Summary
The Director of Policy and Research serves within the U.S. Agency for Global Media (USAGM) with responsibility for leading intragovernmental and intergovernmental outreach, strategic planning, research and review, and performance assessment for the agency. The Director oversees the Office of Internet Freedom, the Office of Press Freedom and Journalist Safety, the Office of Research and Performance Assessment and the Office of Editorials.
This job is open to

• Senior executives
  Those who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
• The public
  U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Clarification from the agency
Applications will be accepted from all qualified candidates.
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Duties
As the Director of Policy and Research , you will be responsible for duties to include, but are not limited to:
Serves as a primary strategic advisor to the CEO and agency leadership, leading the development of the Agency's strategic plan, and other key documents:

• Leads the development, establishment and assessment of the Agency's strategic plan by working collaboratively with the CEO, network leadership, and their teams.
• Ensures that appropriate, consistent, and meaningful metrics are in place to measure performance and progress towards the Agency's strategic goals, including the development, collection, and appropriate use of research, data, analytics and metrics for audience segmentation.
• Provides written and oral briefings to external parties, including Department of State, NSC, and other Administration and Congressional officials on country, topical, or regional strategies to ensure understanding of community work and contributions in furtherance of foreign policy objectives.
• Leads and advises senior management on how to best implement the Agency's strategic plan(s) and priorities related to Press Freedom and journalist safety.

Manages subordinate offices and program elements including strategic planning and organization management:

• Oversees the Congressionally-mandated evaluation and oversight functions, including program review oversight, and the annual Language Service Review.
• Oversees the development and implementation of the agency's data management system and data reporting portal.
• Oversees the preparation of editorials, Public Service Announcements, and equivalent information for broadcast, publication, and other distribution.
• Supervises the Director of the Office of Internet Freedom, ensuring that USAGM provides effective oversight of OTF funding and relevant activities.

Supervises a staff of editorial writers, researchers, analysts, and related personnel, through subordinate managers and supervisors:

• Directs analysts in monitoring the performance and quality of content and output against agency mission, strategic goals, and objectives.
• Plans, assigns, and guides work to be accomplished by subordinates and colleagues, sets and adjusts short-term priorities, and prepares schedules for completion of work.
• Assigns work based on priorities, selective consideration of the difficulty and requirements of assignments, and the capabilities of employees.
• Coordinates activities with customers and other organizations and takes any action needed to resolve any related issues in an effective and collaborative manner.

Requirements
Conditions of Employment

• U.S. citizenship is required.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position.
• This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit.
• All federal employees are required to have direct deposit.
• You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date in which you are appointed unless this probationary period has already been served.
• Selected candidate will be required to submit Executive Branch Personnel Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE Form 278.
• Veterans' preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
• You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Qualifications
To meet minimum qualification requirements for this position, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) .
All applicants MUST submit written narrative responses addressing each Mandatory Technical Qualification (MTQ) and Executive Core Qualification (ECQ) separately. When preparing your responses to the MTQs and ECQs, you are encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action and Result model outlined in the OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications. Your examples should be clear and concise, and emphasize your level of responsibilities, scope of complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments including the results of your actions. ECQ narrative statements may not exceed ten (10) pages; MTQs may not exceed two (2) pages. Please included your full name on all documents submitted.
You must upload your written narrative responses to MTQs and EQCs to your application package. Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Mandatory Technical and Executive Core Qualification factors will result in your application being disqualified.
Note: Current career SES members, former career SES members with reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates who have been certified by OPM do NOT need to provide ECQs narratives.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQ): Mandatory for all applicants.
All applicants must submit a written narrative response to the following MTQs. You must address each MTQ separately. Each MTQ narrative must not exceed two (2) pages. Please give examples and explain the complexity of the knowledge possessed and the sensitivity of the issued you handled.
MTQ 1: Strategic Management and Planning Acumen - This qualification requires expert knowledge of the scientific principles, methods, and processes used to conduct a systematic and objective inquiry; including study design, collection, analysis, and interpretation of data; and the reporting of results; and formulates effective strategies consistent with the business and competitive strategy of the organization in a global economy. Examines policy issues and strategic planning with a long-term perspective. Determines objectives and sets priorities; anticipates potential threats or opportunities. Competencies: Research and Strategic Thinking.
MTQ 2: Foreign Policy and Current Events Acumen - This qualification requires extensive knowledge and understanding of domestic and international affairs and U.S. foreign policy; an awareness of and sensitivity to cultural and political influences affecting global audiences; and extensive knowledge of world wide geo-political and economic events; demonstrated knowledge of press freedom issues, and political and policy awareness at a level, which will provide for sensitivity in judgments made on highly controversial matters. Demonstrated ability to communicate with external parties, such as Department of State, National Security Council, and other Administration and Congressional officials on country, topical, or regional strategies to ensure understanding of community work and contributions in furtherance of foreign policy objectives. Competencies: External Awareness, and Political Savvy.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS: Mandatory for all competitive applicants.
All applicants must submit a written narrative response to each of the following ECQs. Your narrative must address each ECQ separately, should contain at least two examples describing your experiences and results; and demonstrate the underlying competencies in the narrative. Your ECQ narrative responses must not exceed 10 pages.
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision.
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building.
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility.
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. Competencies: Financial Management, Human Capital Management, Technology Management.
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, or international organizations to achieve common goals. Competencies: Partnering, Political Savvy, Influencing/Negotiating.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
Additional information
This vacancy announcement has been amended to extend the closing date.
USAGM 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.
Actual salary for Senior Executive Service positions may vary depending on the scope and the complexity of the qualifications and current compensation of the selectee.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.
Applicants must meet all of the qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
Fair Chance Act: Under the Fair Chance Act, agencies are not allowed to request information about an applicant's criminal history until a conditional offer of employment has been made, except as allowed for access to classified information; assignment to national security duties or positions; or recruitment of a Federal law enforcement officer. An applicant may submit a complaint or any other information related to an organization's alleged noncompliance with the Fair Chance Act. The complaint must be submitted within 30 calendar days of the date of the alleged noncompliance. To make a Fair Chance Act inquiry or complaint, send an email with the appropriate information to HROperations@usagm.gov, subject line: Fair Chance Act.

• Benefits
  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.
  Review our 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.
We will review your resume and required documents to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements.
Applicants that meet the qualifications requirements will be evaluated based on the quality and extent of their experience, training, and/or education indicated on their resume and the qualification responses described in the separate narrative statements. Applications will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel; the panel may conduct interviews with the top candidates and then make a recommendation to the selecting official. The best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation.
Once a selection is made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by an OPM independent Qualifications Review Board, unless the selectee is a current SES executive or has successfully participated in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program.
Applicants who do not submit required documentation or demonstrate sufficient possession of the ECQs and MTQs in their application will be determined ineligible for further consideration.

• Benefits
  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.
  Review our 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.
• Required Documents
  As a new or existing federal employee, you and your family may have access to a range of benefits. Your benefits depend on the type of position you have - whether you're a permanent, part-time, temporary or an intermittent employee. You may be eligible for the following benefits, however, check with your agency to make sure you're eligible under their policies.
  1. Resume - showing relevant work experience (start/end dates stated in month/year, description of duties), applicable education at a minimum, and your contact information. For current or previous Federal employees, it should also include the Pay Plan, Series and Grade for each work experience entry. Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
  2. Mandatory Technical Qualifications - narrative responses for each MTQ. Limit your response to 2 pages per MTQ. You must title each MTQ. Required for all applicants.
  3. Executive Core Qualifications - narrative responses for each ECQ, if applicable. Limit your response to 2 pages per ECQ for a total of 10 pages. You must title each ECQ. Required for all competitive candidates.
  4. SF-50 - Most recent SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action (If applicable).
  5. SES Non-Competitive Applicants - Proof of SES non-competitive eligibility is required. Proof consists of:
  1) SF-50 showing your status as a:
  (a) current Career SES appointee,
  (b) former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or
  (c) current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive
  OR
  2) A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SES CDP).
  NOTE: This applies only if your ECQ's have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) through the SES CDP.
  These documents may be used to determine your eligibility to be considered under this announcement. Non-competitive applicants do not need to submit ECQ narratives, but you must clearly state your status in your resume and submit written narrative response to the Mandatory Technical Qualification (s); not more than 2 pages per each MTQ. The agency has the option of considering you non-competitively or including you in the competitive process.
  6. Current or former Political Appointees (if applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50 (i.e. your appointment SF-50). OPM must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information.
• How to Apply
  You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.
  
  • To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
  • To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
  • Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
  • You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
  • Click the following link to pre-view and print the occupational questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12504606.
  • After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
  • It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/10/2024 of the announcement to receive consideration.
  • Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
  • To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
  • To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign ( ) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
  • Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
  • Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
  • This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact HROperations@usagm.gov or 202-920-2400 to request this.
  Agency contact information
  Alyssa Poole
  Email
  apoole@usagm.gov
  Next steps
  After the announcement closes, the Human Resources Office will conduct a review of your application package. If your application is complete and you meet basic qualification requirements, it will be forwarded to a Rating Panel/Executive Resources Board (ERB) for further review of your narrative statements addressing the required ECQs and MTQs. The best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. The Rating Panel/ERB will decide which Best Qualified applicants will be referred to the Selecting Official. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final selection is made.
• Fair and Transparent
  The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
  
  • Criminal history inquiries
  • Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
  • Financial suitability
  • New employee probationary period
  • Privacy Act
  • Reasonable accommodation policy
  • Selective Service
  • Signature and false statements
  • Social security number request

Required Documents
1. Resume - showing relevant work experience (start/end dates stated in month/year, description of duties), applicable education at a minimum, and your contact information. For current or previous Federal employees, it should also include the Pay Plan, Series and Grade for each work experience entry. Limit your resume to 5 pages. If more than 5 pages are submitted, only the first 5 pages will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications.
2. Mandatory Technical Qualifications - narrative responses for each MTQ. Limit your response to 2 pages per MTQ. You must title each MTQ. Required for all applicants.
3. Executive Core Qualifications - narrative responses for each ECQ, if applicable. Limit your response to 2 pages per ECQ for a total of 10 pages. You must title each ECQ. Required for all competitive candidates.
4. SF-50 - Most recent SF-50 or Notification of Personnel Action (If applicable).
5. SES Non-Competitive Applicants - Proof of SES non-competitive eligibility is required. Proof consists of:
1) SF-50 showing your status as a:
(a) current Career SES appointee,
(b) former Career SES appointee with career SES reinstatement eligibility, or
(c) current or reinstatement eligible Career SES-equivalent executive
OR
2) A certificate of completion from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SES CDP).
NOTE: This applies only if your ECQ's have been approved by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB) through the SES CDP.
These documents may be used to determine your eligibility to be considered under this announcement. Non-competitive applicants do not need to submit ECQ narratives, but you must clearly state your status in your resume and submit written narrative response to the Mandatory Technical Qualification (s); not more than 2 pages per each MTQ. The agency has the option of considering you non-competitively or including you in the competitive process.
6. Current or former Political Appointees (if applicable) - please note on your resume and attach an SF-50 (i.e. your appointment SF-50). OPM must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C or Non-Career SES employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information.
How to Apply
You are encouraged to apply online. Applying online will allow you to review and track the status of your application. If you cannot complete the Application Package online, please contact the Human Resource Specialist listed in this vacancy announcement.

• To apply for this position, you must complete the occupational questionnaire and submit the documentation specified in the Required Documents and any appropriate Accepted Documents.
• To begin, click Apply in the announcement; then, choose to create a new USAJOBS account or Sign-in into your existing account.
• Follow the prompts to select your resume and/or other supporting documents to be included with your application package.
• You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before submitting it. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
• Click the following link to pre-view and print the occupational questionnaire https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12504606.
• After completing the questionnaire and uploading appropriate documents, click the Submit Application to submit your application package.
• It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered in the profile is accurate and all required documents are uploaded and submitted before 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/10/2024 of the announcement to receive consideration.
• Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. If a document is not in legible format, applicant will not be able to view it in Application Manager which means applicant must again upload the documentation to the system by the closing date of this announcement.
• To verify your application is complete, log into your USAJOBS account. The page will display the positions for which you've applied as well as the status of each application.
• To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click on the plus sign ( ) next to the job title to expand information about the job. Next click on Update Application to complete the application process.
• Note: Submission of a resume alone IS NOT a complete application. This position requires the completion of additional forms and/or supplemental materials as described previously. Please carefully review the complete job announcement, including the Required Documents, Other Information, and How to Apply sections of the announcement.
• Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail or e-mail. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.
• This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities on a case-by-case basis; contact HROperations@usagm.gov or 202-920-2400 to request this.

Agency contact information
Alyssa Poole
Email
apoole@usagm.gov
Next steps
After the announcement closes, the Human Resources Office will conduct a review of your application package. If your application is complete and you meet basic qualification requirements, it will be forwarded to a Rating Panel/Executive Resources Board (ERB) for further review of your narrative statements addressing the required ECQs and MTQs. The best qualified candidates may be invited to participate in a structured interview. The Rating Panel/ERB will decide which Best Qualified applicants will be referred to the Selecting Official. If selected, you may be required to provide supporting documentation. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final selection is made.
Fair & Transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

• Criminal history inquiries
• Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy
• Financial suitability
• New employee probationary period
• Privacy Act
• Reasonable accommodation policy
• Selective Service
• Signature and false statements
• Social security number request