Lead the Future of American Innovation: Director, Office of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
Are you a high-level executive ready to steer the nation toward sustainable economic growth? The Department of Commerce is currently accepting applications for the Director of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE) within the Economic Development Administration (EDA). This prestigious role sits at the center of American policy, tasked with fostering innovation, driving workforce development, and ensuring our nation remains globally competitive.
About the Economic Development Administration
The EDA is the only federal agency dedicated entirely to economic development. Its mission is to lead the federal economic development agenda by promoting innovation and competitiveness, preparing American regions for growth and success in the worldwide economy. By investing in regional capacity, the EDA fosters durable economic growth that creates well-paying jobs.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, you will manage a wide-ranging portfolio of programs. Your day-to-day responsibilities will include:
- Strategic Leadership: Directing a large team of personnel to execute programs related to technology advancement, national security, and economic competitiveness.
- Grant Oversight: Collaborating with the Office of Grants Management to design and implement grant programs that comply with federal regulations.
- Interagency Collaboration: Representing the EDA before other federal agencies, nonprofits, and state organizations.
- Policy Development: Advising senior officials on special problems and initiatives that impact the nation's regional and sub-regional economies.
Requirements
To be considered for this SES role, applicants must demonstrate a high level of expertise. Requirements include:
- U.S. Citizenship.
- A two-page resume detailing your accomplishments in ECQs and PTQs.
- Ability to hold a Secret-level security clearance.
- A commitment to the foundational principles of the U.S. government and the rule of law.
Salary and Compensation Comparison
| Position Level | Compensation Range | Interval |
|---|---|---|
| Senior Executive Service | $151,661 - $228,000 | Per Year |
Why Join the SES?
Working as part of the Senior Executive Service (SES) allows you to bridge the gap between policy and reality. You will serve as a leader in a culture of high performance and high accountability, directly influencing how federal resources are deployed to create lasting economic value.
Application Tips
- Respect the Constraints: The two-page resume rule is rigid. Do not use the USAJOBS resume builder; use a custom format that highlights your executive achievements.
- Demonstrate Leadership: Use the 'STAR' method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) in your resume bullets to show how you have led teams through change.
- Review Frequently: Check your application status regularly via the USAJOBS dashboard after you have submitted your materials.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What if I have prior SES status? A: If you are a current or former member of the SES, ensure you include your SF-50 forms, as this may grant you noncompetitive eligibility.
Q: Are veterans' preferences applicable? A: No, veterans' preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.
This position is more than a job; it is a commitment to the growth and security of the United States. If you possess the leadership skills and technical expertise to drive economic development at a national level, we invite you to apply.
Why This Director Office Of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Job Matters
Shape the future of American economic competitiveness and innovation as a Director within the Department of Commerce’s Economic Development Administration.
Director Office Of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Job Overview
The Economic Development Administration (EDA) is seeking a visionary leader to serve as the Director of the Office of Innovation and Entrepreneurship (OIE). This Senior Executive Service (SES) position plays a pivotal role in driving the nation's economic strategy by supporting critical technologies, fostering the growth of the next generation of entrepreneurs, and developing the skilled workforce necessary for a secure and competitive American economy. You will manage a high-impact portfolio, oversee federal grant initiatives, and collaborate with cross-sector stakeholders to ensure national economic goals are met.
Requirements for Director Office Of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Must be a U.S. citizen or national.
- Submit a resume limited to exactly two pages; do not use the USAJOBS Resume Builder.
- Must demonstrate Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) within the two-page resume.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret-level security clearance.
- Must complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278e) upon appointment.
- Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service System.
- Subject to a one-year probationary period for new SES career appointees.
Preferred Qualifications for Director Office Of Innovation & Entrepreneurship
- Proven leadership experience in economic development, innovation strategies, or workforce programming.
- Deep understanding of federal grant administration, including legal and policy requirements.
- Experience managing large teams of technical and administrative personnel.
- Demonstrated success in establishing and maintaining relationships with federal, state, and local stakeholders.
- Ability to identify emergent economic trends and translate them into actionable programming.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance and retirement plans.
- ✓Paid vacation and sick leave.
- ✓Professional development and executive training opportunities.
- ✓Flexible work arrangements including telework options.
- ✓Competitive salary within the SES pay scale.
💡 How to Apply Director Office Of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director Office Of Innovation & Entrepreneurship Job
- Review the full vacancy announcement on the official career portal.
- Draft a concise, two-page resume that directly addresses your ECQs and PTQs.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account to start the online application.
- Upload required documentation, including SF-50 forms if you are a current or former federal employee.
- Complete the mandatory assessment questionnaire integrated into the application system.
- Submit the application package before the closing date of September 10, 2026.
💡 General Tips
- Focus on quality over quantity: ensure your resume explicitly reflects your leadership accomplishments, as separate narrative statements are not accepted.
- Do not exceed the two-page limit; applications exceeding this length will be disqualified.
- Avoid using fancy graphics, images, or hyperlinks in your resume to ensure it parses correctly.
- If you have prior SES experience, ensure your SF-50 documentation is clearly labeled and included to expedite your certification process.
- Double-check your submission before the deadline, as human resources cannot modify your application once it is received.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is there a specific narrative format for the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)?
No. You must demonstrate your ECQs and PTQs directly within your two-page resume. Separate narrative statements are not permitted.
What is the maximum length for the resume?
The resume must be strictly limited to two pages. Any submission exceeding two pages will not be reviewed.
Is this a remote position?
This position is located in Washington, D.C. While telework may be an option, the position is not designated as fully remote.