Lead the Fight for Justice: Become the Director, Criminal Section at the DOJ
Are you a visionary legal leader ready to shape the future of civil rights law? The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a highly skilled attorney to lead its Criminal Section within the Civil Rights Division. This Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment offers the unique opportunity to oversee national prosecution priorities, manage a team of expert trial lawyers, and uphold the constitutional rights of all Americans.
About the Agency: Civil Rights Division
The Civil Rights Division is at the heart of the DOJ’s mission to protect the most vulnerable members of society. Since its creation in 1957, the Division has been the premier enforcer of federal statutes prohibiting discrimination based on race, color, sex, disability, religion, and national origin. Joining this team means stepping into an organization dedicated to the Rule of Law and the protection of civil liberties.
Job Responsibilities
The Director of the Criminal Section is a high-impact leadership role. Key duties include:
- Setting Prosecution Priorities: Determine the national agenda for federal civil rights prosecutions.
- Team Leadership: Supervise a diverse workforce of trial attorneys, legal staff, and administrative professionals.
- Litigation Oversight: Manage the investigation and prosecution of hate crimes, human trafficking, police misconduct, and obstruction of justice cases.
- Interagency Collaboration: Build and maintain coalitions with the FBI, DHS, and state/local law enforcement.
- Strategic Advising: Consult directly with the Attorney General and Deputy Assistant Attorney Generals on sensitive, high-profile legal matters.
Qualifications and Requirements
To be considered for this elite role, candidates must possess:
- Academic Credentials: A Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Bar Membership: Active status in a U.S. state, territory, or DC bar.
- Leadership Excellence: Proven experience managing complex, large-scale organizations.
- Legal Expertise: Deep knowledge of civil rights statutes and advanced litigation strategy.
Required Documentation
Your application must include a comprehensive, two-page resume that directly addresses the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs). Candidates must also provide transcripts and current proof of bar standing.
| Feature | Requirement Detail |
|---|---|
| Position Type | Senior Executive Service (SES) |
| Salary Range | $151,661 - $228,000 |
| Location | Washington, DC |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret |
| Resume Limit | Strictly 2 Pages |
Salary and Benefits
This position offers a competitive salary ranging from $151,661 to $228,000 per year, commensurate with your leadership experience and qualifications. In addition to a high-level salary, the federal government offers a comprehensive benefits package, including robust retirement planning, excellent health insurance, and generous paid time off.
Application Tips for Success
Competition for SES positions is high. To stand out:
- Focus on Results: Use concrete, data-driven examples in your resume to demonstrate how you have led organizations to success.
- Follow Formatting Rules: Use standard fonts and keep your resume to exactly two pages. The system is strict.
- Address the Qualifications: Clearly align your experience with each MTQ and ECQ listed in the announcement.
Can I submit more than one resume?
Only the last resume submitted prior to the closing date will be reviewed.
If you have the legal acumen and the leadership drive to champion civil rights at the highest level of government, we encourage you to apply. This role offers the chance to make a lasting impact on the American legal system. Apply today through the USAJOBS portal before the July 24, 2026, deadline.
Why This Director, Criminal Section Job Matters
Lead the nation’s fight for justice: Become the Director of the Criminal Section within the Department of Justice's Civil Rights Division.
Director, Criminal Section Job Overview
The Department of Justice is seeking an experienced, high-caliber legal leader to serve as the Director of the Criminal Section for the Civil Rights Division. This critical Senior Executive Service (SES) role oversees the federal government's efforts to investigate and prosecute violations of criminal civil rights statutes, including hate crimes, human trafficking, and police misconduct. You will lead a dedicated team of trial attorneys and professional staff, setting national priorities and coordinating high-impact litigation that shapes the future of civil rights in America.
Requirements for Director, Criminal Section
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an ABA-accredited law school.
- Active member in good standing of a state, territory, or District of Columbia bar.
- Expertise in criminal investigations and federal prosecution trial strategy.
- Demonstrated ability to lead a complex organization and workforce.
- Proven track record of managing high-level legal and administrative programs.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must pass a pre-employment drug screening.
- Must submit a resume not exceeding two pages.
Preferred Qualifications for Director, Criminal Section
- Prior experience as a Senior Executive Service (SES) appointee.
- OPM-certified graduate of an approved SES Candidate Development Program.
- Extensive experience advising senior leadership and coordinating with interagency partners like the FBI or DHS.
- Demonstrated excellence in managing large-scale, high-visibility criminal matters.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Flexible work life balance policies.
- ✓Access to ongoing professional development and executive training.
- ✓Opportunity to lead nationally significant civil rights initiatives.
- ✓Generous annual leave and sick leave accrual.
💡 How to Apply Director, Criminal Section Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, Criminal Section Job
- Prepare a two-page resume highlighting your professional accomplishments and leadership impact.
- Address all Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) within your resume text.
- Collect supporting documentation, including your J.D. transcripts and proof of active bar membership.
- Log into your USAJOBS account to submit your application package.
- Upload all documents as PDFs to preserve formatting and page limits.
- Verify that your application is complete by the July 24, 2026, deadline.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; any longer and you will be automatically disqualified.
- Use a clean, standard font like Arial, Calibri, or Lato at 10-point size for the body and 14-point for headers.
- Explicitly map your career achievements to the MTQs and ECQs listed in the announcement to demonstrate your readiness for an SES role.
- If you are a current SES member or a certified SES Candidate Development Program graduate, include your proof of certification.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for system processing times.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located in Washington, DC, and is not listed as remote-eligible.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Per the job announcement, any resume exceeding the two-page limit will be removed from consideration without exception.
Do I need to address the ECQs if I am already an SES member?
If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, eligible for reinstatement, or have OPM-certified SES credentials, you are exempt from addressing the ECQs.
How are candidates evaluated?
HR specialists screen for minimum qualifications, followed by a review by an Executive Resources Board (ERB). Top candidates will proceed to a formal interview.