Leading the Future of Human Capital at the NIH
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) stands as the world's leading biomedical research institution. Behind the groundbreaking discoveries that shape modern medicine is a complex, high-performing workforce of 18,000 employees. The NIH is currently seeking a strategic, visionary leader to serve as the Director, Office of Human Resources (OHR). This Senior Executive Service (SES) role is a unique opportunity to drive innovation, optimize administrative processes, and ensure that the NIH remains the global gold standard for research excellence.
Job Responsibilities
The Director of OHR manages a workforce of 440 employees and oversees a $100 million annual budget. Key responsibilities include:
- Strategic Policy Development: Setting the operating policy for all HR management functions.
- Workforce Planning: Directing continuing studies to analyze future requirements for scientific and support staff.
- Organizational Leadership: Advising the Deputy Director for Management on complex administrative and human capital issues.
- Compliance and Innovation: Implementing regulatory guidelines while finding creative solutions to modernize recruitment and retention.
- Representation: Serving as an authoritative voice for the NIH in high-level executive meetings and inter-agency associations.
Requirements
To be considered for this high-level executive role, candidates must demonstrate significant senior-level management experience. Key qualifications include:
- Technical Qualifications (TQs): Demonstrated expertise in full-spectrum human capital services, including staffing, EEO, and labor relations.
- Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): Candidates must exhibit leadership capabilities, including driving efficiency, leading change, and building results-oriented cultures.
- Application Compliance: All applicants must submit a two-page resume (maximum). Failure to adhere to formatting requirements will result in disqualification.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $151,661 - $228,000 PA |
| Position Type | Senior Executive Service (SES) |
| Location | Bethesda, MD |
| Security Clearance | Top Secret |
Working for the NIH provides employees with a world-class benefits package, including robust health insurance, generous leave, and federal retirement systems. Furthermore, you will enjoy a collegial, mission-driven environment in the heart of the Bethesda research corridor.
Application Tips
- Focus on Quality: Since you are limited to two pages, every sentence must highlight a concrete accomplishment.
- Annotate TQs: Mark your resume clearly where you have addressed specific technical qualifications.
- Use Professional References: Select 4-5 references who can attest to your high-level leadership and management style.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
- Q: Can I submit a separate TQ document?
- A: No, all TQs and ECQs must be integrated into your two-page resume.
- Q: Is relocation assistance offered?
- A: Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized for qualified candidates in accordance with federal regulations.
Serving as the Director of OHR at the NIH is more than a job; it is a commitment to the public good. If you are an executive with the passion, skill, and strategic mindset to lead a premier human resources organization, we encourage you to apply. Your leadership will ensure that the NIH continues to attract and support the scientific talent necessary to solve the most pressing health challenges of our time.
Why This Director, Office Of Human Resources Job Matters
Lead the Human Capital Strategy at the Heart of Global Biomedical Research.
Director, Office Of Human Resources Job Overview
The National Institutes of Health (NIH) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director, Office of Human Resources. As part of the Office of the Director, you will oversee an expansive portfolio involving approximately 440 staff and a $100 million budget. This is a high-impact Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointment where you will drive institutional change, shape workforce policy, and ensure the NIH remains the world's premier biomedical research institution.
Requirements for Director, Office Of Human Resources
- U.S. Citizenship
- Submission of a concise, two-page resume highlighting specific accomplishments.
- Demonstrated senior-level experience (GS-14/15 equivalent) in human capital management.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Completion of a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278).
- Registration with the Selective Service for male applicants born after 1959.
Preferred Qualifications for Director, Office Of Human Resources
- Experience in leading large-scale human capital programs including staffing, labor relations, and EEO.
- Proven track record in driving organizational efficiency and budget management.
- Demonstrated ability to foster partnerships across complex, multi-layered, and geographically dispersed organizations.
- Status as a certified SES member or graduate of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Quality of work/life flexibility programs
- ✓Relocation expense reimbursement for eligible candidates
- ✓Professional development and executive training
- ✓Access to state-of-the-art campus facilities and local amenities in Bethesda
💡 How to Apply Director, Office Of Human Resources Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, Office Of Human Resources Job
- Prepare a two-page maximum resume addressing Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
- Compile a list of 4-5 professional references including supervisors and colleagues.
- Gather necessary SF-50 forms if currently or formerly employed in federal service.
- Format all documents as single-spaced PDFs with 12-point font and 1-inch margins.
- Email all application materials to [email protected] by the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Do not exceed the two-page limit for your resume; applications longer than two pages will not be reviewed.
- Explicitly annotate your resume with the relevant Technical Qualifications (TQs) in parentheses.
- Ensure your resume includes month and year dates for all relevant experience.
- Do not include your birth date or social security number in your submission.
- Submit your package early to ensure timely receipt before the deadline.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to write separate narratives for the ECQs and TQs?
No. You must weave your experience directly into your two-page resume. Separate narrative documents will not be accepted.
What level of security clearance is required?
This position requires a Top Secret security clearance and is designated as a Critical-Sensitive/High Risk role.
Is veterans' preference applicable to this role?
No, veterans' preference does not apply to positions within the Senior Executive Service.
Job from National Institutes Of Health
The NIH is part of the Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) and comprises 27 distinct Institutes and Centers. Its mission is to seek fundamental knowledge about the nature and behavior of living systems and to apply that knowledge to enhance health, lengthen life, and reduce illness and disability. The Office of the Director (OD) serves as the central administrative hub, providing the policy framework and leadership that allow the NIH to thrive.