Chief Counsel

Department of Energy Headquarters; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 199,000 - 228,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Telework eligible

Job summary

Department of Energy Headquarters in Washington, DC seeks an exceptional executive to serve as Chief Counsel for the Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF). You will guide federal financing programs, ensure regulatory compliance, and lead a high‑performing legal team.

As SES-level Chief Counsel, you will advise EDF senior leadership, manage legal operations, oversee loan guarantees and procurement, and coordinate with DOJ, GAO, and congressional stakeholders to advance energy resilience and

Qualifications

• J.D. from ABA-accredited law school.
• Active bar membership in a U.S. state, D.C., or Puerto Rico.
• Ability to provide proof of education when requested.

Responsibilities

• Serve as principal legal advisor to EDF senior leadership.
• Direct EDF's legal operations and strategic planning.
• Oversee procurement, contract negotiation and compliance programs.
• Manage loan guarantees, project finance, and related oversight.
• Represent EDF in interagency and congressional matters.

Skills

Executive leadership

Legal strategy

Team mentoring

Education

Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree

Job description

• Hiring Agency: Department of Energy Headquarters
• Department: Department of Energy
• Location: Washington, District of Columbia
• Hiring Path: Fed Competitive
• Number of Openings: 1
• Security Clearance: Q Access Authorization

The U.S. Department of Energy seeks an exceptional executive leader to serve as Chief Counsel. Drive legal excellence across landmark financing initiatives for next-generation American energy and manufacturing. Help anchor U.S. energy independence, fortify grid resilience, and deliver lower energy costs nationwide. Join DOE and build America's energy future.

Key Responsibilities

Lead at the Intersection of Energy Security, Law, and Transformative Finance Are you an innovative, seasoned executive ready to direct legal strategy for landmark federal financing initiatives? The U.S. Department of Energy is seeking an exceptional legal leader to serve as Chief Counsel for the Office of Energy Dominance Financing (EDF).

In this Senior Executive Service (SES) leadership role, you will be the final legal authority guiding monumental federal financing, loan guarantee, and direct loan programs-including Title XVII clean energy initiatives and Advanced Technology Vehicle Manufacturing (ATVM) loans. You will lead a high-performing legal team at the forefront of national infrastructure development, protecting U.S. energy security, strengthening grid reliability, and driving down costs for all Americans.

Major Duties & Responsibilities As Chief Counsel, you will serve as the principal legal advisor to EDF senior leadership and report to the General Counsel of the Department of Energy, exercising full legal and managerial direction over EDF's legal operations.

Executive Legal Counsel & Strategic Leadership: Serve as the principal legal advisor to EDF senior leadership and the final legal authority on all legal matters arising within EDF. Direct organizational legal activities, set strategic plans, establish internal control standards for efficiency and risk mitigation, and evaluate organizational policy, program, and project viability.

Lead, manage, and mentor a team of senior project finance attorneys, contract specialists, and technical experts. Project Finance, Loan Guarantees & Transaction Oversight: Provide comprehensive legal counsel on multi-million/billion-dollar loan transactions, loan guarantees, credit facilities, and project financing under Title XVII of EPAct 2005 and Section 136 of EISA 2007 (ATVM).

Review all loans issued, direct legal due diligence, and advise on the development and execution of loan agreements and credit policy. Advise key governing bodies and boards, including the Credit Review Board (CRB), on the legal status, risk, and effectiveness of loan portfolios. Procurement, Acquisition & Commercial Contracting: Serve as senior legal authority on federal procurement law, fiscal law, and acquisition policies.

Review contracts awarded by EDF, guide contracting officers and negotiators through complex legal principles, and oversee the negotiation of specialized commercial and contract terms. Direct EDF's program for the detection, reporting, investigation, and remediation of contract fraud and antitrust violations.

Litigation, Disputes & Interagency Representation: Supervise EDF's participation in adversarial proceedings, determine settlement positions on pending litigation, and serve as the primary liaison with the Department of Justice (DOJ). Represent EDF before the Comptroller General of the United States (GAO) and the General Services Administration Board of Contract Appeals on pre- and post-award bid protests.

Provide counsel on environmental compliance, Memoranda of Understanding (MOUs), and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA)/Privacy Act matters. Legislative & Intergovernmental Affairs: Direct EDF's legislative program, including drafting proposed statutory language, analyzing pending legislation and Executive Orders, and preparing reports to Congress.

Represent EDF in high-level consultations and negotiations with congressional committees, the Office of Management and Budget (OMB), other federal agencies, and international partners.

Requirements & Education

Attorney positions require a positive education. ALL Candidates must be a graduate of a law school accredited by the American Bar Association with a: Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree Must be a current member in good standing of the Bar of a state or territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. You must provide a copy in your application. **This position has a positive education requirement.

Unofficial transcripts or any report listing institution, course title, credits earned (semester or quarter hour) and final grade is acceptable. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the educational requirements. An official transcript will be required if you are selected.** A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

Which agency is hiring for this position?

This position is with Department of Energy Headquarters, Department of Energy.

What is the salary for this position?

The posted pay range is $199172 – $228000/yr.

Is this position remote or telework eligible?

This position is eligible for telework.

What security clearance is required?

This position requires a Q Access Authorization security clearance.

What is the application deadline?

Applications close on 2026-11-23.

Who is eligible to apply?

This position is open under the 'Fed Competitive' hiring path.