Summary

As the Assistant Executive Director for Compliance and Field Operations for the Consumer Product Safety Commission, you will be leading teams in Bethesda, MD and across the Nation who are dedicated to saving lives and keeping families safe from hazardous consumer products. In your role as a senior executive, you will have the opportunity to contribute to CPSC's life-saving mission through your legal expertise and experience and exceptional leadership and management skills.

Learn more about this agency

This job is open to

The public

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

Senior executives

Individuals looking for an executive-level job and who meet the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).

Clarification from the agency

UNITED STATES CITIZENS MAY APPLY (no prior federal experience is required).

Duties

This highly visible and consequential position directs the development, planning, and execution of Consumer Product Safety Commission's (CPSC's) compliance and enforcement activities while improving the efficiency, quality, and timeliness of delivering safety results for consumers. The incumbent manages, and as necessary, adjusts and establishes systems to ensure consumer product hazard issues are prevented and /or resolved on a timely basis. Critical to success in the role is the ability to lead the compliance team in the identification and management of consumer product hazards, while managing compliance and enforcement costs and work flow, reducing "bottlenecks," improving resource utilization, improving the timely completion of internal projects, and improving the efficiency and effectiveness of the compliance and enforcement effort. As the Assistant Executive Director (AED) for the Office of Compliance and Field Operations, the incumbent is responsible for organizing, staffing, coordinating, and controlling the day-to-day, substantive compliance as well as administrative litigation relating to safety enforcement. The AED establishes and evaluates operational policies, makes decisions on programs and specific matters, establishes priorities, and allocates resources, all in furtherance of consumer product safety efforts. The AED reports directly to the Deputy Executive Director for Safety Operations. Specific activities associated with this position include:

Managing and coordinating the work of the subordinate Deputy AED and Division Directors;

Conducting the Commission’s enforcement, compliance and field operations activities;

Conducting case development and administrative litigation to obtain effective and meaningful corrective actions;

Providing advice and guidance to regulated industries on how to comply with all CPSC-administered laws and regulations;

Promoting industry compliance with existing safety requirements;

Reviewing proposed standards and rules with regard to their enforceability;

Identifying and acting promptly on safety hazards in consumer products already in distribution;

Conducting civil penalty investigations of companies that have committed prohibited acts, including failure to report products that could present possible substantial product hazards;

Working closely with the Office of Import Surveillance and the Office of Risk Reduction to advance consumer product safety programs and enforcement.

Requirements

Conditions of employment

U.S Citizenship Required.
A background investigation is required.
Appointment to this position may be subject to Commission approval.
Must meet education requirements.

This is a Public Trust Position. Employment in this position requires a background investigation. If you are selected and cannot meet the criteria requirement for the pre-employment waiver and/or a favorable suitability determination within a reasonable period of time due to disclosed or undisclosed background issues, the employment offer may be withdrawn.

One-year probationary period required for initial SES appointment.

The selectee will be required to complete a "Declaration of Federal Employment", (OF-306), prior to appointment and the appropriate background investigation forms to determine suitability for Federal employment. False statements or responses on these forms can jeopardize your employment opportunity and subject you to disciplinary action, including removal from Federal service.

The selectee will be required to complete a Personal Identity Verification (PIV) process that requires two forms of identification from the I-9 Form. We will compare information provided on the I-9 Form to records available from the U.S. Department of Homeland Security. The system confirms employee’s identity and eligibility to work in the United States. Learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities.

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 (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) 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.

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 should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications.

Knowledge of investigation and enforcement principles sufficient to lead, direct, and supervise a large, multi-disciplinary organization charged with: 1) investigations of consumer product hazards, 2) handling of violations of mandatory standards, 3) development of corrective action programs, and 4) civil penalty investigations.

Ability to conduct successful negotiations to obtain corrective actions with major manufacturers, importers, manufacturers, retailers, distributers, and their counsel.

Ability to frame and supervise administrative adjudications to enforce consumer product safety laws and regulations.

Ability to apply the laws administered by the CPSC to the facts of individual cases, the ability to communicate and teach this skill to subordinates, the ability to communicate with and represent senior CPSC leadership with high level government and non-government officials, stakeholders and firms about their responsibilities under the statutes administered by the Commission.

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 organization’s 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 OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

Education

Basic Requirement: All applicants must possess a J.D. or LL.B. degree and be an active member of the bar in good standing in any state, territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or the commonwealth of Puerto Rico. In addition to basic requirement and qualifying specialized experience, applicants must have a minimum of five years (ten years preferred) of experience as a practicing attorney (post bar admission). All applicants are required to provide proof of current, active bar membership/good standing.

You MUST provide transcripts to support your educational claims. Unofficial transcripts are acceptable during the application process. Official transcripts will be required upon appointment.

All materials must be submitted by the closing date of this announcement.

All education claimed by applicants will be verified.

Additional information

All the information you provide will be verified by a review of the work experience and/or education as shown on your application forms, by checking references and through other means, such as the interview process. Any exaggeration of your experience, false statements, or attempts to conceal information may be grounds for not hiring you, or for firing you after you begin work.

If you are a male born after December 31, 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Please see http://www.sss.gov for more information.

Payment of relocation expenses is not authorized.

Must meet the criteria requirement for the pre-employment waiver and/or a favorable suitability determination within a reasonable period of time, otherwise the employment offer may be withdrawn.

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

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.

CPSC offers a comprehensive benefits package that includes: paid vacation, sick leave, 11 paid holidays per year, life and health insurance, Long Term Care insurance, dental and vision insurance, flexible spending account program, and retirement savings and investment plan similar to 401(k) (Thrift Savings Plan).

CPSC also offers a broad array of work-life flexibilities and services to employees such as, flexible work schedules, transit subsidies, fitness center, and employee assistance and wellness programs.

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.

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your Application Package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed above. ECQs and TQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed.

Applicants will be rated and ranked by the CPSC Executive Resources Board (ERB) or designated panel using only the information submitted for consideration. The ERB (or designated panel) will rate and rank each applicant based on the qualification requirements and refer the top candidates to the selecting official. The selecting official will consider the best qualified applicants referred based on the information provided, and possibly a personal interview. The ERB will approve the final selection and forward to the Chairman.

Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual’s 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/.

You may preview questions for this vacancy.

Required Documents

Your package must be complete and submitted in the manner specified in this section. Packages that are submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the agency point of contact will not be considered.

A complete application includes: 1. Resume; 2. Vacancy question responses; and 3. Submission of any required documents (such as law school transcripts and proof of active bar membership).

Your resume must clearly demonstrate, in two pages or less, how your skills and experiences align with the "Qualifications" section and support your questionnaire responses. We cannot assume required experience based on your work or academic history. If your resume exceeds two pages, only the first two will be reviewed. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs.

You may use the USAJOBS Resume Builder or upload your own resume. If uploading, ensure it includes all required information and is organized so we can match the following to each position:

Job title

Employer name

Employment dates (MM/DD/YYYY)

Hours worked per week (full-time assumed; part-time prorated)

Detailed duties, accomplishments, skills, responsibilities, and supervisory details (if applicable)

Series and grade or equivalent (for federal positions, if applicable)

Do not include a photograph or video of yourself, or any sensitive information (age, date of birth, marital status, social security number, etc.) on your resume or cover letter. We will not access web pages linked on your resume or cover letter to determine your qualifications.

If you are a current or former federal employee you must provide a copy of your most recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that shows: (1) permanent or career-conditional tenure (codes 1 or 2, in block 24), and (2) position occupied in the competitive service (code 1, in block 34). Indicate on your application the highest permanent grade you have held; if this grade is different from your current grade, submit a copy of an additional SF-50 showing this grade.

Veterans' preference is not applicable to positions in the Senior Executive Service.

Proof of non-competitive eligibility (if applicable). Proof consists of an SF-50 showing career status in the SES and/or proof of certification of your Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) from the OPM administered Qualifications Review Board (QRB).

Non-Competitive Consideration: You are considered a non-competitive applicant if you are a current career Senior Executive, Qualifications Review Board (QRB) certified graduate of a Senior Executive (SES) Candidate Development Program (CDP) or an individual with SES reinstatement eligibility. You may be considered non-competitively for appointment to this position if you meet the mandatory technical qualifications requirements.

Non-competitive applicants do not need to address the ECQs but you must clearly state your status in your resume and submit a written narrative response to the Technical Qualifications. Proof of non-competitive eligibility is required. The agency has the option of considering you non-competitively or including you in the competitive process.

All supplemental documents must be submitted electronically before the closing date of this vacancy announcement. You have two choices for submitting your supplemental documents:
1. Download from your USAJOBS account; or
2. Upload your file(s).

Failure to submit required documents, based upon how you apply, may result in loss of consideration due to an incomplete application package. It is your responsibility to ensure all required documents have been submitted.

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

A complete application package includes the following: your resume; your answers to the vacancy specific questions; AND the required supporting documentation (such as law school transcripts and proof of active bar membership).

Your package must be complete and submitted in the manner specified in this section. Packages that are submitted in any other manner without prior approval from the agency point of contact will not be considered.

You MUST apply on-line through USAJOBS. Your application must be received by 11:59 p.m. Eastern Time on the closing date of this announcement. Uploaded resumes must include the following: applicant contact information and educational and professional background information including dates of employment and education, salary (and Federal grade level, if appropriate), and work schedule (i.e., FT/PT). Incomplete applications will not be considered and you will not be contacted to provide any missing information.

To begin the application process, select the "Apply On-line" button to the right on this screen. Then follow the prompts to login/register, submit all required supplemental documents, and complete the application process.

If you are having trouble with USAJOBS (searching for jobs, account password/profile issues, or Resume Builder): please visit the USAJOBS Help Center.

If experiencing any difficulties with the online application process (anything after you have clicked the 'Continue to Agency Site' button): please email recruitapps@cpsc.gov between normal business hours (8:00 a.m. - 4:00 p.m. ET; except federal holidays). If receiving any kind of error message, please provide a screenshot or at a minimum, the error message text number.

Agency contact information

HR Specialist

Phone

301-504-7925

TDD

301-504-7925

Email

recruitapps@cpsc.gov

Address

CONSUMER PRODUCT SAFETY COMMISSION
U.S. Consumer Product Safety Commission
Office of Human Resources Management
4340 East West Highway Room 838
Bethesda, Maryland 20814
United States

Next steps

You will receive an email after the vacancy closes acknowledging receipt of your application and after a qualifications determination has been made.

To view CPSC's Anti Human Trafficking Code of Conduct.

Overview

Accepting applications

Open & closing dates

04/24/2026 to 05/15/2026

Salary

$151,661 - $228,000 per year

Pay scale & grade

ES 00

Location

1 vacancy in the following location:

Bethesda, MD

1 vacancy

Remote job

No

Telework eligible

Yes—as determined by the agency policy.

Travel Required

Occasional travel - Up to 25% travel in Local Commuting Area.

Relocation expenses reimbursed

No

Appointment type

Permanent

Work schedule

Full-time

Service

Senior Executive

Promotion potential

00

Job family (Series)

0905 Attorney

Supervisory status

Yes

Security clearance

Not Required

Drug test

No

Position sensitivity and risk

High Risk (HR)

Trust determination process

Credentialing
Suitability/Fitness

Financial disclosure

Yes - A public financial disclosure statement is required upon appointment into the SES. This statement will be used to avoid conflicting situations in employment through advice and counseling. You will need to provide the information annually.

Bargaining unit status

No

Announcement number

3000EXC-2026-0003

Control number

866617800

United States Consumer Product Safety Commission

About Company

ASSISTANT EXECUTIVE DIRECTOR FOR COMPLIANCE AND FIELD OPERATIONS