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Director, Office of Human Resources
Department of Health and Human Services
National Institutes of Health
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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 Management, within the Office of the Director, NIH, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Office of Human Resources. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See "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 Management, within the Office of the Director, NIH, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Office of Human Resources. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See "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 Not required
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 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
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number NIH-OD-SES-26-13005599 Control number 876580800
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 Federal current civil service employees. Current SES employees, individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility, and SES Candidate Development Program graduates must apply to be considered for this position.
Duties
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Develops improved methods for the recruitment, training, assignment and supervision of scientific and professional staff.
Sets operating policy for human resource management, and directs a staff of over 400 employees who provide support to the various Institutes and Centers of the NIH.
Maintains continuing awareness of gaps in HR policies or deficiencies in operations under established policies by close personal and informal contact with staff at all levels and grades of the NIH.
Plans and directs continuing studies that analyze future requirements for scientific and support manpower at the NIH
Examines proposed and new legislation and implements regulatory guidelines with a view toward determining the impact on NIH HR operations and recommending necessary actions.
Participates as a member of the top management staff to the Deputy Director for Management, NIH, in the definition and resolution of overall management proposals that affect more than one functional or central service area.
Represents the Director and Deputy Director, NIH, and the Deputy Director for Management, NIH, at meetings and conferences of ad hoc groups and organized associations of operations, research, and HR management personnel.
The OHR has a workforce of approximately 440 FTEs and an annual budget of approximately $100 million.
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 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: Demonstrated senior-level experience leading the full spectrum of human capital services (i.e., position classification and position management, staffing and recruitment, employee and labor relations, employee development and succession planning) and equal employment opportunity (EEO) programs and initiatives to develop an innovative merit system-based human capital program; ensuring compliance with federal regulations while driving innovation in support of the agency.
TQ 2: Demonstrated ability to build cross-organizational partnerships, advise the Director and executive staff on management and administrative issues, provide consultative and innovative HR solutions aligned to mission needs, and sustain a high-performing, engaged workforce in a multi-layered and geographically dispersed organization.
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 NIH seeks candidates who have a commitment to managerial excellence and the energy, enthusiasm, and innovative thinking necessary to lead within a dynamic organization. All competitive candidates for SES positions with the Federal Government must demonstrate leadership experience indicative of their senior executive level management capability. The position of Director, OHR resides within the Office of the Director and reports directly to the Deputy Director for Management.
Applicants must meet the requirements for the GS-0201 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-0201 Website and demonstrate in your two (2) page resume that you possess the Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed below. 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.
Education
This job does not have an education qualification requirement.
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: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm.
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.
Occasional Travel - You may be expected to travel for this position.
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
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.
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.
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
Applicants must submit mandatory application materials ELECTRONICALLY by the Closing Date (11:59 PM E.T.) of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre5@od.nih.gov
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 parenthesis 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 references. 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: 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.
How to Apply
Help
Applicants must submit complete application materials ELECTRONICALLY by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre5@mail.nih.gov
DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
Agency contact information
Mariela Light
Phone 301-496-9788 Email lightmar@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
See "How You Will Be Evaluated."
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Applicants who are determined to be highly qualified by the Search Committee will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview, at which time you will be contacted. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final selection is made.
Due to current hiring restrictions in place, selections will need DHHS approval before a final offer may be extended. Updates will be provided to help keep you informed throughout the process.
A one-year probationary period must be served by the individual selected if not currently or previously in the career Senior Executive Service.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the DHHS within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at DHHS. 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.
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
Applicants must submit mandatory application materials ELECTRONICALLY by the Closing Date (11:59 PM E.T.) of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre5@od.nih.gov
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 parenthesis 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 references. 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: 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.
How to Apply
Help
Applicants must submit complete application materials ELECTRONICALLY by 11:59 p.m. (ET) on the closing date of the announcement to the following email address: seniorre5@mail.nih.gov
DO NOT INCLUDE YOUR BIRTH DATE OR SOCIAL SECURITY NUMBER (SSN) ON APPLICATION MATERIALS.
Expand Hide how to apply
Agency contact information
Mariela Light
Phone 301-496-9788 Email lightmar@mail.nih.gov Address National Institutes of Health
6701 Rockledge Drive
Bethesda, MD 20892
US
Next steps
See "How You Will Be Evaluated."
You will receive an email confirming receipt of your application. Applicants who are determined to be highly qualified by the Search Committee will be referred to the selecting official for further consideration and possible interview, at which time you will be contacted. All applicants will be notified of the outcome of their applications once a final selection is made.
Due to current hiring restrictions in place, selections will need DHHS approval before a final offer may be extended. Updates will be provided to help keep you informed throughout the process.
A one-year probationary period must be served by the individual selected if not currently or previously in the career Senior Executive Service.
Additional selections may be made for similar positions across the DHHS within the local commuting area(s) of the location identified in this announcement. By applying, you agree to have your application shared with interested selecting official(s) at DHHS. 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.
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
Who we are, what we do, and why it matters. The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is the premier biomedical research center for the Nation and the world. The NIH is composed of 27 Institutes and Centers and employs approximately 18,000 staff in a vast array of professions, all supporting research efforts for a healthier nation. For more information on the NIH mission, goals, and Institutes and Centers, please visit NIH Overview.
Are you a senior executive interested in a career with the Nations premier biomedical research center? Do you have what it takes to run the Office of Human Resources 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 a Director, Office of Human Resources which may be the perfect career opportunity for you!
The NIH Office of the Director (OD) is responsible for advancing the research mission, policies, and administration of the NIH through innovative partnerships with our NIH Institutes, Centers, and other collaborators. ODs components include central services, scientific programs, and central policy-making bodies. The Director, Office of Human Resources serves as a respected and responsible member of the top management staff and is relied upon for authoritative advice on all human resources (HR) management matters.
Agency contact information
Mariela Light
Phone 301-496-9788 Email lightmar@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 Management, within the Office of the Director, NIH, is seeking exceptional candidates for the position of Director, Office of Human Resources. This is a career Federal position in the Senior Executive Service. See "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 Not required
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 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
Financial disclosure required Yes
Some jobs require financial disclosure to identify conflicts of interests.
Announcement number NIH-OD-SES-26-13005599 Control number 876580800
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