Deputy Associate Director

Full Job Description

This position is located in the External Affairs Directorate, Camp Springs, MD. As the Deputy Associate Director (DAD) of the External Affairs Directorate (EXA), he/she is a key member of the U.S.

Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) management team, directing all congressional/legislative affairs and communications activities for USCIS.

The Deputy Associate Director, EXA implements the overall communications strategy for USCIS and manages staff, programs and activities.

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.

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.

There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).

The ECQs and TQs should be evident in the2-page resume. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

TQ 1: Demonstrated expertise in managing multi-faceted communications and engagement strategies to include legislative affairs and citizenship or other specialized programs.

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 effectively demonstrate 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.

Major Duties:

U.S. Citizenship and Immigration Services (USCIS) is an agency within the U.S. Department of Homeland Security (DHS).

We lawfully administer immigration and naturalization adjudication functions and establish immigration services policies and priorities.

The Deputy Associate Director for EXA supports the vital role played by the Associate Director (AD) in managing USCIS relationships with Congress and with other DHS and external entities when the interests of Congress affect more than one agency.

He/she provides important input into national policy and operational decisions.

He/she prepares the AD to represent USCIS at Congressional committee briefings and coordinates hearings regarding the policies and position of USCIS.

The incumbent maintains a highly confidential relationship with the Associate Director for EXA.

Assist in the oversight of the management of the communications, legislative affairs, and citizenship programs for USCIS.

Incumbent serves as a key policy advisor and liaison to the AD in the development of policies that conform to the goals of USCIS, DHS, and the Administration.

Collaborates with senior leadership to formulate complex and strategic long-range plans and policies that are consistent with the Administration's and Department's policy positions, as well as coordinate, monitor and formulate appropriate processes and guidelines for policy decision making by the AD EXA, USCIS Deputy Director, or USCIS Director.

Works closely with the AD EXA and other senior leadership to develop and maintain continuing awareness of their philosophies, convictions, special interests, and areas of concern, as related to the USCIS mission.

Represents the Associate Director (AD) of External Affairs on agency communications issues.

Based on the recommendations and direction from the AD, implements and evaluates systems and programs that solicit and consider public comments regarding USCIS activities; and advises top officials concerning public and media interest and reactions to changes in USCIS policies and programs.

Provides recommendation for methods that enhance the effectiveness of communications strategies.

Monitors activities of the staff in conducting briefings and public meetings in coordination with press conferences and interviews.

As a member of the agency's executive team, you will implement the President's Management Agenda within your specific area of responsibility.

For an overview of the various responsibilities USCIS carries out within the Government, visit our website at http://www.uscis.gov.