Vacancy Announcement: Director for Manufacturing Extension Partnership

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) is hiring for a new director for the NIST Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), a growing nationwide assistance program for smaller manufacturers in all 50 states and Puerto Rico. We encourage all qualified applicants to apply for this critical leadership position. 

Detailed information about the vacancy is found below. For more information or to apply, visit USAJobs (link removed; no longer active)

JOB SUMMARY

About the Agency

The National Institute of Standards and Technology (NIST) plays a vital role in supporting technical innovation -- critical to the future economic security of our Nation. NIST accomplishes its mission through a broad interdisciplinary approach leveraging its physical sciences and engineering expertise. Its broad scope and technical expertise is matched by few other laboratories in the world. NIST is organized around scientific and engineering disciplines and encourages research programs that leverage the full talent and expertise across the organization. NIST programs are at the scientific forefront nationally and internationally, and they provide an important contribution in support of industry, academia, and other government entities. NIST is a dynamic and complex organization undertaking research and scientific endeavors in a multidisciplinary, diverse culture. NIST's human resources are also diverse with over 2,800 full-time employees and over 1,500 foreign and domestic guest researchers, contractors, and other associates. The primary facilities are located in Gaithersburg, Maryland and Boulder, Colorado.

The incumbent of this position serves as the Director, Hollings Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program and is responsible for planning, organizing, directing, and controling the activities of the Manufacturing Extension Partnership (MEP), formulating its programs, policies, and procedures, and ensuring that they are carried out.

KEY REQUIREMENTS

• U.S. Citizenship is required.
• Background and/or Security Investigation required.
• Designated or random drug testing may be required.
• Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) is required within 30 days.
• Mobility agreements are required for members of the SES.

DUTIES:

The Director, Manufacturing Extension Partnership Program is responsible for planing, organizing, directing, and controlling the activities of the MEP, and he/she formulates its programs, policies, and procedures, and ensures that they are carried out. He/she plans the operations of the Program to focus on modernizing America's manufacturing base through the transfer of modern manufacturing technology and techniques to small and medium-sized companies. The incumbent also provides leadership to the NIST MEP national office and the system of MEP centers. This includes (a) setting the direction for key functions such as center competitions and selection; (b) development and leadership of the system's strategic approach to sustaining and growing the economic competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers, particularly small and medium sized manufacturers; (c) requesting, planning for and operational oversight of the program's annual funding and internal management systems; (d) responsibility for the performance of the MEP system and achieving annual metrics; (e) overseeing systems for communication and dissemination of system and center best practices, achievements, and impacts through traditional and social media; and (f) ensuring that systems are in place to provide technical assistance to and between MEP centers, NIST MEP regional office staff, and federal and state partners of the MEP program.

The incumbent represents the MEP in national manufacturing policy and strategy, including representing NIST to and/or with the Department of Commerce to national stakeholders including the Office of Management and Budget, the National Economic Council, the U.S. Congress, and others on program, budget, and other matters concerning the Program. The incumbent renders expert technical, manufacturing knowledge to senior officials of NIST, DOC, other agencies, cooperating institutions, universities, and requesting industrial organizations in all areas concerned with manufacturing. The incumbent represents the MEP, NIST, and the Department of Commerce, both personally and through appropriate delegation of staff, in government and non-government manufacturing and related committees and societies. The incumbent arranges for exchanges in technical information, and plans, organizes, and operates appropriate mechanisms for coordinating technical activities and programs. The incumbent serves as an expert technical advisor to government agencies, universities, professional societies, and industry associations on the MEP.

Furthermore, the incumbent serves as the Designated Federal Official for the MEP Advisory Board; a "Federal Advisory Committee" authorized under the America COMPETES Act of 2007 which provides advice on MEP programs, plans and policies; assesses the soundness of MEP plans and strategies, and assesses current performance against MEP program plans. The incumbent will develope, maintain, and grow federal-state partnerships and public-private partnerships that bring together federal, state, and private sector polices and resources towards an "eco-system" that helps grow the economic competitiveness of U.S. manufacturers. This includes but is not limited to representing the program to state policy leaders and industry leaders and working collaboratively towards a common goal and vision.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you must possess all of the mandatory executive core and professional/technical qualifications.

Applicants must respond to the application questions, which consist of providing 8 narrative responses to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs). APPLICANTS WHO DO NOT RESPOND TO THE EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS AND THE PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS AND DOCUMENT THEIR DEMONSTRATED EXPERIENCE, TRAINING, AND/OR EDUCATION IN SUPPORT OF THE EXECUTIVE AND PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS LISTED ON THIS ANNOUNCEMENT WILL BE INELIGIBLE FOR FURTHER CONSIDERATION. For detailed guidance on writing ECQs, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf. Applicants currently serving under a career appointment within the Senior Executive Service (SES), those who are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or those who have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), are not required to address the ECQs but must address the PTQs. These applicants must submit proof of their status to be considered eligible for the position. Proof consists of an SF-50 showing career status in the SES or reinstatement eligibility, or documentation from the CDP showing OPM certification of your ECQs.

Eligibility for this position will be based upon a clear showing that the applicant has had experience of the scope and quality sufficient to effectively carry out the duties and assignments of the position.

HOW YOU WILL BE EVALUATED:

Applicants will be evaluated by a panel of Senior Executives to determine the degree to which they possess the mandatory executive core and professional/technical qualifications. You will be evaluated on the following: ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial and information resources strategically. ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS/ COMMUNICATION. This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals. PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs). PTQ1 - A broad knowledge of and demonstrated experience in manufacturing, manufacturing and industrial extension programs, and/or technology-based economic development as evidenced by private sector experience, program management, technical expertise, and/or thought leadership, such as publications and presentations. PTQ 2 - Demonstrated ability to communicate and partner with a diverse set of customers and stakeholders such as senior level federal officials; Congressional Members and staff; state elected officials and policy makers; private sector manufacturing leaders; and national and regional organizations that are part of the manufacturing eco-system. PTQ 3 - Demonstrated skill in planning, organizing, managing, and directing a multi-level technical and/or business organization of significant size, resource, complexity, and scope that includes federal-state and public-private partnerships.

For detailed guidance on writing ECQs, applicants are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Executive Qualifications at http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/GuidetoSESQuals_2010.pdf

Applicants currently serving under a career appointment within the Senior Executive Service (SES), those who are eligible for reinstatement into the SES, or those who have successfully completed an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM), are not required to address the ECQs but must address the PTQs.
To preview questions please click here.

BENEFITS:

You can review our benefits at: https://careerconnector.jobs.treas.gov/doc/vacancy/preview!benefits.hms?orgId=14&jnum=101364

OTHER INFORMATION:

Mobility: Individuals selected for Senior Executive Service positions may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines. Selective Service: If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959 you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System, or are exempt from having to do so under the Selective Service Law. Please see http://www.sss.gov for more information. Relocation expenses: Payment of relocation expenses may be authorized. Background investigation: This position requires that a background investigation be conducted and favorably adjudicated in order to establish security eligibility. Financial Disclosure: This position is covered under the Ethics in Government Act, which requires comprehensive financial disclosures from employees. The appointee will be required to file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) within 30 days of their appointment and then annually thereafter. Qualifications approval and probationary period: Persons newly selected for career appointments within the Senior Executive Service must have their executive core qualifications approved by an Office of Personnel Management Qualifications Review Board and will be required to serve a one year probationary period. Drug Testing: Applicants selected for employment in this position may be subject to designated and/or random drug urinalysis to screen for illegal drugs. Veterans' Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to positions in the Senior Executive Service. Travel: Occasional to frequent travel may be required. Social Security Number: You will be required to enter your full social security number (SSN) to initially access and create an account at the www.usajobs.gov website. However, only the last four (4) digits will appear in your resume. Please DO NOT put your SSN on pages within your application package. Privacy Act notice (PL93-579) - The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361. False Statements: If you make false statements in any part of your application, you may not be hired; you may be fired after you begin work; or, you may be subject to fine, imprisonment or other disciplinary action. Signature: Before you are hired, you may be required to sign and certify the accuracy of the information in your application. NIST is an equal opportunity employer. To learn more about NIST, visit NIST's channel on youtube.

HOW TO APPLY:

All applicants must use the Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) website to apply for this position: www.usajobs.gov. An account must be established at the OPM website following the instructions provided in order to apply for this position. Only applications submitted via www.usajobs.gov will be considered for this position. All applications and all supporting documents must be received by 11:59 pm Eastern Standard Time on the closing date of the announcement to be considered for this position. Please allow adequate time to complete your application. QRB-certified graduates of OPM-approved SES candidate development programs need not address the ECQs. Instead, applicants must submit via the www.usajobs.gov site a copy of the certificate evidencing OPM certification of their ECQs. Current or former members of the SES must provide evidence (SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows your conversion or appointment into the SES, or recent pay raise showing career status in the SES) of eligibility for reassignment or reinstatement. This document must be submitted via www.usajobs.gov. Current and former members of the SES need not address the ECQs but must address the PTQs. Current federal employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that shows your current tenure, position title, series and grade level. You will be directed to FAX or upload documents at the www.usajobs.gov site to attach to your application for this position. If you select the FAX option, please use the required cover sheet and follow the instructions provided at www.usajobs.gov. Failure to provide required documentation may result in lost consideration. A complete application package consists of a resume (created during the registration process at www.usajobs.gov), narrative responses to the online job questions that are included in this announcement and the required supporting documentation. You must provide narrative responses to the job questions; including "see resume" or similar phrases will result in your application not being considered. Your resume must include the following: your full name, mailing address, and day and evening phone numbers; paid and unpaid work experience, and for each job you should list the title, salary, major duties and accomplishments and supervisor's name and contact information; education, including the name(s) of all schools attended and dates of attendance; provide training courses, special skills you possess and any honors/awards that are applicable to the position. Applications that are not complete will not be considered for this position and you will not be contacted to provide any missing information. All qualified applicants will be considered without regard to race, religion, color, sex, age, national origin, lawful political affiliation, marital status, union membership, or other non-qualifying physical or mental handicaps. This agency provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. Privacy Act - Privacy Act Notice (PL 93-579): The information requested here is used to determine qualifications for employment and is authorized under Title 5 U.S.C. 3302 and 3361.

Problems Completing Your Application: If you have problems completing your on-line application, including problems submitting your supporting documents, please contact the Help Desk by email at treasurysupport [at] monster.com (treasurysupport[at]monster[dot]com) or by phone at (866) 656-6831. The help desk is available Monday - Friday, 7:00 a.m. to 7:00 p.m. ET.
 

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

All applicants must submit an application via www.usajobs.gov and include narrative responses to the Executive Core Qualifications, if required, and Professional/Technical Qualifications. In addition: QRB-certified graduates of OPM-approved SES candidate development programs need not address the ECQs. Instead, applicants must submit via the www.usajobs.gov site a copy of the certificate evidencing OPM certification of their ECQs. Current or former members of the SES must provide evidence (SF 50, Notification of Personnel Action which shows your conversion or appointment into the SES, or recent pay raise showing career status in the SES) of eligibility for reassignment or reinstatement. This document must be submitted via www.usajobs.gov. Current and former members of the SES need not address the ECQs but must address the PTQs. Current federal employees are encouraged, but not required, to submit a recent SF-50, Notification of Personnel Action, that shows your current tenure, position title, series and grade level. You will be directed to FAX or upload documents at the www.usajobs.gov site to attach to your application for this position. If you select the FAX option, please use the required cover sheet and follow the instructions provided at www.usajobs.gov. Failure to provide required documentation may result in lost consideration.

NOTE: Once a document has been uploaded or faxed to a particular category (i.e., transcript), you cannot refax or upload additional documents to the same category (i.e., transcript) without overriding the original documents. In this case, please submit the additional documents to the "other" category.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

WHAT TO EXPECT NEXT:

Applications will be reviewed for eligibility and then a panel of Senior Executive Service members will review eligible applications to determine the degree to which an applicant possesses the required Executive Core and Professional/Technical qualifications. Applicants may check the status of their application at any time after the announcement closes by accessing their account on www.usajobs.gov, and entering their user ID and password and selecting "Application Status". Your application status will be updated as changes occur. If you have questions, please contact the HR Specialist listed on the announcement.