Lead Innovation: Director of National Trademarks Engagement at the USPTO
The United States Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) stands at the forefront of global innovation. We are currently seeking an experienced, visionary leader to fill the role of Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices. This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is a unique opportunity to influence national trademark policy, engage with high-level stakeholders, and represent the agency as a primary spokesperson on the intellectual property stage.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, you will bridge the gap between complex intellectual property law and the general public. Your responsibilities include:
- Executive Spokesperson: Representing the USPTO in high-visibility media interviews, public hearings, and national conferences.
- Strategic Outreach: Designing educational campaigns to help businesses, entrepreneurs, and academics understand trademark protections.
- Policy Advisement: Working with the Office of the Commissioner for Trademarks and Patents to identify and mitigate emerging issues in the intellectual property landscape.
- Community Engagement: Building and maintaining relationships with key industry stakeholders and practitioners.
Comparison of Requirements
| Requirement Type | Focus Area | Essential Evidence |
|---|---|---|
| PTQ 1 | Public Engagement | Experience in leading public events/presentations |
| PTQ 2 | Trademark Expertise | Advanced knowledge of trademark prosecution/enforcement |
| ECQ | Executive Leadership | Demonstrated results in managing resources & people |
Requirements
To be considered for this position, applicants must be members of a bar in good standing and possess an accredited law degree. Because this is an SES-level role, you must demonstrate mastery of the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) within a 2-page resume and a separate 2-page Accomplishment Record.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive compensation package ranging from $198,491 to $220,000 per year, commensurate with experience and the Senior Executive Service pay structure. New federal hires may also be eligible for a $25,000 recruitment incentive.
Benefits
- Comprehensive health insurance and retirement plans.
- Opportunities to influence national IP policy.
- Professional development and leadership training.
- Situational telework flexibility (up to 52 hours per year).
Application Tips
- Format Matters: Stick to the 2-page limit and use at least an 11pt font. Illegible applications are automatically rejected.
- The Accomplishment Record: Use the STAR (Situation, Task, Action, Result) method to describe your achievements clearly.
- Verifiers: Ensure that your references are aware you have listed them and that their contact information is current.
If you are a legal expert with a passion for public service and innovation, this is the career-defining role you have been waiting for. Apply by September 21, 2026, to join the ranks of the USPTO executive leadership team.
Why This Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices Job Matters
Lead the national conversation on intellectual property as the Director of Trademarks and Community Engagement at the USPTO.
Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices Job Overview
The U.S. Patent and Trademark Office (USPTO) is seeking an elite executive to serve as the Director of National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices. In this high-profile Senior Executive Service (SES) role, you will act as the agency's primary spokesperson, shaping public understanding of trademark law and fostering deep connections with innovators, entrepreneurs, and academic communities across the nation.
Requirements for Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices
- U.S. Citizenship.
- Law degree from an accredited law school.
- Current member of a bar in good standing (any state, D.C., or U.S. territory).
- Submission of a 2-page, 11-pt font resume addressing Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs).
- Completion of a formal Accomplishment Record covering Rule of Law, Managing Resources, Technical Skill, Accountability, and Innovation.
- Ability to pass high-risk background screening.
Preferred Qualifications for Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices
- Extensive background in trademark examination, prosecution, and enforcement.
- Proven experience as a public spokesperson or executive presenter before national-level audiences.
- Demonstrated ability to lead and coordinate interagency outreach efforts.
- Current SES status or certification by an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive salary within the SES pay scale.
- ✓Potential $25,000 recruitment bonus for new federal employees.
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and leadership growth.
- ✓Comprehensive federal benefits package including health, retirement, and insurance.
- ✓Situational telework eligibility.
💡 How to Apply Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, National Trademarks Engagement & Community Engagement Offices Job
- Prepare a 2-page resume strictly formatted in 11pt font or larger.
- Draft a separate Accomplishment Record addressing the five required competencies.
- Log into your USAJOBS account to initiate the application.
- Upload your resume, Accomplishment Record, and supporting documents (Bar status/SF-50s).
- Submit your application before the closing date of September 21, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder; upload your own custom-formatted PDF.
- Focus your Accomplishment Record on the specific situation, actions taken, and measurable outcomes.
- Ensure your resume explicitly mentions the PTQs and ECQs as these are the primary metrics for rating.
- Double-check that all contact info for verifiers is accurate and professional.
- Sanitize sensitive personal information from supplemental documents prior to submission.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is telework available for this position?
Yes, this position is eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy, which currently allows for 52 hours per calendar year.
Do I need to submit a separate essay for the ECQs?
No, there is no requirement for a separate narrative. You must, however, demonstrate these competencies within your 2-page resume and the separate Accomplishment Record.
Is this a remote position?
No. The physical worksite is in Alexandria, Virginia, and presence at the campus is required for this role.
What is the recruitment bonus?
A $25,000 incentive may be available for new federal employees, subject to agency policy and a service agreement.
How is the SES pay determined?
The USPTO uses a tiering system based on the scope and complexity of the position. This role is currently categorized as Tier III.
Job from Patent And Trademark Office
For over two centuries, the USPTO has served as the backbone of American economic growth. Our mission is to incentivize technological progress by granting robust intellectual property rights. Located in Alexandria, Virginia, our agency employs over 12,000 dedicated professionals committed to excellence in trademark and patent examination.