Special Counsel, Media Bureau

Full Job Description

This position is located in the Media Bureau (MB), Office of the Bureau Chief, Federal Communications Commission in Washington DC.

The MB plays a key role in promoting innovation in the media marketplace as it develops and administers policy and licensing programs relating to the media industry, including broadcast and cable television and radio.

The incumbent advises Bureau leadership and Commission officials on complex legal, policy, and regulatory issues affecting the media industry.

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.

Failure to submit all required documentation by the closing date of this vacancy announcement, including adhering to the maximum two-page resume requirement, will result in removal from consideration.

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.

Your resume must include your full name, mailing address, phone number, email address, and complete employment history.

For each position listed, please include: Employment dates in MM/YYY - MM/YYY format (or MM/YYYY - Present), Agency/Employer name, Position title, Grade level(s) held and a description of duties performed.

In addition to meeting the minimum qualifications, you must also demonstrate the following Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs): Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must clearly demonstrate the ability to meet the ECQs within their two (2) page resume (any experience exceeding 2 pages will not be reviewed).

Current or former SES members must submit an SF-50 and/or QRB Certification of ECQs to show current or former service in the SES.

OPM's Guide to the Senior Executive Services Qualifications provides detailed information on the ECQs.

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

MANDATORY TECHNICAL COMPETENCIES: All candidates must clearly demonstrate the ability to meet the Mandatory Technical Qualifications within their two (2) page resume (any experience exceeding 2 pages will not be reviewed).

MTQ 1- Demonstrated expert knowledge of telecommunications and media law, including understanding the statutory and regulatory frameworks governing broadcast television, radio, cable, satellite, and emerging media services; interpreting and applying the Communications Act, administrative law principles, and federal regulatory procedures in the development of rulemakings, adjudications, licensing actions, or enforcement matters affecting media services; analyzing complex legal issue sand providing authoritative legal guidance on regulatory policy affecting the media and communications industries.

MTQ 2 - Demonstrated ability to provide executive-level legal advice and leadership on complex regulatory and policy matters within a federal regulatory or comparable legal environment, including experience leading or coordinating the development of significant rulemakings, organizational-level policy initiatives, or adjudicatory decisions involving communications or media regulation; advising senior officials; coordinating legal strategies across organizational units; and translating complex legal analysis into policy recommendations that support organizational decision-making.

Major Duties:

The Media Bureau Special Counsel performs the following functions: Provides expert legal advice and policy guidance on complex issues involving communications law, administrative law, and federal regulatory policy related to broadcast television, radio, cable services, satellite services, and emerging digital media platforms.

Leads the development and review of Commission rulemakings, notices of proposed rulemaking, reports and orders, and adjudicatory decisions affecting media services and communications policy.

Advises Bureau leadership on statutory interpretation, regulatory authority, and policy implications of Commission actions involving the media industry.

Serves as a principal legal advisor to the Chief of the Media Bureau and other senior Commission officials on high-profile legal and regulatory matters.

Provides legal analysis and recommendations regarding complex policy initiatives, industry developments, and regulatory issues affecting broadcast and media services.

Prepares legal memoranda, briefing materials, and policy recommendations for Bureau and Commission leadership and Commissioners' offices.

Coordinates legal policy development across divisions within the Media Bureau to ensure consistency in regulatory interpretation and policy implementation.

Collaborates with other Commission bureaus and offices, including the Office of General Counsel, on legal strategy, rulemaking initiatives, and adjudicatory matters.

Provides guidance to senior attorneys and staff on complex legal issues involving media regulation and Commission procedures.