24) and position occupied (block 34). Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments, promotions, within-grade increases, and pay adjustments. If you currently hold or previously held a federal position at or above the highest grade of this position or you have/had promotion potential at or above the highest grade of this position, you may also submit an SF-50 documenting your highest grade level held or promotion potential. Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments and promotions. 4. EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details. 5. PROOF OF GOOD STANDING AND ACTIVE BAR MEMBERSHIP: Submit documentation that you are a member in good standing of a bar in a state/territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of a territory of the United States. PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL - Most recent performance appraisal is strongly recommended.

Additional information

VETERANS' PREFERENCE -Veterans' Preference does not apply to the SES. SELECTIVE SERVICE - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law. REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION -This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the hiring agency directly. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis. EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) POLICY - http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm 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.