Lead the Future of Educational Equity: Director of the Educational Opportunities Section
The U.S. Department of Justice (DOJ) is seeking a dynamic and principled leader to serve as the Director of the Educational Opportunities Section within the Civil Rights Division. This Senior Executive Service (SES) position is a cornerstone of federal efforts to ensure that every student, regardless of background, has equal access to educational opportunities. If you are an accomplished attorney with a passion for civil rights and organizational leadership, this role offers an unparalleled opportunity to impact the nation.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, your responsibilities will be broad and high-impact. You will:
- Direct Operations: Oversee the day-to-day functions of the section, including litigation strategy and investigative priorities.
- Enforce Statutes: Lead enforcement of Titles IV and VI of the Civil Rights Act, Title IX, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Advise Leadership: Serve as a key advisor to Department leadership on emerging legal and policy challenges in the education sector.
- Lead Teams: Supervise a team of attorneys, investigators, and support staff, fostering a culture of excellence and high-performance.
Requirements
This position requires a high level of professional expertise. Applicants must possess:
- A J.D. from an accredited law school.
- Current active membership in a state or federal bar.
- A demonstrated ability to address Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs).
- A two-page resume that succinctly outlines leadership and technical expertise.
Salary Overview
This position offers a competitive salary consistent with the Senior Executive Service pay scale:
| Position Level | Salary Range |
|---|---|
| Senior Executive Service | $151,661 - $228,000 per year |
Benefits
Employees of the Department of Justice enjoy a robust suite of benefits designed to support long-term career growth and personal well-being, including:
- Comprehensive federal health, dental, and vision insurance.
- Generous retirement packages through the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP).
- Defined leave policies, including paid time off for vacation and sick leave.
- Extensive professional development and leadership training.
Application Tips
To succeed in your application, focus on clarity and compliance. Use a clean, professional font and ensure your resume does not exceed the two-page limit. Be specific when detailing your experience—use concrete examples that demonstrate your ability to manage large-scale, complex organizational issues. Ensure all required documentation, including bar proof and transcripts, is uploaded correctly as a PDF.
Serving as the Director of the Educational Opportunities Section is more than just a job; it is an opportunity to defend the principles of the American founding and ensure educational equity for all. If you meet the qualifications and are ready to take the next step in your public service career, apply today via the USAJOBS portal.
Why This Director, Educational Opportunities Section Job Matters
Lead the charge for educational equity at the highest level of federal service. The Department of Justice is seeking a visionary Director to shape the future of civil rights in American schools.
Director, Educational Opportunities Section Job Overview
The Department of Justice’s Civil Rights Division is looking for a seasoned legal expert to serve as the Director of the Educational Opportunities Section. In this prestigious Senior Executive Service (SES) role, you will lead complex litigation, investigations, and policy initiatives to ensure equal access to education across the nation. This position demands a strategic leader capable of navigating high-stakes civil rights enforcement while managing a diverse, high-performing team of legal and analytical professionals.
Requirements for Director, Educational Opportunities Section
- Possess a Juris Doctor (J.D.) degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
- Must be a member in good standing of a state, territory, D.C., or Puerto Rico bar.
- Ability to obtain and maintain a High Risk (HR) security clearance.
- Submission of a concise, two-page resume highlighting leadership accomplishments.
- Address all Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within the resume.
- Compliance with federal financial disclosure requirements.
Preferred Qualifications for Director, Educational Opportunities Section
- Demonstrated experience in leading high-profile, systemic civil rights litigation.
- Proven track record of managing large, interdisciplinary teams including attorneys and investigators.
- Expertise in federal statutes including Title VI, Title IX, and the Americans with Disabilities Act.
- Current SES career appointment or OPM-certified Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Competitive federal salary structure
- ✓Comprehensive health, dental, and vision insurance options
- ✓Federal retirement benefits including the Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- ✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays
- ✓Opportunities for professional development and training
- ✓Work-life balance programs and flexible leave options
💡 How to Apply Director, Educational Opportunities Section Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, Educational Opportunities Section Job
- Create or update your USAJOBS profile.
- Prepare a focused, two-page resume formatted according to agency guidelines (PDF recommended).
- Draft responses to Mandatory Technical Qualifications (MTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs).
- Gather supporting documentation, including bar certification, transcripts, and SF-50 if applicable.
- Submit your complete application package via the USAJOBS portal by November 12, 2026.
- Monitor your application status through your USAJOBS account.
💡 General Tips
- Stick strictly to the two-page limit; submissions exceeding this will be rejected.
- Save your resume as a PDF to ensure formatting integrity during the upload process.
- Use clear headings for MTQ and ECQ sections to make it easier for reviewers to score your application.
- Quantify your accomplishments—focus on the results and impact of your leadership.
- Ensure your J.D. graduation details are clearly stated, including month and year.
Frequently Asked Questions
Do I need to address the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) if I am already an SES member?
If you are currently serving under a career SES appointment, are eligible for reinstatement, or possess OPM-certified ECQs, you do not need to re-address them. However, you must submit proof of your status or certification.
What happens if my resume exceeds two pages?
Applications exceeding the two-page limit will be automatically disqualified and removed from consideration.
What is the application deadline?
All applications must be submitted by 11:59 PM EST on November 12, 2026.
Can I apply by email?
No. The agency does not accept hard-copy or email submissions. All applications must be submitted via the USAJOBS portal.
Job from Offices, Boards And Divisions
The Civil Rights Division is at the heart of the DOJ’s mission to uphold the Constitution. Established following the Civil Rights Act of 1957, the Division serves as the primary federal agency for enforcing statutes that prohibit discrimination. The Educational Opportunities Section specifically addresses systemic discrimination in schools, ensuring that federal law protects students from discrimination based on race, color, national origin, sex, religion, and disability.