Leading with Integrity: The Principal Deputy Director Role

The federal government operates on the principle of public trust. As a Principal Deputy Director within the Departmental Ethics Office (DEO) at the Department of the Interior (DOI), you will serve as a cornerstone of that trust. This Senior Executive Service (SES) appointment is designed for a seasoned attorney who possesses both deep legal expertise in government ethics and the strategic leadership capabilities to manage complex organizational systems.

Job Responsibilities

The Principal Deputy Director serves as the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official (ADAEO). Key duties include:

Leadership: Guiding department-wide ethics programs and providing high-level counsel to the Secretary and other senior officials.
Compliance Management: Overseeing financial disclosure reporting systems and ensuring timely regulatory adherence.
Policy Development: Drafting and implementing policies related to the Ethics in Government Act and the Hatch Act.
Staff Supervision: Leading a team of legal professionals tasked with providing day-to-day ethics advice.

Requirements

Success in this role requires a candidate who can hit the ground running.

Requirement	Description
Education	Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. from an accredited school
Bar Status	Good standing in any State, D.C., or U.S. Territory
Clearance	Ability to obtain/maintain Top Secret clearance
Experience	Expertise in Hatch Act and government ethics law

Salary Overview

As a Category 3 SES position, the salary range is $197,200 to $225,700 per year. Final compensation is determined based on the selectee's current salary and qualifications.

Benefits

Employees of the DOI benefit from a robust federal package, including:

Comprehensive health and life insurance.
Retirement pension (FERS) and Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
Situational telework and flexible scheduling.
A culture of professional growth.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must be two pages. Excess content will not be read.
Align to ECQs: Use the "CAR" method (Context, Action, Result) to describe how you have met the five Executive Core Qualifications.
Double-Check Documents: Ensure your transcripts and performance appraisals are included.

This role is an exceptional opportunity to influence the ethical trajectory of a major federal department. If you are ready to apply your legal expertise to the service of the American people, submit your application package before the October 28, 2026 deadline.

Why This Principal Deputy Director Departmental Ethics Office Job Matters

Shape the ethical integrity of the Department of the Interior at the highest level of federal leadership.

Principal Deputy Director Departmental Ethics Office Job Overview

The Department of the Interior is seeking a distinguished attorney to serve as the Principal Deputy Director for the Departmental Ethics Office (DEO). This Senior Executive Service (SES) role serves as the Alternate Designated Agency Ethics Official (ADAEO), playing a pivotal part in upholding the rule of law and maintaining the public trust. As an expert in government ethics, you will guide departmental leadership, manage high-stakes financial disclosure systems, and ensure organizational compliance with complex federal regulations, including the Hatch Act.

Requirements for Principal Deputy Director Departmental Ethics Office

Juris Doctor (J.D.) or LL.B. degree from an accredited institution.
Active membership in good standing with a State, District of Columbia, or U.S. Territory bar.
Two-page maximum resume addressing five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Evidence of two Technical Qualifications (TQs) including expertise in the Ethics in Government Act and Hatch Act.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
Successful completion of a drug test and high-risk background investigation.

Preferred Qualifications for Principal Deputy Director Departmental Ethics Office

Prior experience at the GS-15 level or equivalent in the private or public sector.
Proven track record in managing large-scale financial disclosure programs.
Expertise in procurement integrity, conflict of interest regulations, and administrative law.
Experience leading diverse professional teams through organizational change.
Current or former status as a career SES member.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Competitive federal salary structure
✓Comprehensive health insurance options
✓Federal retirement benefits
✓Situational telework opportunities
✓Professional development and leadership training

💡 How to Apply Principal Deputy Director Departmental Ethics Office Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Principal Deputy Director Departmental Ethics Office Job

Prepare a two-page resume highlighting your executive and technical qualifications.
Gather supporting documentation, including your most recent performance appraisal and bar status proof.
Register for a USAJobs account and initiate the application process via the portal.
Upload all required documents in PDF format, ensuring they are indexed correctly.
Submit your complete package by the closing date of October 28, 2026.
Monitor your application status directly through the USAJobs dashboard.

💡 General Tips

Strictly adhere to the two-page resume limit; only the first two pages are reviewed.
Clearly label your Technical Qualifications (TQs) and align your narrative with the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
If you are an SES CDP graduate, remember to include your program certification.
Ensure your performance appraisal is dated within the last 18 months.
Redact sensitive personal information like social security numbers from your uploaded documents.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is veterans' preference applicable to this role?

No, veterans' preference does not apply to positions within the Senior Executive Service (SES).

What happens if I don't submit my most recent performance appraisal?

Failure to submit your most recent appraisal—or a written justification for its absence—will result in an incomplete application and disqualification.

Can I update my application after I have already submitted it?

Yes, you may revise or update your application within the USAJobs portal at any time before the closing date. You must re-select all documents if you choose to update.

Can I apply if I don't currently work for the federal government?

*A: Yes, this position is open to the public.*

Is there any room for relocation assistance?

*A: Relocation expenses are generally not authorized for this specific vacancy.*

Job from Office Of The Solicitor

The Department of the Interior acts as the nation’s primary steward for natural resources and cultural heritage. The Departmental Ethics Office ensures that all DOI employees and leadership adhere to the highest standards of conduct. By joining the Office of the Solicitor, you are entering an environment that values legal rigor, transparency, and a steadfast commitment to the U.S. Constitution.