Shaping the Future of Global Trade: Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office

In an increasingly interconnected global economy, the efficiency, security, and velocity of trade systems dictate national prosperity. At the heart of this critical intersection lies U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP). Managing hundreds of billions of dollars in import and export activity annually, the agency must constantly balance robust homeland security measures with the smooth facilitation of legitimate global commerce. To achieve this, CBP relies on advanced technology, sophisticated automation, and strategic leadership.

CBP is currently seeking an exceptional, forward-thinking leader to fill the role of Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office (TTO) within the Office of Trade. Located in the heart of Washington, D.C., this Senior Executive Service (SES) position represents a premier career opportunity for high-caliber professionals dedicated to driving enterprise-level modernization, technological innovation, and change management at the national scale.

About the Agency: Customs and Border Protection (CBP)

U.S. Customs and Border Protection is the nation's premier frontline defense agency under the Department of Homeland Security (DHS). Comprising over 60,000 dedicated professionals worldwide, CBP's mission is multifaceted and vital: to safeguard America's borders against threats and terrorism while accelerating lawful travel and international trade.

The agency's operations span more than 300 domestic and international ports of entry, patrolled by the Office of Field Operations, the U.S. Border Patrol, and Air and Marine Operations. Within this vast infrastructure, the Office of Trade consolidates and directs trade policy, enforcement, and modernization efforts. By working closely with federal partners, foreign governments, and private industry, the Office of Trade enforces regulatory compliance, protects intellectual property, and drives automated solutions that secure global supply chains.

Job Responsibilities: Leading Trade Modernization

As the Executive Director of the Trade Transformation Office, you will operate as a principal architect of CBP's technical future. You will oversee the development of requirements that support trade transformation, utilizing state-of-the-art technological applications and business process reengineering to maximize trade efficiencies.

Key Responsibilities Include:

Defining and Prioritizing Requirements: Plan, prioritize, and define automated system requirements that support CBP's strategic enforcement, analytics, and policy objectives. This includes managing systems that integrate with other federal agencies and the private sector.
Developing an Enterprise Vision: Formulate and execute a long-term enterprise vision to modernize trade operations, ensuring that transformative technologies are integrated successfully into daily field operations.
Budget and Resource Allocation: Lead CBP budget formulation efforts to secure necessary funding and prioritize major technological developments in alignment with overall organizational objectives.
Counseling and Advisory Duties: Serve as an expert advisor to CBP executive leadership, Department of Homeland Security officials, state and local authorities, and private sector representatives on all matters relating to trade automation and transformation.
Interagency and International Representation: Act as the principal consultant and spokesperson for the Trade Transformation Office during high-level meetings, domestic congressional hearings, and international forums.
Stakeholder Engagement: Establish and foster collaborative partnerships with members of Congress, corporate executives, foreign customs administrators, and key public stakeholders to drive the agency's automation agenda.

Essential Requirements and Conditions of Employment

Candidates considering this highly sensitive executive role must meet strict federal qualifications and be prepared to fulfill several critical conditions of employment:

U.S. Citizenship: All applicants must be citizens of the United States.
Clearance Level: The position requires a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance, specifically granting eligibility for Sensitive Compartmented Information (SCI). Selectees must successfully pass a comprehensive background investigation prior to entrance on duty.
Drug Testing: This role is designated as a Testing Designated Position (TDP) under the CBP Drug-Free Workplace Program. Successful completion of a pre-employment drug screening is required, and the incumbent will be subject to random drug testing throughout their tenure.
Probationary Period: Selected candidates must complete a mandatory one-year supervisory probationary period unless they have already completed an equivalent SES probation.
Financial Disclosure: Due to the executive nature of this position, the selectee must file an Executive Branch Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Geographical and Functional Mobility: To foster executive leadership development, SES members must be flexible regarding reassignment across functional, organizational, or geographical boundaries.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) & Technical Qualifications (TQs)

This selection process operates on a Resume-Only basis. Rather than writing separate executive narratives, applicants must demonstrate both the Technical Qualifications (TQs) and the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) directly inside a strict 2-page resume.

Technical Qualification (TQ)

TQ 1: Profound and proven knowledge of advanced automation solutions designed to support secure, safe, and efficient international trade systems.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding: Demonstrating a deep understanding of the American government framework, upholding the Constitution, and showing an unwavering commitment to serving the public interest.
Driving Efficiency: Strategically optimizing budgets, cutting unnecessary or redundant programs, and leveraging process and technological upgrades to maximize organizational resources.
Merit and Competence: Ensuring the highest standards of technical competence, leading by example, and producing work products of exceptional quality.
Leading People: Inspiring, mentoring, and guiding diverse teams toward shared strategic goals; maintaining a high-performance culture that values accountability and successfully manages organizational change.
Achieving Results: Directing organizational objectives to achieve alignment with broader executive mandates; showing a strong track record of tangible program outcomes.

Salary Overview & Financial Incentives

The salary range for this Senior Executive Service position is $151,661.00 - $228,000.00 Per Year.

To attract top-tier talent, CBP may authorize significant financial incentives. This includes a relocation or recruitment incentive up to 25% of the basic pay, which requires the candidate to sign a service agreement. Additionally, CBP may pay for standard relocation expenses in full compliance with Federal Travel Regulations.

Candidate Application Pathways

The process for entering the Senior Executive Service varies depending on your professional background. The table below illustrates the application requirements for different candidate profiles:

Candidate Group	Required Documentation	Structured Interview Required?	OPM QRB Certification Needed?
Current/Former Career SES	SF-50 proving career SES status / reinstatement eligibility	No	No (Already Certified)
SESCDP Graduates	OPM-approved SESCDP certificate & QRB certification	No	No (If QRB-certified)
New Applicants (Govt / Private)	2-page resume integrating ECQs/TQs, assessment responses	Yes	Yes (Post-selection review)

Executive Benefits Package

In addition to competitive base salaries, Senior Executives enjoy a comprehensive federal benefits suite:

Health, Dental, and Vision: Choice of multiple premium-level health insurance carriers with significant employer contributions.
Retirement Security: Coverage under the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) coupled with the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP), which includes up to 5% automatic and matching agency contributions.
Generous Leave: Accrual of robust annual leave (vacation) and sick leave, along with 11 paid federal holidays each year.
Flexibility & Wellness: Access to agency-sponsored health programs, employee assistance, and flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.

Application Tips: Mastering the 2-Page Limit

Applying for an SES role requires precision. Because this vacancy uses a Resume-Only format, you must structure your application strategically:

Observe the Page Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Review panels will completely disregard any content on page three and beyond, which could lead to an immediate disqualification.
Incorporate Keywords: Explicitly write the terms "ECQ 1" through "ECQ 5" and "TQ 1" in parentheses next to the bullet points where you demonstrate these competencies. This makes it easy for the rating panel to find your accomplishments.
Avoid the Resume Builder: The USAJOBS online resume builder is not suited for executive applications. Upload a custom-crafted document with professional formatting.
Focus on Quantitative Accomplishments: Frame your experience using the Challenge-Context-Action-Result model. Highlight dollar figures saved, percentage improvements in efficiency, and team sizes managed.

Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)

Q: Can I submit separate narrative essays for my ECQs and TQs?

No. Separate essays will not be evaluated. All proof of your executive and technical qualifications must be contained within your two-page resume.

Q: What is the OPM QRB?

The Qualifications Review Board (QRB) is an independent assessment panel administered by the Office of Personnel Management. They must certify the executive qualifications of all new career SES appointees before they can officially enter on duty.

Q: Is there an educational requirement for this position?

No. This position does not have a formal education requirement. Selection is based purely on your professional merit and executive experiences.

Q: Does veterans' preference apply?

No. By law, veterans' preference does not apply to appointments in the Senior Executive Service.

Q: Who do I contact if I need assistance with my application?

You can reach the Human Resources representative, Jasmine Yeung, directly via email at [email protected].

The Executive Director of the Trade Transformation Office is more than an IT management position; it is a critical national security and economic stewardship role. Operating at the highest levels of the federal government, the selectee will leave a lasting legacy on the efficiency of global supply chains and the security of the United States. If you possess the executive stamina, technological foresight, and organizational leadership required to guide this agency through its next digital evolution, prepare your two-page resume and apply before the vacancy closes on September 1, 2026.

Why This Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office Job Matters

Lead the digital transformation of global commerce and secure America's borders as the Executive Director of the Trade Transformation Office at U.S. Customs and Border Protection.

Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office Job Overview

The Department of Homeland Security, U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP), is seeking a visionary, high-performing leader to serve as the Executive Director for the Trade Transformation Office (TTO) in Washington, D.C. This Senior Executive Service (SES) position offers a salary of up to $228,000 per year. The selected executive will spearhead the development of advanced automation systems, redesign complex import and export business processes, and establish an enterprise-wide vision to modernize trade operations while maintaining national security.

Requirements for Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office

Must be a citizen of the United States.
Ability to successfully pass a background investigation and obtain/maintain a Special-Sensitive (SS)/High Risk security clearance (Sensitive Compartmented Information eligibility).
Subject to pre-employment and random drug testing under the DHS Drug-Free Workplace Plan.
Must file a Public Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278e) within 30 days of appointment and annually thereafter.
Subject to a 1-year Senior Executive Service supervisory probationary period (unless previously completed).
Must register with the Selective Service System if male and born after December 31, 1959, or show proof of exemption.
All application and pre-employment processes must be conducted in English.
Must be willing to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement, as geographical and organizational mobility is essential for SES leaders.

Preferred Qualifications for Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office

Demonstrated executive-level experience equivalent to the GS-15 grade level or higher in the federal service, state/local government, or the private sector.
Proven track record of designing and implementing advanced automation solutions for secure international trade networks.
Active membership in the Senior Executive Service (SES) or certification from an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP).
Extensive experience advising senior cabinet-level officials, congressional staffers, and major private sector corporate executives.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance plans.
✓Participation in the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) and the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with agency matching.
✓Generous annual leave, sick leave, and paid federal holidays.
✓Potential authorization of a recruitment or relocation incentive up to 25% of basic pay, subject to a service agreement.
✓Payment of relocation expenses in accordance with Federal Travel Regulations.
✓Flexible spending accounts and federal long-term care insurance options.

💡 How to Apply Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office Job

Prepare a highly tailored executive resume. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages.
Incorporate your achievements demonstrating the Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) directly into your resume.
Log into your USAJOBS account (or register for a new account).
Click the 'Apply' button to navigate to the online application portal through USA Staffing.
Upload your 2-page resume along with any necessary supporting documentation (e.g., SF-50 for current federal employees, or OPM certification).
Answer the online vacancy assessment questions.
Verify all details and submit your application package before 11:59 PM Eastern Time on September 1, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Respect the strict 2-page resume limit. Any page beyond the second page will be ignored and could lead to immediate disqualification.
Do not submit separate narrative statements for your ECQs or TQs. Every capability must be thoroughly integrated within your two-page resume.
Avoid using the USAJOBS Resume Builder. Upload a polished, professionally formatted PDF or Word document instead.
Ensure you explicitly reference and annotate your achievements corresponding to the Technical Qualifications (TQs) inside your resume text.
Although optional, submitting your most recent performance evaluation is highly recommended to strengthen your package.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is there an educational requirement for this position?

No, there is no formal educational requirement. Candidates are evaluated entirely on the depth, scope, and quality of their professional leadership achievements.

Can I submit separate narrative essays for my ECQs and TQs?

No. Separate narrative statements will not be reviewed. All evidence of your ECQ and TQ competencies must be demonstrated within your two-page resume.

Does veterans' preference apply to this SES position?

No, veterans' preference rules are not applicable to the Senior Executive Service (SES).

Are relocation or recruitment incentives available?

Yes, CBP may authorize relocation or recruitment incentives up to 25% of basic pay. A service agreement will be required, and relocation expenses may be covered.

What happens if I exceed the two-page resume limit?

Any resume content beyond the strict two-page limit will not be reviewed by the rating panel, and your application may be disqualified.

Executive Director, Trade Transformation Office Job

Customs And Border Protection