Become the Next Director of the Criminal Section at the Department of Justice
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) plays a vital role in upholding the constitutional rights of all Americans. We are currently seeking an experienced, visionary legal leader to join the Civil Rights Division as the Director of the Criminal Section. This high-impact, Senior Executive Service (SES) role is designed for an attorney who is ready to lead complex investigations, manage a dedicated team, and advance the cause of justice on a national scale.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, you will be responsible for:
- Setting national priorities for federal civil rights prosecutions.
- Supervising a diverse team of trial attorneys, managers, and support staff.
- Investigating violations of federal criminal statutes, including hate crimes and color-of-law violations.
- Coordinating with federal, state, and local law enforcement agencies, including the FBI and DHS.
- Advising top-level DOJ officials, including the Attorney General, on critical civil rights matters.
Requirements
- Legal Credentials: You must hold a J.D. from an ABA-accredited school and be in good standing with a state or territorial bar.
- Leadership Experience: Demonstrated ability to manage large-scale organizations and lead complex litigation.
- Submission Standards: A strict two-page resume requirement is enforced. Applicants must address all Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within that space.
- Clearance: Candidates must be eligible for a Top Secret security clearance.
Salary and Benefits Comparison
| Feature | Details |
|---|---|
| Salary Range | $151,661 - $228,000 per year |
| Job Grade | Senior Executive Service (ES) |
| Benefits | Comprehensive Federal Health/Retirement Plan |
| Location | Washington, D.C. |
Application Tips
To succeed in this highly competitive process, ensure your resume emphasizes concrete results. Use the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result) to clearly demonstrate your leadership accomplishments. Ensure your document is a clean PDF to avoid any system-related formatting issues.
Serving as the Director of the Criminal Section is more than just a job; it is a commitment to the foundational principles of American democracy. If you have the legal acumen and the leadership experience to guide our division, we encourage you to apply before the September 16, 2026, deadline.
Why This Director, Criminal Section Job Matters
Shape the future of justice in America—the Department of Justice is seeking a visionary leader to direct the Criminal Section of the Civil Rights Division.
Director, Criminal Section Job Overview
The Department of Justice is looking for a seasoned attorney to serve as the Director of the Criminal Section within the Civil Rights Division. This critical leadership role involves setting national enforcement priorities, overseeing high-stakes litigation, and managing a team of trial attorneys and administrative professionals. The successful candidate will work at the forefront of protecting civil and constitutional rights, coordinating with federal law enforcement partners, and providing strategic guidance on major civil rights investigations.
Requirements for Director, Criminal Section
- Juris Doctor (J.D.) from an ABA-accredited law school
- Current member in good standing of a state, territory, or D.C. bar
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance
- Submission of a resume limited to two pages
- Completion of Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume
Preferred Qualifications for Director, Criminal Section
- Demonstrated experience in leading complex criminal investigations and high-stakes litigation
- Proven history of directing trial strategies and making high-level charging decisions
- Substantial experience managing a complex, large-scale organization
- Strong track record of professional mentorship and team development
- Effective communication skills when dealing with diverse stakeholders and conflicting interests
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance options
- ✓Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS) benefits
- ✓Paid vacation and federal holidays
- ✓Life insurance coverage
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
💡 How to Apply Director, Criminal Section Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, Criminal Section Job
- Prepare a resume that does not exceed two pages, using standard fonts and formatting as requested.
- Draft clear, concise responses to all required Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) directly within your resume.
- Gather supporting documentation, including your J.D. transcript, proof of bar membership, and relevant SF-50 forms.
- Apply through the USAJOBS portal before the closing date of September 16, 2026.
- Monitor your application status via your USAJOBS account to ensure all materials have been processed.
💡 General Tips
- Ensure your resume is saved as a PDF to preserve formatting, and keep the file size under 5MB.
- Use 14-point font for headings and 10-point font for the main text for maximum readability.
- Clearly highlight your leadership results and the scope of programs you have managed.
- Do not include extraneous information or portfolios, as these will not be considered.
- Submit your application well before the deadline to account for potential system delays.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is the page limit for my resume?
Your resume must be exactly two pages or fewer. Applications exceeding this limit will not be considered.
Do I need to address the ECQs if I am already an SES member?
Current career SES appointees, those with reinstatement eligibility, or OPM-certified graduates of a SES Candidate Development Program do not need to address the ECQs, provided they submit proof of their status.
Is this a remote position?
No, this position is located in Washington, D.C., and is not listed as eligible for remote work.
Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions
Since the passage of the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Civil Rights Division has served as the primary arm of the federal government responsible for enforcing laws that prohibit discrimination based on race, sex, disability, religion, and other protected factors. Joining our team means committing to a mission that protects the most vulnerable among us and ensures that the rule of law is applied fairly and equitably.