Director (CSTL)

U.S. Department of Justice

Washington, DC

JOB DETAILS
SALARY
$151,661–$228,000 Per Year
SKILLS
Adjudication, Adverse Events, Analysis Skills, Background Investigation, Bar Membership, Budget Management, Compensation and Benefits, Consulting, Data Quality, Documentation, Federal Government, Federal Laws and Regulations, Funding, Genetics, Government, Government Organizations, HTTPS (HyperText Transport Protocol Secure), Human Resources, Leadership, Legal, Legal Support Skills, Litigation, Litigation Settlement, Military, PHP Scripting Language (PHP Hypertext Preprocessor), Pediatrics, People Management, Performance Reviews, Policy Development, Publications, Regulations, Reimbursement, Resource Management, State Laws and Regulations, Strategic Planning, Systems Administration/Management, Time Management, Tort Law, United States Citizen, United States Department of Justice (DOJ), Vaccination, Willing to Travel
LOCATION
Washington, DC
POSTED
17 days ago

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Director (CSTL)

Department of Justice

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Torts Branch - Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation Section

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

Summary

The Director in the Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation Section of the Torts Branch is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position in the Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice. For more information on the Torts Branch - CSTL Section, visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/constitutional-specialized-tort-litigation-section.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

The Director in the Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation Section of the Torts Branch is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position in the Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice. For more information on the Torts Branch - CSTL Section, visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/constitutional-specialized-tort-litigation-section.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/10/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 10, 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 00

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

  • 0905 Attorney

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

Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information 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.

Background check type

  • National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number DE-12831115-26-PRF Control number 875655500

This job is open to

Help

The public

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

Federal employees - Competitive service

Current federal employees whose agencies follow the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements hiring rules and pay scales.

Federal employees - Excepted service

Current federal employees whose agencies have their own hiring rules, pay scales and evaluation criteria.

Senior executives

Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Clarification from the agency

This job is open to Federal Employees-Competitive Service, Federal Employees - Excepted Service and Senior Executives, in addition to the Public.

Duties

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CSTL consists of three groups: Constitutional Torts; the Vaccine Injury Compensation Program (VICP); and the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act (RECA) Program. The Constitutional Torts Staff defends federal employees at all levels of government in cases seeking money damages against them personally for actions taken as part of their official duties. The RECA Program is an administrative law platform that adjudicates claims from individuals who suffered from radiation exposure during the early days of the Atomic Age. The VICP establishes a no-fault compensation system which provides a safety net for persons injured by routine pediatric vaccines in the event of rare adverse events and litigates petitions for compensation.

The Director of CSTL supervises subordinate staff, which includes Assistant Directors and SES Deputy Directors. Analyzes proposed legislation and Executive Orders which may affect the work of the Torts Branch.

In managing Constitutional Torts, the Director:

  • personally reviews difficult and precedent-setting cases of unusual complexity; applies the facts in each situation to regulatory criteria in deciding requests for representation; handles legal issues arising out of the provision of individual capacity representation by DOJ to federal employees, as well as issues arising out of the implementation of the Federal Employees Liability Reform and Tort Compensation Act of 1988.
  • consults with leadership on litigation strategy, settlement, and appellate prospects in high-profile and sensitive policy-driven cases; approves the hiring of consultants and experts and approves litigation expenses; and oversees the Civil Divisions Private Counsel Program.

In managing the RECA Program, the Director:

  • has executive level oversight for the outcome in every claim, either to approve or deny compensation in accordance with statutory criteria; presents to the designated RECA Appeals Officer cases on appeal from the denial of monetary compensation under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act; approves referral to Office of the Inspector General when there is suspicion of fraud on behalf of a claimant.

In managing VICP litigation, the Director:

  • has executive level oversight of the staff; reviews sensitive, medically and legally complex moving papers and brief at the trial and appellate level; approves settlements; advises Department leadership on policy-based issues; and plans for additional staff funding and resource allocation to accommodate expanding litigation demands.

Requirements

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Conditions of employment

  • You must be a United States Citizen or National.
  • Veterans preference is not applicable to the Senior Executive Service.
  • Selective Service registration is required for males born on, or after, December 31st, 1959. Those not registered should have an approved exemption on file.
  • You will be required to complete a pre-employment security investigation and background check for the security level designated for this position.
  • You will be required to undergo a drug screening and obtain favorable results prior to being appointed.
  • You may be subject to a one-year probationary period effective from the date on which you are appointed.
  • This position requires you to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE 278) upon entry, and annually thereafter in accordance with DOJ and Federal ethics guidelines.
  • You must meet all minimum qualifications to be deemed eligible. Only experience obtained by closing date of this announcement will be considered.

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability and directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Mandatory Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.

Qualifications

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. Applicants must show clear evidence of their demonstrated leadership ability by addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) embedded within their resume. The resume-based application should not exceed 2 pages (1-sheet double-sided or 2 sheets one-sided)

Note: Applicants who have completed the SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. Candidates must still satisfy the MTQs of the position.

We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and to the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Director. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.

ECQ1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING. 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.

ECQ2 - DRIVING EFFICIENCY. Demonstrated ability to strategically and sufficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.

ECQ3 - MERIT AND COMPETENCE. Demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ECQ4 - LEADING PEOPLE. Demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organizations vision, mission, and goals; To drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture.

ECQ5 - ACHIEVING RESULTS. Demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

For this position, the following Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) have been established and should be addressed within the resume application.

MTQ1 - Demonstrated legal experience and expertise that includes defending government employees personally in federal court from constitutional, common-law tort, and state or federal statutory damage claims, as well as the activities involved in assigned programs.

MTQ2 - Demonstrated experience in planning and oversight of the activities of a legal organization, including developing legal strategies in U.S. courts and providing sound and timely legal counsel.

Education

Applicants must possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association, have at least 5 years of relevant post-J.D. experience, and be an active member of the bar in good standing a state, U.S. territory, the District of Columbia, or the Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. IMPORTANT: Applicants are responsible for citing J.D. and bar membership information (institution name, state(s) for bar, and dates) on their respective resumes.

Additional information

Equal Employment Opportunity

The United States government does not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, pregnancy, national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service or other non-merit factor. To learn more, please visit the U.S. Equal Employment Opportunity Commission.

Reasonable Accommodation

This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.

Legal and Regulatory Guidance

Social Security Number - Your Social Security Number may be requested under the authority of Executive Order 9397 to uniquely identify your records from those of other applicants who may have the same name. As allowed by law or Presidential directive, your Social Security Number is used to seek information about you from employers, schools, banks, and others who may know you.

Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Signature - Before you are hired, you will be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application.

False Statements - If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action.

Selective Service - If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law.

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

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.

https//help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Review our 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.

Only experience obtained by the 11:59 pm EST on the (08/10/2026) closing date of this announcement will be considered.

Once this announcement closes the following will occur:

  • A review of your resume, clear evidence of the 5 ECQs and MTQs, and supporting documentation will be conducted by the HR Specialist.
  • Applicants deemed minimally qualified will be referred to an Executive Resources Board (ERB) to further evaluate applications.
  • The ERB will further evaluate applications to determine the best qualified applicants for referral to the hiring official.
  • Best qualified applicants will be referred to the hiring official and may be invited to participate in a structured interview. Interviews may be in a virtual setting or in person at DOJ offices.
  • The selectee will receive a tentative offer from the agency however before an agency can appoint a new Senior Executive Service member, the selected individual will be subject further evaluation through a Structured Interview by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Qualifications Review Board (QRB) as required by law. OPM must review the executive qualifications of each new career appointee to the Senior Executive Service (SES) prior to appointment.

NOTE: You MUST address all MTQs as required above, but do not need to address the ECQs if you:

  • Are currently serving under a career SES appointment;
  • Are eligible for reinstatement into the SES; or
  • Have successfully completed a SES Candidate Development Program and been certified by Office of Personnel Management (OPM).

Proof of Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certification must be provided in your application.

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.

https//help.usajobs.gov/index.php/Pay_and_Benefits

Review our 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

To a apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Complete Resume that addresses the MTQs and ECQs. Your resume must not exceed 2 pages.
  • Recent SF-50 that shows Official Title, Salary, Grade Level
  • Recent Performance Appraisal (for current or former federal employees)
  • Proof of active bar membership
  • Provide certification of OPM QRB approval (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs)
  • Other supporting documentation as required.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

  1. Click "Apply Online" to get started.

  2. If youre not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you dont have an account, please create one.

  3. You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.

  4. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.

  5. Youll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before youre able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DOJ logo, you are still on USAJOBS. Youll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.

  6. Once you reach DOJs Application Manager system, youll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.

  7. After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS OR upload documents directly from your computer or device.

  8. If you opt to upload a document directly, click the "Upload" button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.

  9. Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.

  10. Once youve uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.

  11. If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.

If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side).

Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

Agency contact information

Phillip Foster

Phone 202-532-5367 Email phillip.r.foster@usdoj.gov Address Civil Division

1100 L Street, NW

Washington, DC 20530

US

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.

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

To a apply for this position, you must provide a complete Application Package which includes:

  • Complete Resume that addresses the MTQs and ECQs. Your resume must not exceed 2 pages.
  • Recent SF-50 that shows Official Title, Salary, Grade Level
  • Recent Performance Appraisal (for current or former federal employees)
  • Proof of active bar membership
  • Provide certification of OPM QRB approval (for graduates of SES Candidate Development Programs)
  • Other supporting documentation as required.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education.

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.

How to Apply

Help

  1. Click "Apply Online" to get started.

  2. If youre not logged in to your USAJOBS account, you will need to login. If you dont have an account, please create one.

  3. You will be prompted to select one of your stored (or uploaded) resumes, and any supporting documents you have uploaded to USAJOBS. If you have not uploaded these documents, you can do so later before submitting your application.

  4. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, you will be asked to submit your demographic information (if you have provided this in your profile). Submission is optional and anonymous.

  5. Youll be asked to confirm your choices and certify the accuracy of your information before youre able to continue to the Application Manager system. Until you see the blue border and DOJ logo, you are still on USAJOBS. Youll see a folder animation just before you leave USAJOBS.

  6. Once you reach DOJs Application Manager system, youll be asked to verify the information you transmitted from USAJOBS. You will then respond to the application assessment questionnaires and indicate your eligibility options.

  7. After responding to the questionnaires, you will have the opportunity to attach the documents you brought over from USAJOBS OR upload documents directly from your computer or device.

  8. If you opt to upload a document directly, click the "Upload" button and select the document on your device, then wait for the upload to finish. Repeat as needed. Documents must be less than 3 MB each and should be in a compatible file format.

  9. Once all your documents are uploaded, you must assign the uploads to the appropriate document category. You may attach more than one document to each category. Click the drop-down menu for a document category, and select one of the available options in the menu. The document will be listed under this category. You can click the drop-down again to add other documents, as needed. You can have up to 15 document assignments.

  10. Once youve uploaded and assigned all your documents to an appropriate document type, you can proceed to the final verification step, and click Submit.

  11. If you have correctly submitted your application, you will receive an automated e-mail notification within 30-60 minutes. Be sure to review the announcement fully to make sure that your application contains everything that is required.

If you need help with the application process, please see the USAJOBS Help Site (for everything on the USAJOBS-side), or the Application Manager Help Site (for everything on the DOJ-side).

Regrettably, the Department of Justice cannot assist you with USAJOBS account issues. If you contact us for assistance and the problem is related to your USAJOBS account, we will have to direct you to USAJOBS to remedy the issue.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Phillip Foster

Phone 202-532-5367 Email phillip.r.foster@usdoj.gov Address Civil Division

1100 L Street, NW

Washington, DC 20530

US

Next steps

Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. You will be notified of the outcome.

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

Offices, Boards and Divisions

Are you interested in a rewarding and challenging career? Join the U.S. Department of Justice!

The Department of Justice leads the nation in ensuring the protection of all Americans while preserving their constitutional freedoms. As a Justice employee youll be a member of a team where you can achieve your career goals and apply your skills and talents to our important mission. Read more about the exciting opportunities available.

Mission

The mission of the Department of Justice is to uphold the rule of law, to keep our country safe, and to protect civil rights.

Values

  • Independence and Impartiality. The Justice Department works each day to earn the publics trust by following the facts and the law wherever they may lead, without prejudice or improper influence.
  • Honesty and Integrity. The Justice Departments employees adhere to the highest standards of ethical behavior, mindful that, as public servants, we must work to earn the trust of, and inspire confidence in, the public we serve.
  • Respect. The Justice Departments employees value differences in people and in ideas and treat everyone with fairness, dignity, and compassion.

Excellence. The Justice Department works every day to provide the highest levels of service to the American people and to be a responsible steward of the taxpayers dollars

Agency contact information

Phillip Foster

Phone 202-532-5367 Email phillip.r.foster@usdoj.gov Address Civil Division

1100 L Street, NW

Washington, DC 20530

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Offices, Boards and Divisions, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.justice.gov/civil/constitutional-specialized-tort-litigation-section

Summary

The Director in the Constitutional and Specialized Tort Litigation Section of the Torts Branch is a Senior Executive Service (SES) position in the Civil Division, U.S. Department of Justice. For more information on the Torts Branch - CSTL Section, visit https://www.justice.gov/civil/constitutional-specialized-tort-litigation-section.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Posted yesterday · Apply by 08/10/26

Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on August 10, 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 00

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

  • 0905 Attorney

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

Drug test Yes Security clearance Sensitive Compartmented Information 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.

Background check type

  • National security

Financial disclosure required Yes

Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.

Announcement number DE-12831115-26-PRF Control number 875655500

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