Intergovernmental Affairs Director

USAJOBS - Job Announcement Skip to main content

An official website of the United States government

Official websites use .gov

A .gov website belongs to an official government organization in the United States.

Secure .gov websites use HTTPS

A lock ( LockA locked padlock ) or https:// means youve safely connected to the .gov website. Share sensitive information only on official, secure websites.

MENU

• Sign in

• My jobs

• Profile

• Resumes & documents

• Notifications

• Talent networks

• Sign out

• My jobs

• Profile

• Resumes & documents

• Notifications

• Talent networks

• Sign out

• Events

• Help Center

• Search

Back to results

Apply

Intergovernmental Affairs Director

Department of Energy

Bonneville Power Administration

Apply

Print

Share

Save

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

Summary

This position is within the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration.

Serve as an executive leader driving vital partnerships across tribal, regional, and national landscapes. You will guide teams to cultivate collaborative relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and regional stakeholders to support BPAs operational mission and grid resilience. Bring your executive leadership to unite diverse partners around critical infrastructure goals.

Learn more about this agency

Summary

This position is within the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration.

Serve as an executive leader driving vital partnerships across tribal, regional, and national landscapes. You will guide teams to cultivate collaborative relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and regional stakeholders to support BPAs operational mission and grid resilience. Bring your executive leadership to unite diverse partners around critical infrastructure goals.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following locations:

Washington, DC

Portland, OR

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $159,408 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade

GS 15

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

• 1001 General Arts And Information

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

Drug test Yes Security clearance Q Access Authorization Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High 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 26-BPA-52749-13078508-DE Control number 887153700

This job is open to

Help

The public

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

Career transition (CTAP, ICTAP, RPL)

Federal employees whose job, agency or department was eliminated and are eligible for priority over other applicants.

Military spouses

Military spouses of active duty service members or whose spouse is 100 percent disabled or died on active duty.

Clarification from the agency

The Public, Military Spouses, and Interagency Career Transition Assistance Plan (ICTAP) eligibles.

Videos

Duties

Help

Lead at the Forefront of Clean Energy and Regional Collaboration: Serve as Director of Intergovernmental Affairs at Bonneville Power Administration

Bonneville Power Administration (BPA) plays an essential role in powering the Pacific Northwest, delivering reliable, carbon-free hydropower and operating a high-voltage transmission grid vital to the regions economy and environmental vitality. At the center of this mission is the Director of Intergovernmental Affairs-an executive role serving directly alongside the Administrator/CEO on BPAs Executive Leadership Team and Enterprise Board.

In this high-visibility position, you will be the bridge between BPAs operational priorities and our most critical external partners across the Pacific Northwest and Washington, D.C. If you are a collaborative executive leader skilled at building strong coalitions, navigating complex multi-party environments, and guiding high-performing teams, this role offers an exceptional platform to champion infrastructure resilience and public service on a grand scale.

Key Responsibilities & Duties

• Serve as a Principal Executive Advisor: Collaborate directly with the BPA Administrator/CEO and serve as a member of the Executive Leadership Team and Enterprise Board, providing strategic counsel on external stakeholder dynamics, intergovernmental affairs, and organizational initiatives that influence BPAs operations.

• Lead National Relations and Congressional Engagement: Oversee the agencys engagement with the U.S. Congress, key legislative committees, the Pacific Northwest Congressional delegation, and executive leadership at the U.S. Department of Energy (DOE) to clearly communicate agency priorities and infrastructure milestones.

• Strengthen Nation-to-Nation Tribal Partnerships: Guide executive-level tribal relations, fostering enduring, respectful relationships with federally recognized tribal governments and leading meaningful government-to-government consultations on vital energy and natural resource initiatives.

• Foster Broad Regional Coalitions: Cultivate productive, collaborative partnerships with Pacific Northwest governors, state agencies, state legislators, regulatory commissions, and the Northwest Power and Conservation Council to align regional operational and infrastructure goals.

• Advance National Grid and Energy Initiatives: Coordinate across the Department of Energy complex and partner alongside fellow Power Marketing Administrations to align shared interests in grid reliability, transmission modernization, and energy resilience.

• Inspire and Direct High-Performing Teams: Provide strategic leadership, mentorship, and direction to three dedicated program areas-National Relations, Regional Relations, and Tribal Affairs. Supervise team managers, foster career development, and champion an equitable, results-oriented workplace culture.

• Represent BPA in High-Stakes Public Forums: Serve as an executive representative for the agency in formal and informal negotiations, public hearings, interagency task forces, and national conferences, finding shared solutions on complex and sensitive regional topics.

• Optimize Enterprise Strategy and Resources: Exercise managerial authority over team operations, allocating financial and personnel resources effectively to ensure all intergovernmental engagement directly supports BPAs broader business and infrastructure commitments.

Requirements

Help

Conditions of employment

In accordance with Executive Order 14170, applicants are encouraged to respond to four short, free-response, essay questions in the questionnaire. Answer to these questions is not scored or rated. Your answers will be reviewed by the hiring manager and agency leadership if you are referred for selection consideration

When you apply you will be asked a series of questions to determine your eligibility for employment and your qualification for this position specifically. You must answer all of these questions completely and truthfully.

Key Requirements:

• You must be a United States Citizen.
• This employer participates in the e-Verify program.
• Males must abide by Selective Service registration requirements.
• You will be required to report in person to the official duty location.

Conditions of Employment:

• Selectee will be required to complete the Office of Government Ethics Standard of Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OFGE450e) within 30 days of employment and annually.
• First time supervisors will be required to serve a 1 year probationary period.
• This position requires an initial drug test prior to appointment and random drug or drug and alcohol testing thereafter. Failure to test or a positive result on random drug or drug and alcohol tests conducted after appointment may result in removal from Federal employment.
• This position has been designated as High Risk and requires a security clearance at the DOE "Q" level; the incumbent will be required to access, process, use, and safeguard classified information. The incumbent is required to obtain and maintain this clearance level; failure to do so may result in separation from federal service.

Qualifications

SPECIALIZED EXPERIENCE REQUIREMENTS:

A qualified candidates online application and resume must demonstrate at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the next lower grade level (GS-14) in the Federal service.

Specialized experience for this position is defined as: experience 1) Leading or coordinating programs/projects focused on complex national, legislative, or intergovernmental policy issues involving the Northwest Power Act; 2) Formulating strategic policy recommendations, legislative analyses, or executive briefing packages to guide senior or executive leadership on complex federal, statutory, or energy policy decisions; and 3) Advocating, negotiating, or building consensus on contentious policy or operational matters with external governing bodies (e.g., Congressional staff/committees, federal executive agencies, sovereign tribal governments, or regulatory entities).

"Experience" refers to paid and unpaid experience. Examples of qualifying unpaid experience may include: volunteer work done through National Service programs (such as Peace Corps and AmeriCorps); as well as work for other community-based philanthropic and social organizations. Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills; and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement.

Education

There are no specific education requirements or substitution of education for experience for this position.

Additional information

• This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across DOE

EEO Policy: USAJOBS Help Center | Equal employment opportunity policy

Reasonable Accommodation Policy: Employees or applicants may request Reasonable Accommodation (RA) for assistance, when applying or competing for a job or performing a job due to their medical condition or to exercise their religious beliefs. If you need reasonable accommodation in the application or selection process, please contact the Staffing Specialist listed on this vacancy announcement. USAJOBS Help Center | Reasonable accommodation policy

Veterans Information: USAJOBS Help Center - Veterans

Veterans and persons with disabilities are encouraged to apply.

Telework: https://www.opm.gov/telework/

Selective Service Registration: http://www.sss.gov/ - Who must register: https://www.sss.gov/faq/#who-needs-to-register

Hiring incentives may be authorized for a highly qualified candidate based on budget availability and in accordance with federal regulations.

BPA strives to ensure a safe and positive work environment.

We also understand the importance of work/life balance and offer a variety of programs and policies designed to create more flexible, responsive work environments supportive of commitments to community, home and family members. BPA also supports employees overall wellness through its Be Well program, which helps employees adopt healthier lifestyles and feel better about their work/life balance. The program supports five key areas of life: career, community, financial, physical and social.

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.

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.

Category Rating Procedure: You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above. Once the application process is complete, your resume, supporting documentation, and questionnaire/assessment responses will be used to determine whether you meet the job qualifications. If you are minimally qualified for this job, your responses to the SME Interview rating assessment(s) will be evaluated and you will be placed into one of three predefined quality categories. These categories are Best Qualified, Well Qualified, and Qualified.

Application of Veterans Preference: If you are a preference eligible candidate, you will be listed at the top of whichever quality category your rating places you in. Preference eligibles with a compensable service-connected disability of 10 percent or more are placed at the top of the highest category for all positions except scientific or professional at the GS-9 grade level or above (or equivalent).

Career Transition Assistance Programs: To receive selection priority for this position, you must: 1) meet the eligibility criteria; and 2) be rated "well-qualified", which is defined as scoring 85.0 or higher.

You must meet all qualifications and eligibility requirements by the closing date (10/10/2026) of this announcement.

To preview the Assessment Questionnaire, click https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/13078508

Structured Interview Review: After it has been determined that you meet the minimum qualifications, Subject Matter Experts (SMEs) will contact you to schedule an interview. During the interview, all candidates will be asked the same pre-determined questions, which are designed to evaluate the competencies needed for the role. Your responses will be scored on a rating scale based on these competencies. After the interview, scores from all interviewers will be compiled and factored into the overall evaluation. Your final score will reflect how well your qualifications and skills align with the position requirements. Participation in this interview is required for your application to be considered complete. If you do not complete the interview, you will be removed from further consideration for the position.

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.

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 apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

• Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).

• Information on how to create a federal resume https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume

• Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.

• Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.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.

• Veterans Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

How to Apply

Help

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

• You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account.
• To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
• You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
• After submitting an online application, your application will be reviewed to determine if it demonstrates the required minimum qualifications.
• If it is determined your application meets the minimum qualifications, you will be contacted to complete a scored, structured interview conducted by a panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Participation in this interview is mandatory for your application to be considered complete.

You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Agency contact information

Richard Howard

Phone 9714388221 Email rjhoward@bpa.gov Address Bonneville Power Administration

P.O. Box 3621

Portland, OR 97208

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.

In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.

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 apply for this position, you MUST provide a complete application package which includes:

• Your two (2) page RESUME showing all relevant work experience (paid and unpaid) including: duties performed; full name and address of each employer; start and end dates (month/day/year); work schedule (part-time, full-time, number of hours if intermittent); salary; and any completed education and training (program title, subject area, number of hours completed, and completion date).

• Information on how to create a federal resume https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account/documents/resume

• Cover Letter, optional, expressing additional information not covered in your resume.

• Transcripts, if specific educational requirements are indicated in this job announcement.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.

• Veterans Preference documentation,if applicable, DD-214 Member Copy 4 showing type of discharge/character of service; current active duty members- certification of expected discharge or release from active duty under honorable conditions dated within 120 days; SF-15 Form and related documentation; VA letter. For more information visit the USAJOBS Help Center & OPM CHCOC website for VOW information.

• Career Transition Assistance Program/Interagency Career Transition Assistance Program documentation, if applicable(e.g., Certification of Expected Separation, Reduction-In-Force Separation Notice, or Notice of Proposed Removal; SF-50 that documents the RIF separation action; and most recent performance appraisal.) For more information see the OPM Guide to Career Transition.

Failure to submit any of the above mentioned required documents may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

How to Apply

Help

Please read the entire announcement and all the instructions before you begin an application. To apply for this position, you must complete the initial online application, to include submission of the required documentation specified in the Required Documents section. A complete application package must be submitted by 11:59 PM (EST) on the announcement closing date to receive consideration.

The application process is as follows:

• You must have a login.gov account to sign into USAJOBS: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/account.
• To begin the application process in USAJOBS, click the Apply Online button.
• Answer the questions presented in the application and attach all required and supporting documentation.
• You must click the Submit Application button prior to 11:59 pm (ET) on the announcement closing date.
• After submitting an online application, your application will be reviewed to determine if it demonstrates the required minimum qualifications.
• If it is determined your application meets the minimum qualifications, you will be contacted to complete a scored, structured interview conducted by a panel of Subject Matter Experts (SMEs). Participation in this interview is mandatory for your application to be considered complete.

You may update your application, including supporting documentation, at any time during the announcement open period by returning to your USAJOBS account, select Update Application: https://login.usajobs.gov/Account/Login. This option will no longer be available once the announcement has closed.

To verify the status of your application, during and after the announcement open period, log into your USAJOBS account; applications will appear on the Welcome screen. The Application Status will appear along with the date your application was last updated. For information on what each application status means, visit: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to/application/status.

If you need help with login.gov or USAJOBS (e.g., account access, Resume Builder) visit the USAJOBS Help Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to

If you experience difficulty applying on USAJOBS, after clicking the Apply Online button, or you are experiencing a significant hardship hindering your ability to apply online, the Agency Contact listed in the announcement can assist you during normal business hours. If you receive any system error messages, take screenshots if possible, to aid technical support.

Expand Hide how to apply

Agency contact information

Richard Howard

Phone 9714388221 Email rjhoward@bpa.gov Address Bonneville Power Administration

P.O. Box 3621

Portland, OR 97208

US

Next steps

Once your online application is submitted you will receive a confirmation notification by email. The status of your application will be updated in USAJOBS as it is evaluated.

You can check the status by logging into USAJOBS. You may also sign up to receive automatic emails anytime the status of your application changes by logging into your USAJobs Account and editing the Notification Settings.

You will be contacted directly if an interview is required.

Please check that your USAJOBS profile contact information is current and correct each time you apply to a job--this will ensure we are able to contact you as quickly as possible.

In addition to changing your status online, we will send you e-mail notifications at each major step in the process, to include: application received, eligible or not eligible, referred or not referred, selected or not selected.

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

Bonneville Power Administration

We are truly honored that DOE has been named Americas #1 Best Employer for Veterans in 2023 by Forbes-not only among Government agencies, but among employers across the U.S. We are so proud of this ranking which reflects our commitment to the employment of veterans. As so many veterans at DOE renew their service to our Nation, we are deeply committed to their success and advancement. Veterans shape the future of energy

The Bonneville Power Administration is a nonprofit federal power marketing administration based in the Pacific Northwest. Although BPA is part of the U.S. Department of Energy, it is self-funding and covers its costs by selling its products and services. BPA markets wholesale electrical power from 31 federal hydroelectric projects in the Northwest, one nonfederal nuclear plant and several small nonfederal power plants.

BPA advances national energy priorities

As power and transmission demands rise across the nation, the Department of Energy is prioritizing actions for more secure, reliable, abundant and affordable energy. See how BPA supports national energy priorities through the delivery of its mission and strategic goals here.

Agency contact information

Richard Howard

Phone 9714388221 Email rjhoward@bpa.gov Address Bonneville Power Administration

P.O. Box 3621

Portland, OR 97208

US

Visit our careers page

Learn more about what its like to work at Bonneville Power Administration, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.

https://www.youtube.com/embed/oYv0wfVaok4

Summary

This position is within the Office of Intergovernmental Affairs, Administrator, Bonneville Power Administration.

Serve as an executive leader driving vital partnerships across tribal, regional, and national landscapes. You will guide teams to cultivate collaborative relationships with Congress, federal agencies, and regional stakeholders to support BPAs operational mission and grid resilience. Bring your executive leadership to unite diverse partners around critical infrastructure goals.

Learn more about this agency

Overview

Help

Accepting applications

Location

1 vacancy in the following locations:

Washington, DC

Portland, OR

No matching locations found.

Work site options

Telework eligible No Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed No Salary $159,408 - $197,200 per year Pay scale & grade

GS 15

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

• 1001 General Arts And Information

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

Drug test Yes Security clearance Q Access Authorization Position sensitivity and risk Critical-Sensitive (CS)/High 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 26-BPA-52749-13078508-DE Control number 887153700

Previous result

Next result

Your session is about to expire!

Your USAJOBS session will expire due to inactivity in 8 minutes. Any unsaved data will be lost if you allow the session to expire. Click the button below to continue your session.

Sign out Stay signed in

Return to top

USAJOBS is a Opens in a new windowUnited States Office of Personnel Management website.

(Opens in a new window) OPM on LinkedIn (Opens in a new window) OPM YouTube channel (Opens in a new window) OPM on X

• Opens in a new windowEEO Policy Statement
• Opens in a new windowReasonable Accommodation Policy Statement
• Veterans Information
• Opens in a new windowLegal and Regulatory Guidance
• About USAJOBS
• Opens in a new windowAccessibility
• Opens in a new windowFOIA
• Opens in a new windowInspector general
• Opens in a new windowNo Fear Act Data
• Opens in a new windowPrivacy policy
• Opens in a new windowReports and publications
• Opens in a new windowTerms and conditions
• Opens in a new windowUSA.gov