Program Manager (Deputy Associate Administrator)

Summary The incumbent serves as the Assistant Deputy Administrator in the Food and Nutrition Service. Responsible for providing timely/credible analysis of legislative, budgetary, regulatory/program management issues, effective communication of the agency's mission/accomplishments, and strategic partnerships and outreach to achieve the agency's mission objectives. Provides leadership for the agency's strategic and operational planning. This position serves as the alter ego to the Deputy Administrator. Responsibilities Supports the Deputy Administrator in his/her shared responsibility with the Administrator for all aspects of FNS program operations, including development of policies and programs. Also shares responsibility in management of workload, manpower and funds; planning and execution of public affairs, communications, research, and analysis; and implementation of strategic initiatives, partnerships, and outreach. Participates with other agency executives to develop policies and procedures for the nation's domestic nutrition assistance programs to improve health and nutrition among low-income families and individuals. Provides direction and leadership in the development of short- and long-range goals, policies, and plans that support the agency mission and its legislative, regulatory, and budgetary agendas. Represents FNS in the presentation of program activities, goals, and objectives before other agencies and mission areas within USDA and stakeholders in other Federal agencies. Also represents FNS in State and local governments, non-profit organizations, advocacy communities, industry and other to develop and maintain productive and cooperative relationships. Provides direction and leadership for the development and execution of the agency's policy research and analysis agenda in support of agency and program priorities, and ensuring adherence to standards of technical quality and policy consistency. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications Applicants must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of the announcement including time-in-grade restrictions, specialized experience and/or education, as defined below. Time in grade: Under competitive merit promotion procedures, any individual who is currently holding, or who has held within the previous 52 weeks, a General Schedule position under non-temporary appointment in the competitive or excepted service, must meet "time-in-grade" requirements (have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade of the grade for which you are applying). You must include an SF-50 (you may need to submit more than one) that supports meeting this requirement with your application package. To qualify for the GS-15: Applicants must possess one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 in the Federal and or Public Service. Specialized experience is defined as: Experience in the production, communication and dissemination of information and ideas to inform and entertain via written, oral, and visual media. Managing partnerships with external stakeholders in a manner that effectively leverages resources as well as providing partnership strategic planning and developing effective working relationship. AND Experience building and maintaining Congressional/legislative relationship and communication. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. Education There is no substitution of education at this grade level. Additional Information Career Transition Assistance Plan (CTAP), Reemployment Priority List (RPL), or Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP): Visit the OPM website for information on how to apply as a CTAP, RPL, or ICTAP eligible. To exercise selection priority for this vacancy, CTAP/RPL/ICTAP candidates must meet the basic eligibility requirements and all selective factors. CTAP/ICTAP candidates must be rated and determined to be well qualified (or above) based on an evaluation of the competencies listed in the How You Will Be Evaluated section. When assessed through a score-based category rating method, CTAP/ICTAP applicants must receive a rating of at least 85 out of a possible 100. Veterans who are preference eligible or who have been separated from the armed forces under honorable conditions after three years or more of continuous active service are eligible for consideration under the Veteran's Employment Opportunity Act (VEOA). For more information on applying under special hiring authorities such as the 30 percent disabled veterans, certain military spouses, Schedule A Disabled, etc., explore the different Hiring Paths on the USAJOBS website. Land Management Workforce Flexibility Act (LMWFA) provides current or former temporary or term employees of federal land management agencies opportunity to compete for permanent competitive service positions. Individuals must have more than 24 months of service without a break between appointments of two or more years. Service must be in the competitive service and have been at a successful level of performance or better. Refer to PUBLIC LAW 114-47-AUG. 7, 2015 for more information. USDA is offering a variety of strategic workplace flexibilities which allow us to recruit and retain the best talent that reflects the diversity of our country, improve employee morale, and make USDA an employer of choice. In support of this commitment, telework-eligible positions may be eligible to telework up to eight days a pay period, based upon the duties of specific positions. This position may also be eligible for flexible work arrangements as determined by Departmental policy and any applicable collective bargaining agreements.