Deputy Director

Deputy Director

Department: Department of Justice

Location(s): Washington, District of Columbia

Salary Range: $150160 - $225700 Per Year

Job Summary: The Civil Division is seeking an individual to serve as the Senior Executive Service Deputy Director in its Torts Branch - Federal Tort Claims Act Section.

Major Duties:

• 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 Deputy Director: Supervises and directs FTCA attorneys and support staff in all phases of litigation, including review of pleadings, briefs, legal memoranda, and related administrative matters. Evaluates organizational structure and timely proposes necessary changes based on new directions or caseload requirements. Oversees the litigative and administrative actions related to the implementation of structured settlements in FTCA matters around the country. Supervises the review and analysis of facts pertaining to cases or claims brought against the United States and its employees for damages resulting from alleged negligent or wrongful acts. Determines the legal strategy to be deployed in assigned cases, claims, or groups of cases or claims, including with respect to defensive posture, settlement, and appellate prospects. Maintains expertise in the Department's evaluation and settlement of catastrophic injury cases. Provides advice and makes formal recommendations on settlements by federal agencies to higher-level officials in the Department in circumstances where settlement authority exceeds the FTCA Section's authority. Prepares model settlement documents that protect the interests of the United States and is an expert in the use of structured settlements. Represents the Branch, the Division, and Department, as applicable, formally or informally, in inter- or intra- agency meetings, task forces, working groups, or committees dealing with issues in which the FTCA Staff has equities or expertise.

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 Deputy 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. MTQ 1. Demonstrated legal experience and expertise that includes defending the United States and its employees in tort litigation seeking monetary compensation for injury or damage resulting from alleged negligent or wrongful acts. MTQ2. Demonstrated experience in overseeing the activities of a legal organization including developing legal strategies to be deployed in the federal courts, providing sound and timely legal counsel, managing staff, and handling administrative matters in support of litigation.

How to Apply: To begin the process, click the Apply Online button to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account. Failure to submit a complete application (resume and all supporting documents) by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time (EST) on (01/05/2026) may result in an ineligible rating and loss of consideration. Please follow all instructions carefully as missing application information will not be requested. It is your responsibility to ensure your responses and appropriate documentation is submitted prior to the closing date. If more than one resume is received, only the last resume submitted will be reviewed. Note: To check the status of your application or return to a previous or incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account: https://my.usajobs.gov/Account/Login select Application Status, and click on the more information link under the application status for this position. The Details page will display the status of your application, the documentation received and processed, and any correspondence the agency has sent related to this application. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. To return to an incomplete application, log into your USAJOBS account and click Update Application in the vacancy announcement. You must re-select your resume and/or other documents from your USAJOBS account or your application will be incomplete. Do not email or send hard copy resumes/applications to the Contact Information or Agency Information listed in this vacancy announcement. All resumes/applications received at the addresses listed in the Contact Information or Agency Information will be destroyed and will not be considered for this vacancy announcement.

Application Deadline: 2026-01-05