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Posted August 19, 2026

Director, Office of Self Governance

Office of the Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs
Washington, D.C. Full Time
Reference: OfficeoftheAssistantSecretary-IndianAffairs881037300

Department of the Interior structures its Senior Executive Service (SES) positions into categories to determine the minimum pay for each position. This is a category 3 position. The minimum pay for this position is $$196,605.Pay is set based on consideration of the selectee's current salary and other factors.

Veterans preference does not apply to the SES. There is no educational requirement for this position. The position is located in the Assistant Secretary-Indian Affairs (ASIA) at the Department of the Interior (Department) and reports to the the Deputy Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary - Indian Affairs.

The incumbent carries out the following specific responsibilities:

1. Effectively carries out the functions necessary for sustaining self-governance for Indians under the authority of the Tribal Self-Governance Act, Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (PL 93-638).

2. Provides executive direction for all Indian Affairs efforts to ensure Indian Tribal governments are afforded every opportunity feasible for involvement in managing programs administered by the Department. Defines needs and requirements and creates solutions to implement, develop, and sustain policies, programs, and activities related to self-governance throughout Indian Affairs, including headquarters, field, and subordinate organizational entities.

3. Serves as advisor to the Assistant Secretary on the full range of self-governance Issues. Represents the Principal Deputy Assistant Secretary and the Assistant Secretary on all self-governance matters and serves as Indian Affairs primary contact within and outside the Department on such matters. Maintains necessary liaison with Congress, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), the Government Accountability Office, the Department of the Treasury, other government agencies, state and local governments, national and international groups, and Indian Tribes.

4. Consults with Indian Tribes and provides negotiating services for development of self-governance agreements and assists in reconciling governmental issues between Tribes and the Federal government.

5. Ensures sufficient support of self-governance activities for annual budget submissions. Hires highly qualified staff to further the goals and objectives of self-governance.

If your resume does not include these basic qualifications, you will not be determined qualified for this position.

We recommend that your resume includes examples that are clear, concise, and emphasize their level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs, activities, or services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of actions taken. 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 qualifications, you must submit a two-page resume (max) that shows you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs). To be considered, only the first 2 pages of your resume will be reviewed to determine your eligibility/qualifications. Technical Qualifications (TQs) are designed to assess an applicant's experience relevant to the specific position requirements. Your resume should clearly demonstrate your experience and accomplishments related to the two TQs below:

TQ 1: Extensive knowledge of tribal self-governance, including an in-depth understanding of Title IV of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act and experience negotiating or overseeing self-governance compacts and funding agreements with Tribes.

TQ 2: Experience working with Federal recognized Tribes and demonstrated experience engaging with tribal governments in a respectful, nation-to-nation capacity.

ECQ 1-Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: 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: 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: Demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ 4 - Leading People: 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: Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Qualifications will be evaluated based on how clearly and concisely you emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of your programs; services managed; program accomplishments; policy initiatives undertaken; level of contacts; the sensitivity and criticality of the issues addressed; and the results of your actions taken. Typically, experience will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent in the private sector or non-governmental organizations.Already SES Certified? If you are currently serving under a career Senior Executive Service appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the Senior Executive Service, or have completed a Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SES CDP) approved by OPM, you only need to submit a two-page resume and personnel action showing you have held a career SES position. SES CDP graduates must submit a two-page resume and a copy of their CDP program certification with their package..

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