About this role
Job SummaryThis Staff Assistant (GS-14) serves as a senior advisor and program analyst within the Office of Research and Development (ORD) by providing a high-level of support to leadership through strategic planning, program evaluation, and operational oversight. This role is responsible for developing department-wide programming that will align with leadership goals, new policies, managing complex projects, prepares reports, supports IT and AI-driven improvements, and collaborates with stakeholders.
QualificationsTo qualify for this position, applicants must meet all requirements by the closing date of this announcement, 08/06/2026. Time-In-Grade Requirement: Applicants who are current Federal employees and have held a GS grade any time in the past 52 weeks must also meet time-in-grade requirements by the closing date of this announcement. For a GS-14 position you must have served 52 weeks at the GS-13. The grade may have been in any occupation, but must have been held in the Federal service. An SF-50 that shows your time-in-grade eligibility must be submitted with your application materials. If the most recent SF-50 has an effective date within the past year, it may not clearly demonstrate you possess one-year time-in-grade, as required by the announcement. In this instance, you must provide an additional SF-50 that clearly demonstrates one-year time-in-grade. Note: Time-In-Grade requirements also apply to former Federal employees applying for reinstatement as well as current employees applying for Veterans Employment Opportunities Act of 1998 (VEOA) appointment. You may qualify based on your experience as described below: Specialized Experience: You must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade GS-13 in the normal line of progression for the occupation in the organization. Examples of specialized experience would typically include, but are not limited to: Applying management and administrative principles, laws, regulations, and agency policies to analyze organizational operations, provide technical guidance, and develop recommendations that improve program effectiveness and support organizational objectives. Conducting qualitative and quantitative analyses to evaluate program performance, workforce utilization, organizational processes, and management systems, and recommending improvements to enhance operational efficiency and mission accomplishment. Experience using artificial intelligence methods that include generative AI and large language models for knowledge management. Planning, coordinating, and evaluating complex projects and organizational initiatives, including strategic planning, program evaluation, workforce planning, and process improvement efforts, while preparing reports, analyses, and recommendations for senior leadership. Using information technology, data analysis tools, and effective oral and written communication skills to manage administrative programs, analyze and present data, collaborate with stakeholders, and support decision-making related to healthcare operations and organizational performance. Expertise in the management of scientific research projects and internal administration. For more information on these qualification standards, please visit the United States Office of Personnel Management's website at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/.
Major DutiesDuties may include: Conducts and coordinates executive review of correspondence, resolving significant operational or administrative problems. Applies management and administrative principles, laws, regulations, and policies to analyze operations, provide guidance, and recommend improvements to enhance program effectiveness. Performs qualitative and quantitative analyses of program performance, workforce utilization, organizational processes, and management systems to recommend efficiency improvements. Utilizes artificial intelligence tools, including generative AI and large language models, for knowledge management and program support. Plans, coordinates, and evaluates complex projects and organizational initiatives, including strategic planning, workforce planning, program evaluation, IT-supported analysis, and preparation of reports for senior leadership. Develops and recommends department-wide program and operational plans which align with senior leadership goals. Oversees implementation of new policies and procedures for department objectives. This is a full performance GS-14 grade level position. Work Schedule: 8:00 am to 4:30 pm ( to be discussed during interview) Compressed/Flexible: Available upon leadership approval Telework: This position is authorized for AD-HOC telework eligibility. Virtual: This is not a virtual position. Position Description/PD#: Staff Assistant/PD328390 Relocation/Recruitment Incentives: Not Authorized Critical Skills Incentive (CSI): Not Approved Permanent Change of Station (PCS): Not AuthorizedRequirementsYou must be a U.S. Citizen to apply for this job To be considered for this position, you must complete all required steps in the process. In addition to the application and questionnaire, this position requires an online assessment. The online assessment measures critical general competencies required to perform the job. Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 Physical Requirements: The work required does not inherently include any physical requirements essential for successful job performance that could not otherwise be performed with accommodation or workplace adjustment. A pre-placement physical examination is not required. Subject to background/security investigation Selected applicants will be required to complete an online onboarding process. Acceptable form(s) of identification will be required to complete pre-employment requirements (https://www.uscis.gov/i-9-central/form-i-9-acceptable-documents). Effective May 7, 2025, driver's licenses or state-issued identification cards that are not REAL ID compliant cannot be utilized as an acceptable form of identification for employment. Participation in the seasonal influenza vaccination program is a requirement for all Department of Veterans Affairs Health Care Personnel (HCP) As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be required to serve a 1-year probationary period or 2-year trial period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest.