Deputy Chief Counsel

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration; Washington (District of Columbia); On-site; USD 120,000 - 160,000; Full time

Job summary

Federal Motor Carrier Safety Administration seeks a Deputy Chief Counsel to lead the Office of the Chief Counsel in Washington, DC. This senior role provides oversight of the agency's comprehensive legal programs, policies, and services and directs a team of attorneys and staff.

The Deputy Chief Counsel will shape regulatory strategy, oversee enforcement and litigation initiatives, and partner with internal and external stakeholders to advance the agency's mission and uphold the rule of law.

Qualifications

• Senior-level legal expert in enforcement, regulatory, or legislative activities.
• Experience representing positions to stakeholders inside and outside government.
• Negotiation, litigation, briefings, public presentations, or other settings.
• Senior management experience in planning, developing, administering, and directing a legal services organization.
• Supervision of attorneys and support staff; resource planning and policy development.

Responsibilities

• Develop and oversee the agency's legal programs, policies, and services.
• Lead and manage the Office of the Chief Counsel staff and activities.
• Ensure compliance with law, ethics, and regulatory requirements.

Skills

Senior-level legal expertise

Leadership ability

Regulatory enforcement experience

Public speaking / negotiation

Job description

This position is located in the FMCSA Office of the Chief Counsel. The Deputy Chief Counsel provides oversight in the development and execution of the agency's comprehensive legal programs, policies, and services.

Benefits

Our benefits package includes Annual Leave (paid vacation), Sick Leave, and Holidays – you will earn 26 days of annual leave and 13 days of sick leave per year. The Federal Government also observes 11 regular paid holidays. Health Benefits – employees and family members are eligible for health benefits at reasonable rates with no required medical examinations or restrictions because of age or physical condition. Flexible Spending Account (FSA) – you may choose to participate in the FSA program and set aside funds on a pre‑tax basis for out‑of‑pocket medical expenses or dependent‑care costs. Federal Long‑Term Care Insurance Program – you may elect to participate. Life Insurance – you may participate in the Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance program, protecting you at group rates with a government contribution toward basic insurance costs.
For more details on the various health and life insurance benefits offered to most Federal Employees, click here.

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 qualification requirements for this position, you must demonstrate the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position in your resume. Resumes must not exceed 2 pages; resumes longer than 2 pages will not be reviewed beyond the second page and may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the required qualifications.

Technical Qualifications (TQs)

• TQ 1: Demonstrated experience serving as a senior‑level legal expert on enforcement, regulatory, or legislative activities, including representing and defending positions pertaining to statutes and regulations to a variety of stakeholders inside and outside of government, in negotiation, litigation, briefings, public presentations, or other settings.
• TQ 2: Demonstrated senior management experience in planning, developing, administering, and directing an organization providing legal services; supervising attorneys and supporting staff; overall responsibility for short‑ and long‑range program planning; allocation of human and material resources; development of operational guidelines and policies; and creation of new methods and measures to solve complex management problems.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed against the following five mandatory ECQs:

• ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government and commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law.
• 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 produce work 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.
• ECQ 5: Achieving Results – demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

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, attach proof (e.g., SF‑50, Certification by OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Important Documents

• Noncriminal Justice Applicant’s Privacy Rights document – required for those undergoing an FBI fingerprint‑based criminal history record check.
• FD‑258 Privacy Act Statement – FBI (used when fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation).
• SEAD‑3‑Reporting‑U.pdf – applicable to those holding a sensitive position or with eligibility for access to classified information.