Director

Senior Executive Service Director, Torts Branch - Federal Tort Claims Act Section

The Civil Division is seeking an individual to serve as the Senior Executive Service Director in its Torts Branch - Federal Tort Claims Act Section. The Torts Branch's Federal Tort Claims Act Litigation Section (FTCA Section) defends the United States in a wide range of complex, and often controversial, suits filed under the Federal Tort Claims Act including cases based on medical care, regulatory activities, law enforcement, and maintenance of Federal lands.

The Director :

• Manages and directs supervisors and attorneys in all phases of litigation of high-profile and unusually complex cases
• Reviews and approves pleadings, briefs, and legal memoranda on significant cases
• Oversees and directs strategy for settlement negotiations, mediations, and conferences
• Makes appeal recommendations for all adverse judgments entered in FTCA cases and makes final determinations that no appeal with respect to matters relating to the FTCA
• Participates in the formulation and implementation of new policies or organizational changes having an impact on the Branch and the Division
• Represents the Assistant Attorney General (AAG) on various interdepartmental committees or activities with respect to matters relating to FTCA
• Provides guidance and advice to United States Attorneys' offices and agency counsel nationwide concerning FTCA jurisprudence, case development, damages evaluation, and settlement strategy and negotiations
• Reviews and acts upon FTCA settlements up to $1 million and makes recommendations to higher-level Department officials for settlements of more than $1 million
• Guides and directs officials of other agencies in the fulfillment of the Section's requests for investigation reports, or other pertinent data and witnesses needed in connection with the defense of litigation
• Consults with and advises officials at other agencies on how best to respond to court decisions and legislation to avoid future litigation

Requirements :

Qualifications :

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME-ONLY. Applicants must show clear evidence of their demonstrated leadership ability by addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) embedded within their resume. The resume-based application should not exceed 2 pages (1-sheet double-sided or 2 sheets one-sided). Note : Applicants who have completed the SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) and have had their ECQs certified by OPM must provide a copy of their certificate as part of their application. Candidates must still satisfy the MTQs of the position. We recommend that your resume emphasize your level of responsibilities, the scope and complexity of the programs managed, and your program accomplishments, including the results of your actions. You will be evaluated to determine if you meet the minimum qualifications required of the position and on the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Director, Torts Branch, FTCA Section position. Please be sure to give concrete examples of your experience and demonstrate the complexity of the knowledge you possess.

ECQ1 - COMMITMENT TO THE RULE OF LAW AND THE PRINCIPLES OF THE AMERICAN FOUNDING. Demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the Rule of Law, and commitment to serve the American people.

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

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

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

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

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

MTQ1. Demonstrated significant legal experience and expertise in Federal Tort Claims Act (FTCA) litigation particularly in handling complex, high-profile and controversial cases.

MTQ2. Demonstrated significant expertise in planning and oversight of the activities of a legal organization, including developing legal strategies to be utilized in the U.S. courts and providing sound and timely legal counsel and the highest levels.

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