The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mission Support in Washington, DC.
The CAO provides executive-level direction to and oversight of assigned administrative and agency support functions in direct support of all Agency organizations.
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U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.
Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's hiring rules and pay scales.
Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.
Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
All groups of qualified individuals - ALL US CITIZENS
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for a large portfolio and workforce, and for planning, directing and implementing the full scope of administrative business activities for FEMA. The CAO serves as the principal advisor to the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and the Associate Administrator and Deputy Associate Administrator for Mission Support, on matters relating to Agency administrative and assistance activities, by providing input on policy issues relevant to FEMA; advising/participating in Agency-wide operations; and engaging in short and long-term planning for the Agency with administrative related activities.
The CAO is responsible for the oversight of the functional areas of occupational health, and deployment readiness; energy, environmental, and sustainability management; privacy, records, directives, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) management, real and personal property management; facilities management and support services; mail management and related programs.
In addition, is tasked with providing services that drive organizational productivity, ensures resources are allocated efficiently, and maintains financial integrity and transparency so that FEMA can demonstrate high value to stakeholders, customers, and the taxpayer for every dollar spent.
Primary Duties
- Responsible for oversight and coordination of a full range of executive-level managerial responsibilities, to include establishing the Office of the Chief Administrative Officer (OCAO) goals and plans, resource needs, allocations, and use; oversight of OCAO component efficacy and support processes; guiding development of organizational policy; coordinating OCAO support activities within and outside of FEMA; and assessing the organizational efficiency, effectiveness and responsiveness of programs to customers.
- Provides direct executive leadership for major programs and projects with agency-wide impact. Provides executive leadership and direction for the following functions: property management; space planning; records management; safety; energy and sustainability; privacy; and other support services.
- Serves as the senior agency official responsible for implementation of laws, Executive Orders, regulations and similar directives for assigned program areas, including serving as Senior Real Property Officer under E.O. 133327 (real property asset management) and serving as the designated Senior Official responsible for E.O. 13423 (environment, energy and transportation).
- Speaks authoritatively in meetings with top FEMA officials, representatives of other government agencies, state and local officials, and other outside groups. Specifically represents FEMA in discussions and negotiations with General Services Administration, U.S. Army Corps of Engineers, other branches of Department of Defense, and numerous State officials regarding leased and leasing of property.
- Assures that adequate management controls are in place and effectively employed to prevent waste, fraud, mismanagement and abuse.
- Represents the Agency on various inter- and intra-agency groups and boards to coordinate policy, guidance, procedures and activities. Serves on the Undersecretary of Management's Readiness Support Council as the FEMA representative.
- Develops and defends positions on major issues arising within the office's areas of responsibility. Toward this end, achieves and maintains currency with FEMA programs; extant and proposed policies; planning issues; and responsible OCAO program areas.
- Assesses the impact of Presidential guidance, new legislative requirements, and similar external factors, and in acting to satisfy requirements and improve systems and operations to meet goals and objectives.
- You must be a U.S. citizen to apply for this position.
- Males born after 12/31/1959 must be registered for Selective Service.
- You may be required to undergo periodic drug testing.
- You must be able to obtain/maintain the required security clearance.
- Selectee will be required to complete form OGE-278, Executive Personnel Financial Disclosure Form.
- You will serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.
- You must submit to a pre-employment drug test.
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 show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ 1: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of principal customer (e.g., operational program office) missions and OCAO support requirements; specifically, operational component/program office requirements and mission sets. Demonstrated ability to exercise authoritative and decisive leadership over and effectively manage a programmatically dynamic and complex organization.
TQ 2: Ability to communicate expertly, both orally and in writing. Ability to deal effectively on an interpersonal basis with high-level officials, both within and outside the government and knowledge of key regulations and laws with relevance to supported missions and mission support functions.
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 for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a 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 - This core qualification involves the 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 - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the 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 - This core qualification involves the 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 address the (5) ECQs in your resume. In lieu of, you MUST attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
There is no recognized education to qualify for this position; applicant's resumes and supporting documentation will be acceptable.
This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
Veteran's Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.
All candidates must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice to anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period of time. If selected, you will be subject to 24-hour on-call in the event of an emergency. In this event, this service may include duties other than those specified in the official position description. Selectee must be able to relocate to emergency sites with little advance notice and function under intense physical and mental stress.
Background Investigation: You must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation in order to obtain a Top-Secret w/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
Drug Testing: You must submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm
Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to
Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicant's criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to [email protected].
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.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
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Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants:
1. Minimum requirements: Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to ensure the education requirement has been met and that your 2-page resume minimally demonstrates the required Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs). You will be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the education and qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete or your resume exceeds the 2-page limit, you will be found "ineligible".
2. Rating and Ranking: If you are found to be minimally qualified, the Rating and Ranking panel will review your resume and evaluate your qualifications for this position.
3. Interview Panel: If the Rating and Ranking panel rate you as highly-qualified, your resume will be referred to an Interview Panel for consideration, where you may undergo one or more interviews. From there, you may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.
Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
- CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEMBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility.
- SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification.
- CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee.
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on the closing date of the announcement to receive consideration.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
- Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back,
- FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and
- SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)"
OCHCO Executive Resources
Once the evaluation process is complete and a selection has been made, the selectee's application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB), unless the selectee is a noncompetitive candidate that has been successfully certified by the OPM QRB.
We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Thank you for your employment interest in the Federal Emergency Management Agency!
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Relocation expenses reimbursed
No
Salary
$151,661 - $228,000 per year
Pay scale & grade
ES 00
Learn more about pay scale and grade
Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.
Travel Required
Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
Appointment type
Permanent
Occupations and job series
Federal service type
This job is in the Senior Executive Service
Represented by a union
No
Security clearance
Top Secret
Position sensitivity and risk
Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Financial disclosure required
Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number
FEMA-FY26-FM-CAO-SES
