Deputy Assistant Secretary

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Deputy Assistant Secretary

Department of Education

Department of Education - Agency Wide

Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

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• Summary
• This job is open to
• Duties
• Requirements
• How you will be evaluated
• Required documents
• How to apply

Summary

The mission of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is to administer and coordinate programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges.

This position may be detailed to another Federal agency

Learn more about this agency

Summary

The mission of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is to administer and coordinate programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges.

This position may be detailed to another Federal agency

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 08/06/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 6, 2026

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Washington, DC

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $151,661 - $228,000 per year Pay scale & grade

ES 00

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 0301 Miscellaneous Administration And Program

Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness
• National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CCTM-26-13008020-DE Control number 877678500

This job is open to

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The public

U.S. Citizens, Nationals or those who owe allegiance to the U.S.

Duties

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The Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) will provide executive leadership across OCTAEs program, policy, administrative, and operational functions including career and technical education, adult education and literacy, and related workforce and education initiatives, and will serve as a senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary on the administration of federal career and technical education, adult education, community college, correctional and reentry education, and workforce-aligned education programs. Within this operating environment, the DAS, OCTAE:

• Provides executive direction to OCTAE program offices and staff responsible for formula and discretionary grant programs, policy development, technical assistance, monitoring, performance reporting, and stakeholder engagement.
• Ensures that OCTAE maintains strong internal systems for grant administration, risk management, program oversight, grantee communication, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Department policies.
• Oversees OCTAEs administrative operations, including budget execution, procurement, travel, training, human capital, performance management, awards, records management, internal controls, and office communications.
• Manages OCTAEs salaries and expenses planning, procurement planning, contract support, and administrative resource allocation in coordination with Department offices.
• Develops and maintains standard operating procedures for core office functions, including grants, contracts, budget, clearance, personnel actions, administrative approvals, and internal reporting.
• Coordinates OCTAEs contributions to Department-wide requirements, including GPRA, audit responses, performance reporting, budget materials, congressional inquiries, data calls, and internal control reviews.
• Ensures that OCTAE retains appropriate federal oversight, policy authority, statutory decision-making, and accountability when program operations involve interagency agreements or shared administrative support.
• Oversees grant lifecycle functions, including planning, application review, award, monitoring, technical assistance, continuation awards, closeout, and audit follow-up.
• Supports evidence-based policy development and practical implementation of Department priorities related to career-connected learning, workforce development, adult education, community colleges, apprenticeships, AI literacy, and education-to-employment pathways.
• Supports coordination across federal education and workforce programs, including alignment with Department of Labor and other federal partners where appropriate.
• Advises senior leadership on program risks, implementation barriers, stakeholder concerns, statutory limitations, and opportunities for improved performance.
• Represents OCTAE in senior-level Department meetings, interagency discussions, grantee meetings, stakeholder engagements, and internal management forums.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

• One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation.
• U.S. Citizenship
• Financial disclosure statement, OGE-278.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance.
• Relocation expenses will NOT be paid.
• Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable). Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service.
• All initial appointments to an SES position are contingent on approval from OPMs Qualification Review Board.

Qualifications

The application process used to recruit for this position is resume only. Do not submit separate Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) in lieu of resume.

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications related to this position within your resume. Resume should NOT EXCEED 2 PAGES, with the font size no smaller than 10 points. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications.

Failure to meet the basic qualification requirement and address all Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) within your resume will result in your application being disqualified.

EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements 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 (5) 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 organizations 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 must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPMs SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs)

There are two (2) TQs:

TQ 1: Demonstrated ability in leading the development of career-technical education, adult education, community college, or correctional education policy and long-term planning, including assessing needs and opportunities and expanding interagency partnerships to support programmatic activities in order to expand impact.

TQ 2: Demonstrated experience in conducting analyses and evaluation of program data to determine progress towards short and long-term objectives and continuous improvement.

Education

This job does not have an education qualification requirement.

Additional information

VETERANS PREFERENCE - Veterans Preference does not apply to the SES.

SELECTIVE SERVICE - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify at the time of appointment that you have registered with the Selective Service or are exempt from having to do so under Selective Service law.

REASONABLE ACCOMMODATION - This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the hiring agency directly. The decision on granting reasonable accommodation will be on a case-by-case basis.

EQUAL EMPLOYMENT OPPORTUNITY (EEO) POLICY - http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm

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.

Expand Hide additional information

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.

Benefits

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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.

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.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. Your Application Package will be further reviewed by a panel to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly Qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration

Benefits

Help

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.

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.

Required documents

Required Documents

Help

• Some jobs require additional professional certifications. See the job announcement for details.
• Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

A complete application consists of all items listed below. Required materials must be submitted by the conclusion of the staffing process. Applications that are incomplete at that time may not be considered.

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), minimum size 10 font, showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.

2. VACANCY 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 MEBERS: 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 OR FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (including current U.S. Department of Education employees): Must also submit: A Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which demonstrates your eligibility. To verify your eligibility, we will review your SF-50 to determine your tenure (block 24) and position occupied (block 34). Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments, promotions, within-grade increases, and pay adjustments. If you currently hold or previously held a federal position at or above the highest grade of this position or you have/had promotion potential at or above the highest grade of this position, you must also submit an SF-50 documenting your highest grade level held or promotion potential. Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments and promotions.

4. EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details.

• PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL - Most recent performance appraisal is strongly recommended.

How to Apply

Help

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.

Agency contact information

Ashley Robinson

Email Ashley.Robinson@ed.gov Address Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

400 Maryland Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20202

US

Next steps

After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the highly qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements SES Qualifications Review Board before appointment to this position.

You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 80 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Required Documents

Help

• Some jobs require additional professional certifications. See the job announcement for details.
• Your resume should include relevant work experience, applicable education and your contact information. For current or previous federal employees, include the pay plan, series and grade.

A complete application consists of all items listed below. Required materials must be submitted by the conclusion of the staffing process. Applications that are incomplete at that time may not be considered.

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), minimum size 10 font, showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.

2. VACANCY 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 MEBERS: 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 OR FORMER FEDERAL EMPLOYEES (including current U.S. Department of Education employees): Must also submit: A Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which demonstrates your eligibility. To verify your eligibility, we will review your SF-50 to determine your tenure (block 24) and position occupied (block 34). Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments, promotions, within-grade increases, and pay adjustments. If you currently hold or previously held a federal position at or above the highest grade of this position or you have/had promotion potential at or above the highest grade of this position, you must also submit an SF-50 documenting your highest grade level held or promotion potential. Examples of sufficient SF-50s include appointments and promotions.

4. EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details.

• PERFORMANCE APPRAISAL - Most recent performance appraisal is strongly recommended.

How to Apply

Help

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.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Ashley Robinson

Email Ashley.Robinson@ed.gov Address Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

400 Maryland Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20202

US

Next steps

After all application packages have been received, we will review your application to ensure you meet the basic qualification requirements. We will evaluate each applicant who meets the basic qualifications based on the information provided and may interview the highly qualified applicants. After making a tentative job offer, we will conduct a suitability and/or security background investigation.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements SES Qualifications Review Board before appointment to this position.

You should expect to hear back on the outcome of your application within 80 days of the closing date of the announcement.

Expand Hide next steps

Fair and transparent

The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.

Criminal history inquiries Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy

Financial suitability New employee probationary period

Privacy Act Reasonable accommodation policy

Selective Service Signature and false statements

Social security number request

Department of Education - Agency Wide

Agency contact information

Ashley Robinson

Email Ashley.Robinson@ed.gov Address Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education

400 Maryland Ave, SW

Washington, DC 20202

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Department of Education - Agency Wide, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.ed.gov/

Summary

The mission of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is to administer and coordinate programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges.

This position may be detailed to another Federal agency

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted today · Apply by 08/06/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 6, 2026

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Washington, DC

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $151,661 - $228,000 per year Pay scale & grade

ES 00

Promotion potential None

Learn more about pay scale and grade

Pay scale and grade determines the salary of the job.

Work schedule Full-time Travel Required Occasional travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.

Appointment type Permanent

Occupations and job series

• 0301 Miscellaneous Administration And Program

Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No

Drug test No Security clearance Not Required Position sensitivity and risk Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.

Background check type

• Credentialing
• Suitability/Fitness
• National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number CCTM-26-13008020-DE Control number 877678500

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