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Associate Director for Communications & Public Liaison
Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
Office of the Director
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Summary
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers.
The Office of the Director (OD) in the NIH is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See the "Duties" section for a list of the major responsibilities.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers.
The Office of the Director (OD) in the NIH is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See the "Duties" section for a list of the major responsibilities.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/30/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 30, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Bethesda, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. 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
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 Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number NIH-OD-SES-26-13008068 Control number 876730800
This job is open to
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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
Applications will be accepted from all qualified current Federal civil service employees. Current SES employees, SES reinstatement eligibles outside the civil service, and SES CDP graduates must apply to be considered for this position.
Duties
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Duties and Responsibilities:
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
Qualifications
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
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 must 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.
There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs).
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume must demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ 1: Extensive experience leading organization-wide communications and public liaison functions within a research organization with a scientific, health, or biomedical focus, including developing and implementing creative solutions to enhance organizational mission, establish strategic results, and adapt to evolving stakeholder needs.
TQ 2: Demonstrated ability to build and leverage partnerships across diverse groups and lead results-oriented teams to maximize operational efficiency through coordinated, streamlined management practices that deliver measurable outcomes.
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 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 do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPMs SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.
Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the ECQs or TQs.
BASIC QUALIFICATIONS:
The OD, NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead a dynamic organization.
All competitive candidates for SES positions with the Federal Government must demonstrate leadership experience indicative of senior executive-level management capability. The Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison resides within the Office of Communications and Public Liaison in the Office of the Director, NIH, and reports directly to the Principal Deputy Director, NIH.
Applicants must meet the requirements for the GS-1035 series as defined by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Standards Manual for General Schedule Positions, which is available at: OPM Qualifications Standards GS-1035 Website, and demonstrate in your two (2) page resume that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed above. It is recommended that your resume emphasize levels of responsibility, scope and complexity of programs managed, and program accomplishments and results.
Candidates must possess experience at the senior level (GS-14/15 level or equivalent) in the job-specific Technical Qualifications (TQs). The TQs measure the technical expertise required by this position and must be addressed within your 2-page resume. It is recommended that corresponding TQs be annotated in parenthesis within your 2-page resume.
Political, Schedule C, Non-career SES Appointee*: In the last five years, based on the closing date of this announcement, have you been or are you currently an employee in the Executive Branch serving on a political, Schedule C, or Non-career SES appointment? If yes, and you are selected through this vacancy announcement, you may be required to obtain approval by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) prior to beginning employment. (Please confirm whether or not you have this experience within your 2-page resume)
NOTE: IF SELECTED, a Structured Interview will be used to certify the candidate by an OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB). If you are currently serving in a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), you WILL NOT need to participate in a Structured Interview.
Additional information
NIH is located in Bethesda, MD; our campus is adjacent to downtown Bethesda, MD, at the Medical Center Metro station, and close to shops, walking trails, and restaurants.
Travel and Transportation expenses may be authorized in accordance with applicable Federal Travel Regulations governing the relocation of current Federal employees and new appointees.
HHS has a critical preparedness and response mission: HHS protects the American people from health threats, researches emerging diseases, and mobilizes public health programs with domestic and international partners. In support of this mission, HHS offers its employees the opportunity to volunteer to become Federal Civilian Detailees and contribute their unique skills through voluntary temporary assignments to humanitarian emergencies or Departmental priorities countering new and emerging health, safety, and security threats.
To promote efficiency in the hiring process, the resume and corresponding responses of successful candidates may be shared with other Institutes/Centers of NIH with similar vacancies. However, applicants are strongly encouraged to apply directly to the vacancy of interest and not rely on this possibility as a means of securing employment.
Standards of Conduct/Financial Disclosure: The National Institutes of Health inspires public confidence in our science by maintaining high ethical principles. NIH employees are subject to Federal government-wide regulations and statutes as well as agency-specific regulations described at the NIH Ethics website. We encourage you to review this information. The Ethics in Government Act, PL 95-521, also requires the applicant selected for this position to submit a Public Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, prior to assuming the SES position, annually, and upon termination of employment.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: https://www.eeoc.gov/federal-sector.
If you are a hearing-impaired individual seeking assistance with the application process, you may contact the Human Resources Specialist listed in this announcement by phoning a relay operator at 711. For additional information see Maryland Relay.
Reasonable Accommodation Policy Statement: Federal agencies must provide reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should contact the hiring agency directly: EEOSC.Accommdations@hhs.gov Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Selective Service: As a condition of employment, all male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must have registered for the selective service. If selected for this position, the applicant must sign a statement certifying his registration, or the applicant must demonstrate exempt status under the Selective Service Law.
Veterans Preference: Does not apply to the SES.
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.
The federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. For more information, check out New Employee Benefits at NIH and OPMs Employee Benefits Information.
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.
We use a multi-step process to evaluate and refer applicants:
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.
The federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package including vacation, sick leave, holidays, life insurance, health benefits, and participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System. For more information, check out New Employee Benefits at NIH and OPMs Employee Benefits Information.
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 receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated.
Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format and length requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
Document Formatting: Documents you submit must use a 12-point font with 1-inch margins, single-spaced. All documents (including the SF-50) MUST be submitted as PDF.
(Mandatory) RESUME: Two (2) page resume that contains your full name and contact information. Your resume must not exceed the two (2) page limit. Your application must describe your job-related qualifications pertinent to this position along with the dates (month/year) you performed these duties and job titles (include series and grade if a Federal job). The announcement number must be entered on the first page of your application.
Separate TQ or ECQ narratives will not be accepted or considered. It is recommended that the corresponding TQs be annotated in parentheses within your two (2) page resume.
(Mandatory) REFERENCES: Submit 4-5 professional references. Your provided references will include the following information: Current and/or former supervisor and a colleague. Include their title/organization, email addresses, and phone numbers where they can be reached. NOTE: By providing your references, you are granting permission for the search committee to contact and conduct reference checks. References will be contacted at the discretion of the search committee. Off-list references may be contacted (references not provided on your list). Only references of referred candidates will be contacted.
(Mandatory, if applicable) Current civil service employees must submit a copy of their most recent (current calendar year) Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing their position, title, series, grade, current salary, and eligibility. Please do not submit an award SF-50.
(Mandatory, if applicable) Current SES employees must submit a copy of your appointment SF-50 and your most recent (current calendar year) SF-50 showing your position, title, series, grade, current salary, and eligibility. Please do not submit an award SF-50.
(Mandatory, if applicable) Former SES employees with reinstatement eligibility must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which clearly shows your position, title, series, grade, and eligibility. Please do not submit an award SF-50.
(Mandatory, if applicable) SES Candidate Development Program Graduates whose ECQs have been approved by OPM, must submit your certificate/documentation indicating OPM approval.
Failure to provide all the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may remove you from consideration.
NOTES: Do not include your date of birth or Social Security Number on your application materials. Please do not submit unsolicited material such as publications, personal endorsements, performance appraisals, award certificates, proof of Veterans Preference, etc., as these items will not be included in the rating process and will be discarded. (Veterans Preference does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service). All application materials are subject to the provisions of the DHHS Privacy Act and become the property of the Department of Health and Human Services. Any additional information needed will be requested prior to appointment.
FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
This announcement is located on the NIH Home Page under "Executive Careers." Additional information regarding the NIH may be found at the NIH website.
NOTE: Failure to comply with the required application procedures may result in non-consideration of your application.
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
Applicants must submit application materials ELECTRONICALLY by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre@mail.nih.gov
Agency contact information
Emily Ellis
Phone 301-451-0086 Email ELLISER@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
You will receive an email informing you of receipt of your application. Please see "How You Will Be Evaluated" for specifics.
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 receive full consideration, each applicant must submit the MANDATORY documents in the format as designated.
Packages that do not include all of the required documents or meet format and length requirements will not be forwarded for consideration.
Document Formatting: Documents you submit must use a 12-point font with 1-inch margins, single-spaced. All documents (including the SF-50) MUST be submitted as PDF.
(Mandatory) RESUME: Two (2) page resume that contains your full name and contact information. Your resume must not exceed the two (2) page limit. Your application must describe your job-related qualifications pertinent to this position along with the dates (month/year) you performed these duties and job titles (include series and grade if a Federal job). The announcement number must be entered on the first page of your application.
Separate TQ or ECQ narratives will not be accepted or considered. It is recommended that the corresponding TQs be annotated in parentheses within your two (2) page resume.
(Mandatory) REFERENCES: Submit 4-5 professional references. Your provided references will include the following information: Current and/or former supervisor and a colleague. Include their title/organization, email addresses, and phone numbers where they can be reached. NOTE: By providing your references, you are granting permission for the search committee to contact and conduct reference checks. References will be contacted at the discretion of the search committee. Off-list references may be contacted (references not provided on your list). Only references of referred candidates will be contacted.
(Mandatory, if applicable) Current civil service employees must submit a copy of their most recent (current calendar year) Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) showing their position, title, series, grade, current salary, and eligibility. Please do not submit an award SF-50.
(Mandatory, if applicable) Current SES employees must submit a copy of your appointment SF-50 and your most recent (current calendar year) SF-50 showing your position, title, series, grade, current salary, and eligibility. Please do not submit an award SF-50.
(Mandatory, if applicable) Former SES employees with reinstatement eligibility must submit a copy of your last Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50), which clearly shows your position, title, series, grade, and eligibility. Please do not submit an award SF-50.
(Mandatory, if applicable) SES Candidate Development Program Graduates whose ECQs have been approved by OPM, must submit your certificate/documentation indicating OPM approval.
Failure to provide all the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may remove you from consideration.
NOTES: Do not include your date of birth or Social Security Number on your application materials. Please do not submit unsolicited material such as publications, personal endorsements, performance appraisals, award certificates, proof of Veterans Preference, etc., as these items will not be included in the rating process and will be discarded. (Veterans Preference does not apply to positions in the Senior Executive Service). All application materials are subject to the provisions of the DHHS Privacy Act and become the property of the Department of Health and Human Services. Any additional information needed will be requested prior to appointment.
FAXED APPLICATIONS WILL NOT BE ACCEPTED.
This announcement is located on the NIH Home Page under "Executive Careers." Additional information regarding the NIH may be found at the NIH website.
NOTE: Failure to comply with the required application procedures may result in non-consideration of your application.
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
Applicants must submit application materials ELECTRONICALLY by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre@mail.nih.gov
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Emily Ellis
Phone 301-451-0086 Email ELLISER@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
You will receive an email informing you of receipt of your application. Please see "How You Will Be Evaluated" for specifics.
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
National Institutes of Health
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the U.S. Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers (ICs), with a specific research agenda, often focusing on particular diseases or body systems. NIH employs approximately 16,000 employees in varied occupations, all supporting research efforts that improve health and save lives. For more information on NIH mission and goals, and its 27 Institutes and Centers, visit the NIH website.
Are you a senior executive interested in a career with the Nations premier biomedical research center? Do you want to make a difference in this countrys biomedical research enterprise? Do you have what it takes to run the Office of Communications and Public Liaison at the National Institutes of Health? Do you want to perform challenging work in a collegial environment, while enjoying quality of work/life flexibilities and a competitive compensation package? If so, the National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking an Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison which may be the perfect career opportunity for you!
Agency contact information
Emily Ellis
Phone 301-451-0086 Email ELLISER@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at National Institutes of Health, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
https://hr.nih.gov/working-nih/work-life
Summary
The National Institutes of Health (NIH), a part of the Department of Health and Human Services, is the largest biomedical research funding organization in the world. NIH is made up of 27 Institutes and Centers.
The Office of the Director (OD) in the NIH is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Associate Director for Communications and Public Liaison. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See the "Duties" section for a list of the major responsibilities.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Posted today · Apply by 07/30/26
Due by 11:59 p.m. ET on July 30, 2026
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Bethesda, MD
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible Yes-as determined by the agency policy. Remote job No Relocation expenses reimbursed Yes-You may qualify for reimbursement of relocation expenses in accordance with agency policy. 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
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 Moderate Risk (MR)
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number NIH-OD-SES-26-13008068 Control number 876730800
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