Super Office Director, Nutrition Center of Excellence
What you'd do
This position is being filled under a stream-lined hiring authority, Title 21 of the United States Code (21 US Code 379d-3a) as amended by the 21st Century Cures Act of 2016, section 3072 and the Consolidated Appropriations Act of 2023, Section 3624. The candidate selected for this position will serve under a career or career-conditional appointment and be paid under the provisions of this authority. This position is being recruited based on the Title 21 Pay Table 4, Band H.
Major duties
The Nutrition Center of Excellence (NCE) is responsible for providing expert advice on FDA initiatives, policies, and strategies related to nutrition and food labeling, and critical foods. The Super Office Director is responsible for providing executive leadership, planning and analysis in matters related to nutrition, food labeling, and critical food initiatives for the HFP and NCE and performs the following: Serves as a principal advisor to and spokesperson for the Deputy Commissioner for Food in matters related to nutrition and food labeling as well as critical foods. Leads scientific and policy direction for multidisciplinary teams managing NCE labeling, nutrition, and food regulatory programs, reviewing activities to ensure goals, objectives, and regulatory priorities are achieved. Provides advice and consultation on population-wide nutrition programs and initiatives that advance public health, especially pertaining to the reduction and prevention of diet-related chronic diseases. Oversees subordinate offices in the evaluation of risk assessments, adverse events, and other signals related to the safety of critical foods. Develops relationships with FDA, HHS, Congress, other agencies, international partners, academia, and stakeholders to coordinate nutrition policy, share scientific information, and communicate FDA nutrition and labeling decisions. Promotes collaboration with consumer, public health, and industry stakeholders and represents FDA, HFP, and NCE at meetings, conferences, and discussions with industry, academic, scientific, and health organizations. Participates in senior-level HFP, FDA, and HHS discussions, meetings, and conferences on broad policy issues, and advises leadership on new and revised policies. Supports congressional engagement by representing FDA and assisting with testimony and briefing materials on diet and health, nutrition policy, labeling, and critical foods. Collaborates with executive HFP or Agency officials in the formulation, development, and execution of short- and long-range goals related to the planning, development, execution, and coordination of the NCE. Assists the Deputy Commissioner for Food and leads organizational planning to align responsibilities, assignments, personnel, and resources for effective and efficient NCE operations. Identifies staffing needs, supports recruitment and retention of high-quality personnel, and evaluates budget estimates and justifications to inform recommendations to the Deputy Commissioner for Food. Directs strategies, policies, plans, and budgets to strengthen FDA’s food science and regulatory programs, including recruiting and training personnel and developing information systems.
What you need to qualify
In order to qualify for the Super Office Director, Nutrition Center of Excellence position which falls under the 0601 occupational Series, you must meet the following requirements by 11:59 pm EST on 07/30/2026: The candidate must meet the following qualifications for this Title 21 position: Scientific, Technical, and/or Professional Fields Qualified and Outstanding Candidates a. Qualified applies to all candidates for Cures appointments. The FDA OTS will use the technical qualifications defined below as a baseline for comparing experience levels and other candidate attributes for relevant positions. b, Outstanding candidates can be defined by existing outstanding work experience, outstanding performance rating, or both. Technical Qualifications: Candidates do not need to provide narrative responses. However, the technical qualifications must be reflected within the candidate's two-page resume. At least 5 years experience leading a team or work related to nutrition and food policy. Experience advancing innovative initiatives efficiently; government experience/knowledge preferred. Experience serving as an excellent communicator and public speaker, including with media, and the ability to effectively communicate complex issues succinctly, such as the ability to promote a clear and compelling vision for the Nutrition Center of Excellence. Ability to develop networks and build alliances, including experience with building positive relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including industry, members of Congress, and others; is politically astute. Desired Qualifications: Advanced degree and a background in food-related policy issues with a preference for nutrition expertise/experience (education or work-related). Experience leading and managing subordinate supervisors and teams effectively, with a track record of ensuring effective operations, leveraging resources efficiently, and strategic decision-making. Knowledge of child/infant nutrition. This position is designated as an SES Equivalent position and is covered under the FDA Title 21 Executive Performance Management System and identified as a public filing position for ethics purposes. NOTE: Applicants must submit all relevant transcripts that demonstrate you possess the required education to meet the Basic Qualifications. Supervisory Responsibilities: The incumbent provides occupational specific technical and administrative direction 25 percent or more of the time to three or more subordinate employees performing the work and functions of the organization. Obtains resources and identifies strategic objectives for the organization. Defines jobs, selects employees, and assigns work; defines technical work requirements and milestones; evaluates the organization and employee accomplishments by accepting or rejecting work products; and presents and defends organization and employees work to senior management and other offices. Recommends employee promotions and recognition; approves leave; implements performance modifications and takes corrective actions as appropriate. Provides employees with resources and information that ensure a safe and healthy work environment. Conditions of Employment: U.S. Citizenship requirement or proof of being a U.S. National must be met by closing date. The candidate selected for this position will serve under a career or career-conditional appointment within the competitive service. Direct Deposit: You will be required to have all federal salary payments electronically deposited into a bank account with a financial institution of your choice. FDA participates in e-Verify: All new hires must complete the I-9 form; this information will be processed through e-Verify to determine your employment eligibility. If a discrepancy arises, you must take affirmative steps to resolve the matter. Males born after December 31, 1959, must be registered with the Selective Service. Please go to http://www.sss.gov for more information. Background Investigation Requirement: All employees must pass a security investigation. Failing to pass the background check may be grounds for removal or legal action. If hired, you may be subject to additional investigations at a later time. Certification of Accuracy: All information concerning eligibility and qualification is subject to investigation and verification. False representation may be grounds for non-consideration, non-selection, or appropriate legal action. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and be subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. Appointment to the position will be contingent upon a negative applicant drug test result. Probationary periods are required for new employees appointed to competitive service positions for the first time; or reinstated employees who return after a break in service of 30-days or more and who have not completed a probationary period. Pre-employment physical required: No Drug testing required: Yes Drug Impact Statement for Top Secret Security Clearance: In accordance with Executive Order 12564 of September 15, 1986, The Department of Health and Human Services (HHS) is A Drug-Free Federal Workplace. The Federal government, as the largest employer in the Nation, can and should show the way towards achieving drug-free workplaces through programs designed to offer drug users a helping hand, and at the same time demonstrating to drug users and potential drug users that drugs will not be tolerated in the Federal workplace. The use of illegal drugs, on or off duty, by Federal employees is inconsistent not only with the law-abiding behavior expected of all citizens, but also with the special trust placed in such employees as servants of the public. All applicants tentatively selected for this position will be required to submit to urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and can be subject to random, reasonable suspicion, and post-accident drug testing upon hiring. Appointment to this non-bargaining unit position will be contingent upon a negative drug test result. License required: No Mobility agreement required: No Immunization required: No Bargaining Unit: No Telework eligible position: Telework is at the discretion of the supervisor. Ethics preclearance/OGE-278, required: Please be advised that this position is subject to FDA's prohibited financial interest regulation and may require the incumbent of this position to divest of certain financial interests. Applicants are advised to seek additional information on this requirement from the hiring official before accepting this position. For more information please visit the FDA Ethics web page: https://www.fda.gov/about-fda/jobs-and-training-fda/ethics. Financial disclosure statement, required: This position requires financial disclosure reporting and will be subject to FDA's prohibited financial interest regulation. If you are hired, you may be required to divest of certain financial interests. You are advised to seek additional information on this requirement from the hiring official before accepting any job offers. Employment is subject to the successful completion of a background investigation, verification of qualifications, completion of onboarding forms, submission of required documents, and any other job-related requirement before or after appointment. Applicants must meet all qualification requirements by the closing date of this announcement.
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