The Civil Division (Division) of the U.S. Department of Justice is seeking an individual to serve as the Senior Executive Service (SES) Deputy Director in its Torts Branch, Constitutional & Specialized Tort Litigation Section - Radiation Exposure Compensation Program (CSTL - RECA).
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 must 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 to the extent your application demonstrates that you possess the knowledge, skills, and abilities required of the Deputy Director 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 compensation programs which serve as an alternative to traditional torts litigation, particularly in managing and handling a variety of complex claims in accordance with statutory and regulatory criteria. MTQ2. Demonstrated significant experience in planning and oversight of the activities of a legal organization, including developing legal strategies to be utilized in processing and evaluating a large volume of claims and providing sound and timely program advice and legal counsel at the highest levels.
The Deputy Director oversees the work of the RECA Staff, which is responsible for administering claims for benefits filed under the Radiation Exposure Compensation Act. The Act provides partial restitution to individuals who contracted certain illnesses following exposure to radiation while mining, milling, or transporting uranium ore for defense related purposes, or because of atmospheric nuclear weapons testing during the Cold War. On July 4, 2025, the Act was expanded and now covers more areas of the country and individual workers and adds compensation for injuries connected to the Manhattan Project. The Deputy Director carries out significant executive leadership and management responsibilities overseeing the work of the RECA Staff. Major duties include: Personally handling difficult and precedent-setting claims of unusual complexity. Supervising and directing the work of attorneys, claims examiners, support staff, and contractors in all phases of the program's operations and related administrative matters. Advising and participating with the Director in the establishment of program policy, as well as advising and consulting with staff on new Act-derived directions. Preparing and analyzing policy papers for the highest-level officials in the Division, as well as participating in the formulation of and plan for implementation of new legislation impacting CSTL and the Division. Providing input to management offices for budget requests ensuring RECA Staff has sufficient resources to meet its responsibilities. Serving as a resource to attorneys throughout the Division in planning, briefing and strategically handling specialized tort compensation programs, as well as implementing other nationwide tort reform programs. Providing advice and assistance to stakeholders.