Clarification from the agency

Applications will be accepted from all groups of qualified individuals.

The USPTO is searching for an experienced technical executive with substantial experience in intellectual property matters. This position requires a results-driven, service-centered, and people-oriented individual to lead the Patents business unit. The Patents business unit is a large, technical-skilled organization that examines applications and grants patents; it publishes and disseminates patent information; records assignments of patents; and maintains search files of U.S. and foreign patents.

As the Commissioner for Patents you will work directly with the Under Secretary of Commerce for Intellectual Property and Director of the USPTO and the rest of the executive team at our Alexandria, Virginia headquarters. You'll be at the forefront of the patents life cycle and will develop strategies to support our agency's mission in progressing American innovation.

Additional duties and responsibilities will include, but are not limited to:

• Oversee and responsibly manage all aspects of the Patent organization including policy, operations, and budget relating to patent examination, registration, and maintenance.
• Serve as the primary agency official for Patents and interacts on a regular basis with a wide array of stakeholders domestically and internationally.
• Establish the vision for the future of the Patents organization and maps out vision-oriented initiatives and provides strategic direction for accomplishing the initiatives.
• Engage with members of the public, officials of other government agencies, Department of Commerce and Patent and Trademark Office employees, members of congress, and foreign government officials to expand access to the innovation ecosystem and to promote strong intellectual property protection across the world.
• Ensure that the best possible processes are in place to issue high quality patents that directly promote innovation, create jobs, and add value to the global economy.

Conditions of employment

• Must be a U.S. Citizen or National.
• If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so.
• A Financial Disclosure Report, OGE-278, and the supplemental form, Confidential Statement of Employment and Financial Interest is required within 30 days after the selection for this position.
• Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency.
• You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal.
• May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests.

Qualifications

This position requires a high level of technical expertise in patent operations and the intellectual property field. This position also requires a broad level of management authority and scope. The Commissioner must demonstrate they possesses the necessary attributes to be successful in advancing the duties, which includes the following leadership core qualifications:

• Commitment to the Rule of Law and Principles of the American Founding: 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.
• Driving Efficiency: Involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
• Merit and Competence: Involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
• Leading People: 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.
• Achieving Results: Involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

How you will be evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Your resume will be reviewed to determine how well you meet the qualifications for this position. Upon completion, you may be call for an interview.

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.

1. 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.

2. EDUCATION DOCUMENTATION: For positions with an education requirement, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected and not already on file. See "Education" for more details.

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