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Chief Administrative Officer
Department of Homeland Security
Federal Emergency Management Agency
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Summary
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mission Support in Washington, DC.
The CAO provides executive-level direction to and oversight of assigned administrative and agency support functions in direct support of all Agency organizations.
Learn more about this agency
Summary
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mission Support in Washington, DC.
The CAO provides executive-level direction to and oversight of assigned administrative and agency support functions in direct support of all Agency organizations.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No 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
Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Top Secret Position sensitivity and risk Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number FEMA-FY26-FM-CAO-SES Control number 880403100
This job is open to
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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
All groups of qualified individuals - ALL US CITIZENS
Duties
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The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) is responsible for a large portfolio and workforce, and for planning, directing and implementing the full scope of administrative business activities for FEMA. The CAO serves as the principal advisor to the Administrator, Deputy Administrator, and the Associate Administrator and Deputy Associate Administrator for Mission Support, on matters relating to Agency administrative and assistance activities, by providing input on policy issues relevant to FEMA; advising/participating in Agency-wide operations; and engaging in short and long-term planning for the Agency with administrative related activities.
The CAO is responsible for the oversight of the functional areas of occupational health, and deployment readiness; energy, environmental, and sustainability management; privacy, records, directives, and Freedom of Information Act (FOIA) management, real and personal property management; facilities management and support services; mail management and related programs.
In addition, is tasked with providing services that drive organizational productivity, ensures resources are allocated efficiently, and maintains financial integrity and transparency so that FEMA can demonstrate high value to stakeholders, customers, and the taxpayer for every dollar spent.
Primary Duties
Requirements
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Conditions of employment
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 should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position.
TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.
TQ 1: Comprehensive knowledge and understanding of principal customer (e.g., operational program office) missions and OCAO support requirements; specifically, operational component/program office requirements and mission sets. Demonstrated ability to exercise authoritative and decisive leadership over and effectively manage a programmatically dynamic and complex organization.
TQ 2: Ability to communicate expertly, both orally and in writing. Ability to deal effectively on an interpersonal basis with high-level officials, both within and outside the government and knowledge of key regulations and laws with relevance to supported missions and mission support functions.
EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position.
There are five ECQs:
ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the 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 address the (5) ECQs in your resume. In lieu of, 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.
Education
There is no recognized education to qualify for this position; applicants resumes and supporting documentation will be acceptable.
Additional information
This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.
Veterans Preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.
All candidates must be able to deploy with little or no advance notice to anywhere in the United States and its territories for an extended period of time. If selected, you will be subject to 24-hour on-call in the event of an emergency. In this event, this service may include duties other than those specified in the official position description. Selectee must be able to relocate to emergency sites with little advance notice and function under intense physical and mental stress.
Background Investigation: You must undergo and successfully complete a background investigation in order to obtain a Top-Secret w/Sensitive Compartmented Information (TS/SCI).
Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement.
Drug Testing: You must submit to a drug test prior to your appointment and random drug testing while you occupy the position.
Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm
Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to
Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx)
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
DHS uses e-Verify, an Internet-based system, to confirm the eligibility of all newly hired employees to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.
If you receive a conditional offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration for Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment.
The Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act prohibits the Department of Homeland Security and its Components from requesting an applicants criminal history record before that individual receives a conditional offer of employment. In accordance with 5 U.S. Code § 9202(c) and 5 C.F.R § 920.201 certain positions are exempt from the provisions of the Fair Chance to Compete Act. Applicants who believe they have been subjected to a violation of the Fair Chance to Compete for Jobs Act, may submit a written complaint to FEMA-Misconduct@fema.dhs.gov.
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.
A multi-step process is used to evaluate and refer applicants:
Minimum requirements: Once the application process is complete, your resume and supporting documentation will be reviewed to ensure the education requirement has been met and that your 2-page resume minimally demonstrates the required Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs). You will be rated "not qualified" if you do not possess the education and qualification requirements for the position. If your application is incomplete or your resume exceeds the 2-page limit, you will be found "ineligible".
Rating and Ranking: If you are found to be minimally qualified, the Rating and Ranking panel will review your resume and evaluate your qualifications for this position.
Interview Panel: If the Rating and Ranking panel rate you as highly-qualified, your resume will be referred to an Interview Panel for consideration, where you may undergo one or more interviews. From there, you may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration.
Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM approved SES Candidate Development Program, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Managements SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individuals application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.
Your supporting documents are an integral part of the process for determining your qualifications for the position. If your responses are not supported by your resume, you will be eliminated from consideration. After reviewing your resume and supporting documentation, if a determination is made that you have inflated your qualifications or experience, you may lose consideration for this position. Incomplete or late applications will not receive further consideration.
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
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
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.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicants responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
Agency contact information
OCHCO Executive Resources
Email fema-ochco-executive-resources@fema.dhs.gov
Next steps
Once the evaluation process is complete and a selection has been made, the selectees application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB), unless the selectee is a noncompetitive candidate that has been successfully certified by the OPM QRB.
We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Thank you for your employment interest in the Federal Emergency Management Agency!
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
A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible).
Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants.
RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER.
VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy.
ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable:
STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation
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.
To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application.
Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process.
After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process.
You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application.
It is applicants responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application.
Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages.
There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents:
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
OCHCO Executive Resources
Email fema-ochco-executive-resources@fema.dhs.gov
Next steps
Once the evaluation process is complete and a selection has been made, the selectees application will be forwarded to the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) for approval by the OPM Qualifications Review Board (QRB), unless the selectee is a noncompetitive candidate that has been successfully certified by the OPM QRB.
We will notify you by email at various stages in the process. Your status will also be updated on USAJOBS throughout the process. To check your status, log on to your USAJOBS account, click on "Application Status," and then click "More Information." If you are selected, we will conduct a suitability/security background investigation.
Thank you for your employment interest in the Federal Emergency Management Agency!
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
Federal Emergency Management Agency
The Department of Homeland Security (DHS) is calling on those who want to help protect American interests and secure our Nation. DHS Components work collectively to prevent terrorism; secure borders and our transportation systems; protect the President and other dignitaries; enforce and administer immigration laws; safeguard cyberspace; and ensure resilience to disasters. We achieve these vital missions through a workforce spanning hundreds of occupations. Make an impact; join DHS.
FEMA is calling all problem-solvers, relationship builders, and leaders! FEMA is a mission-driven, people-focused Agency. Our mission is to help people before, during, and after disasters. We coordinate with other federal, state, local, tribal, and territorial partners to make sure America is equipped to prepare for and respond to disasters.
Everyday FEMA employees are inspired by that mission and are working tirelessly to make a difference.
Come join us in a rewarding career where you can help make our nation safer, stronger, and more prepared! Visit www.fema.gov for more information.
Agency contact information
OCHCO Executive Resources
Email fema-ochco-executive-resources@fema.dhs.gov
Visit our careers page
Learn more about what its like to work at Federal Emergency Management Agency, what the agency does, and about the types of careers this agency offers.
Summary
The Chief Administrative Officer (CAO) position is located in the Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Federal Emergency Management Agency (FEMA), Mission Support in Washington, DC.
The CAO provides executive-level direction to and oversight of assigned administrative and agency support functions in direct support of all Agency organizations.
Learn more about this agency
Overview
Help
Accepting applications
Location
1 vacancy in the following location:
Washington, DC
No matching locations found.
Work site options
Telework eligible No 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
Supervisory status Yes Federal service type This job is in the Senior Executive Service Represented by a union No
Drug test Yes Security clearance Top Secret Position sensitivity and risk Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk
Jobs require a background check and some require a security clearance. The type depends on the job.
Background check type
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number FEMA-FY26-FM-CAO-SES Control number 880403100
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| Location | Washington, DC |
| Salary | $151,661–$228,000 Per Year |
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