Summary
This position is in the Workforce Operations Office, in the U.S. Department of State. As the Division Director for the Employee Relations section, the incumbent serves as the senior leader responsible for directing and managing all aspects of employee relations programs across the M Family bureaus.
Duties
Leads Employee Relations operations, supervising staff, setting priorities, and ensuring quality, consistent, and legally sound ER practices across the M Family.
Advises executives on complex ER matters, investigations, disciplinary actions, and workforce issues while mitigating organizational risk.
Develops ER policies, governance frameworks, and strategic initiatives to improve compliance, consistency, and organizational effectiveness.
Partners with leadership, legal, and labor stakeholders to provide guidance, training, and solutions that strengthen employee relations programs.
Education
Education requirements do not apply to this vacancy announcement.
How you will be evaluated
The evaluation process consists of the ApplyGov Competency Based Assessments and a crediting plan for which applicants will be assigned a score between 70 and 100. A resume review will be conducted for minimum qualification requirements, as described in the “Qualifications” section of this announcement, of the top qualified candidates based on combined total score. Resumes longer than two pages will be deemed ineligible and will not be considered further. Responses to questions that are not fully supported by your resume may result in a rating adjustment. You will be assessed on the following job-related competencies (knowledge, skills, abilities, and other characteristics): Supervisory: Oral Communication, Interpersonal Skills, Problem Solving, Decision Making, Customer Service, Leadership, Planning & Evaluating, Influencing/Negotiating, Strategic Thinking, Human Capital Management. Set aside at least 2 hours to take the external assessments; however, most applicants complete the assessments in less time. There are timed sections that must be completed within the allotted timeframe. Your score from the external assessment (i.e., Supervisory) will remain on file for 180 days, allowing you to apply for multiple DOS-announced positions without needing to retake the assessments. Top applicants may be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration. The assessment is used to measure the degree in which your background matches the competencies and KSAs required for this position. Your qualifications will be evaluated on the following competencies: Ability to lead teams, manage resources, and ensure effective Employee Relations operations. Ability to apply sound judgment and strategic decision-making to address sensitive employee relations matters. Knowledge of federal ER laws and practices to resolve complex workforce issues and advise leaders. Ability to develop policies, evaluate programs, and improve organizational effectiveness. Ability to collaborate with stakeholders, provide guidance, and strengthen workforce practices. Applicants found to be among the top qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. Qualified non-competitive candidates must be deemed best qualified based on the applicant assessment in order to be referred to the hiring official for further consideration and possible interview. In describing your experience, please be clear and specific. We do not make assumptions regarding your experience. Overstating your qualifications and/or experience in your application may result in your removal from consideration. You may preview questions for this vacancy.