Chief Education Branch

Qualification Requirements: You must submit a separate narrative statement that addresses each of the Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) related to this position as well as the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) related to all positions in the Senior Executive Service. Your narrative statements should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification. Structure your statements in terms of the action taken, the context or environment in which the action was taken, and the outcome or results from such actions. You should write each statement with the vacancy in mind as all qualifications are directly related to the position being filled. Be sure to include appropriate training and awards when addressing your qualifications. Please limit your narrative statements to two pages per factor. For further information and tips on writing effective narrative statements, see OPM’s publication ‘A Guide to SES Qualifications available on the OPM website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf . If you do not submit a separate statement addressing these qualifications, you will not receive consideration for the position. MANDATORY TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (MTQs) : All applicants must submit written statements (narrative or bullet format acceptable) of accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. Each MTQ narrative response must: (1) not exceed two pages per narrative statement; (2) include specific examples of your experience, education, and/or accomplishments; and (3) address specific challenges, contexts, actions, and results. Each must be addressed separately in your Supplemental Narrative Statement. Each MTQ must not exceed 2 pages. Failure to do so will result in an incomplete application and you will be rated as ‘ineligible. MTQ 1: Senior-level experience in budget, program, and policy analysis. Ability to make important judgements and develop recommendations that serve as a basis for Presidential decisions on a wide variety of policy matters. MTQ 2: Demonstrated ability to communicate concisely and effectively with senior policy officials, both orally and in writing, particularly in support of policy processes that often involve short timeframes. MTQ 3: Extensive experience in the identification and resolution of complex and contentious issues and successfully negotiating constructive solutions to such issues in both one-on-one and group settings. MTQ 4: Experience in, or demonstrated potential for, managing and leading a professional staff to achieve timely, effective, and high-quality results. MTQ 5: Demonstrated knowledge of the organization and programs of the Department of Education, and Federal education programs. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Mandatory Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the SES under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory executive core qualifications. If you do not submit a separate statement addressing the ECQs and MTQs, you will 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, Certificate of Completion of SESCDP) of your eligibility for appointment to the SES. The following Fundamental Competencies are cross-cutting and should be addressed over the course of your ECQ narrative. It is not necessary to address them directly as long as the narrative, in its totality, shows mastery of the competencies on the whole. The competencies are: Interpersonal Skills; Oral Communications; Continual Learning; Written Communication; Integrity/Honesty; and Public Service Motivation. There are five ECQs: 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. 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. ECQ 3: Results Driven – This core qualification involves the ability to meet organization 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. ECQ 4: Business Acumen – This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically. 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, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.
This position is located in the Executive Office of the President (EOP), Office of Management and Budget (OMB), Education, Income Maintenance, and Labor Division, Education Branch. As Branch Chief, you are responsible for supervising the formulation and administration of the budget for the Department of Education and various related agencies; advising on the formulation and application of fiscal and budgetary policy and on clearance of legislative and policy proposals.