Special Counselor

To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications and Technical Qualifications related to this position within your resume. Resume should NOT EXCEED 2 PAGES, with the font size no smaller than 10 points. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications or the Technical Qualifications. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements, 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 must attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs) There are two TQs: TQ 1: Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in the areas of Federal ethics laws and regulations, including the Hatch Act, criminal statutes, and Office of Government Ethics Standards of Conduct, with experience in: 1) the development and administration of federal ethics programs, including policies related to financial disclosure; 2) preventing and addressing conflicts of interest; and 3) applying the law to complex factual circumstances related to federal sector ethics. TQ 2: Demonstrated knowledge, skills, and experience in managing a docket and providing independent legal advice, factual analysis, briefings, and draft decisions for high-level stakeholders on legal cases or proceedings that arise under various education-related statutes such as findings related to Title IV student financial aid programs, recognition of accrediting agencies, state compliance with the Individuals with Disabilities Education Act, state Impact Aid funding, and institutional compliance with the Clery Act. The incumbent serves as Special Counselor in the Office of the Secretary, working on cases or legal issues of a highly complex nature and providing independent legal advice to, and drafting final agency administrative appellate decisions for, the Secretary of Education. The incumbent also serves as the Department's Designated Agency Ethics Official (DAEO), conducting program management and overseeing legal interpretation and policy development for the agency ethics program.

Position Details

• Job Title: Special Counselor
• Company / Organisation: Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education
• Location: Washington, DC
• Employment Type: Full-time
• Field / Industry: Finance & Accounting
• Work Arrangement: On-site or hybrid - Washington, DC

About This Opportunity

This full-time opportunity at Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education is an excellent opening for experienced professionals in the field of finance and accounting. The role is structured around an on-site or hybrid environment based in Washington, DC and is designed for candidates who are ready to make a meaningful contribution from the moment they join.

Based in Washington, DC , this role offers the opportunity to collaborate closely with a local team in a structured professional environment. Candidates currently based in the area or open to relocation are strongly encouraged to apply.

Whether you are an established practitioner in finance and accounting or a highly skilled professional looking for your next challenge, this Special Counselor role offers the platform to apply your expertise in a real-world, results-oriented environment. Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education is looking for a candidate who can hit the ground running and add genuine value to the team.

Who Should Apply

This role is ideal for candidates who have a solid background in finance and accounting and a demonstrable track record of delivering high-quality results. You should possess numerical accuracy, regulatory awareness, strong organisational skills, and sound financial judgement. Experience working with accounting software, financial modelling tools, and enterprise resource planning (ERP) systems will be an advantage, though a commitment to continuous learning and professional development is equally valued.

Beyond technical or domain expertise, Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education is looking for someone who communicates clearly, collaborates effectively with colleagues and stakeholders, and takes ownership of their work from start to finish. If you thrive in a professional environment and are passionate about the opportunity to ensure financial integrity, regulatory compliance, and sustainable business growth, we encourage you to apply.

Key Competencies for This Role

Successful candidates for the Special Counselor position at Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education will typically demonstrate the following core competencies:

• Domain expertise - a strong foundation of knowledge and hands-on experience in finance and accounting
• Problem-solving ability - the capacity to identify challenges, think critically, and implement practical solutions efficiently
• Communication skills - clear and professional communication with colleagues, stakeholders, and partners at all levels
• Self-management - strong time management and the ability to prioritise a varied workload while meeting deadlines
• Team collaboration - a collaborative and supportive approach to working alongside colleagues across departments or locations
• Adaptability - the ability to respond positively to change and thrive in a dynamic, evolving work environment

How to Apply

To apply for this Special Counselor position at Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education, click the "Apply Now" button on this page. You will be taken directly to the official application page where you can complete and submit your application.

Before applying, please ensure that your CV or résumé is fully up to date and clearly highlights your experience and accomplishments in finance and accounting. If a cover letter is included or requested, tailor it specifically to this role and explain how your background, skills, and goals align with what Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education is looking for in a Special Counselor.

All applications for this role are processed directly by Immediate Office of the Secretary of Education. Career Nest facilitates the job discovery process and does not pre-screen or forward applications on behalf of employers. There are no fees for job seekers at any stage of the application process.

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