Legal Careers
Chief, Organized Crime and Gang Section
The Organized Crime and Gang Section (OCGS) of the Criminal Division oversees the Department’s program to combat organized crime by investigating and prosecuting the most significant domestic and transnational organized crime groups in conjunction with Strike Force Units and Assistant United States Attorneys around the country; prosecuting significant cases against the most dangerous street gangs operating on a regional and national level; overseeing and coordinating the flow of criminal intelligence concerning organized crime cases to and from the field through the International Organized Crime Intelligence and Operations Center; exercising approval authority over all proposed federal prosecutions under the Racketeer Influenced and Corrupt Organizations (RICO) and Violent Crimes in Aid of Racketeering (VCAR) statutes; advising and assisting on criminal investigations and prosecutions of federal crimes involving labor-management disputes, the internal affairs of labor unions in the private sector, and the operation of employee pension and welfare benefit plans; working with U.S. intelligence agencies and U.S. and foreign law enforcement agencies to identify, target and investigate transnational organized crime groups; and contributing to the development of policy and legislation relating to numerous organized crime and gang related issues including gambling, firearms trafficking, human trafficking, violent crime, and international law enforcement strategies.
As the federal agency whose mission is to ensure the fair and impartial administration of justice for all Americans, the Department of Justice is committed to fostering a diverse and inclusive work environment. To build and retain a workforce that reflects the diverse experiences and perspectives of the American people, we welcome applicants from the many communities, identities, races, ethnicities, backgrounds, abilities, religions, and cultures of the United States who share our commitment to public service.
The Chief of OCGS reports directly to the cognizant Deputy Assistant Attorney General (DAAG) and ultimately to the Assistant Attorney General (AAG). The Chief is responsible for oversight, management, and day-to-day direction of a specialized group of federal prosecutors charged with investigating, prosecuting, and developing and implementing strategies to attack the most significant international and domestic organized crime groups.
The incumbent performs in both a “hands on” and in a supervisory capacity. As the Senior Executive Service (SES) level Chief for the Organized Crime and Gang Section, the incumbent’s major duties and responsibilities include the following:
- Manages the investigation and prosecution of major transnational organized crime and gang cases.
- Coordinates with United States Attorney’s Offices and the federal law enforcement agencies in the development and management of national and international organized crime cases.
- Facilitates and improves coordination of information flow to and from United States Attorney’s Offices to ensure maximum penetration on the operations of organized crime groups.
- Works with numerous domestic and foreign law enforcement agencies to develop effective and coordinated enforcement strategies.
- Exercises discretion in connection with prosecutorial recommendations which involve difficult and complex questions of law, fact and policy; advises the AAG of the status of important cases as well as complex legal and policy questions.
- Sets and maintains national goals, priorities, and standards through joint program planning and execution with federal, state and local agencies active in organized crime law enforcement.
- Establishes close liaison with, and coordinates activities of, law enforcement bodies and the intelligence community on transnational organized crime and gang matters Reviews, approves, and provides expert assistance to Assistant U.S. Attorneys on proposed RICO charges.
- Provides requisite training in the application of sophisticated tools like the RICO statute, electronic surveillance, undercover operations, witness security, international extradition and mutual legal assistance requests in the fight against organized crime.
- Uses innovative investigative and litigative approaches utilizing all appropriate criminal and civil remedies.
- Conducts training and seminars on transnational organized crime, gang, and RICO matters delivered to prosecutors, agents and the intelligence community
- Collaborates with U.S. and foreign governments and institutions on investigations and prosecutions.
- Represents the Division at intra-departmental and interagency meetings, including the Attorney General’s Organized Crime Council and the Anti-Gang Coordinating Committee, and briefings for Congressional staff and members.
- Reviews and comments on proposed legislation in all areas affecting organized crime.
- Represents the Department of Justice at international meetings, often with high-level foreign officials, and briefs the Attorney General, Deputy Attorney General, and other senior officials as appropriate.
- Works closely with the Office of Administration to ensure that resource enhancements necessary for proposed priorities are identified and justification for additional funding is prepared to ensure adequate funding levels.
Interested applicants must possess a J.D. degree, be duly licensed and authorized to practice as an attorney under the laws of any State, territory of the United States, or the District of Columbia. Applicants must be an active member of the bar (any jurisdiction) in good standing and have at least 5 years post-J.D. experience. Applicants must also have a high level of management/supervisory experience.
You must submit a resume and a separate narrative statement/response that addresses each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements related to this position as well as the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) related to all positions in the Senior Executive Service.
OPM's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications can assist you in writing an effective SES application. In particular, please note the Challenge-Context-Action-Result Model that is recommended and very helpful when drafting ECQ narrative responses. The Guide is available on OPM's Website at: http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/guidetoSESQuals_2012.pdf
Professional/Technical Requirements:
- Knowledge and experience with federal criminal practice, including experience in investigating and prosecuting complex federal criminal cases involving domestic and transnational organized crime groups.
- Experience in managing and supervising federal prosecutors and their work product.
- Experience in establishing and maintaining harmonious relationships with the public, members of Congress, federal law enforcement agencies, foreign government law enforcement partners, United States Attorney’s Offices, and Department and Division senior officials.
Candidates will be evaluated on the professional/technical requirements identified above based on their total background, i.e., education, training, self-development, awards, outside activities, performance appraisal, as well as work history. If candidates are found to possess all technical requirements, they will then be evaluated based on the Executive Core Qualifications as established by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management (OPM) outlined below.
Executive/Managerial Requirements:
ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE. This core qualification encompasses the ability to develop and implement an organizational vision, which integrates key national and program goals, priorities, values, and other factors. Inherent to it is the ability to balance change and continuity--to continually strive to improve customer service and program performance within the basic Government framework, to create a work environment that encourages creative thinking, and to maintain focus, intensity and persistence, even under adversity.
- Leadership Competencies: Creativity & Innovation, Continual Learning, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Service Motivation, Strategic Thinking, Vision
ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE. This core qualification involves the ability to design and implement strategies, which maximize employee potential and foster high ethical standards in meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals.
- Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Cultural Awareness, Integrity/Honesty, Team Building
ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN. This core qualification stresses accountability and continuous improvement. It includes the ability to make timely and effective decisions and produce results through strategic planning and the implementation and evaluation of programs and policies.
- Leadership Competencies: Accountability, Customer Service, Decisiveness, Entrepreneurship, Problem Solving, Technical Credibility
ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN. This core qualification involves the ability to acquire and administer human, financial, material, and information resources in a manner which instills public trust and accomplishes the organization's mission, and to use new technology to enhance decision making.
- Leadership Competencies: Financial Management, Technology Management, Human Resources Management
ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS. This core qualification involves the ability to explain, advocate and express facts and ideas in a convincing manner, and negotiate with individuals and groups internally and externally. It also involves the ability to develop an expansive professional network with other organizations, and to identify the internal and external politics that impact the work of the organization.
- Leadership Competencies: Influencing/Negotiating, Interpersonal Skills, Oral Communication, Partnering, Political Savvy, Written Communication
The managerial qualifications of a selectee who is not a current or former career Senior Executive Service (SES) employee must be approved by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM) before appointment. In addition, individuals entering the SES career service for the first time are subject to a one-year probationary period.
If the selectee is not a current employee of the Offices, Boards, or Divisions of the U.S. Department of Justice, he/she will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment.
To receive consideration, applicants must submit:
- A resume
- A separate statement addressing each of the Mandatory Professional/Technical Qualification Requirements.
- A separate statement addressing each ECQ that describes your managerial experience. While individuals who are current or former career SES members (approved by OPM and have completed an initial probationary period) need not submit an Executive Core Qualifications statement, they are required to provide an SF-50 or SES certificate to demonstrate their current or prior service. Otherwise, the absence of ECQs will be identified as a failure to comply with the requirements of the vacancy. Applicants must meet qualification requirements by the closing date of the announcement.
- If you are a current or recent Federal employee, you must submit a copy of your latest Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50) and a performance appraisal issued within the past 12 months, or if none exists, please include a statement to that effect.
Submit all the required documents listed below to:
SES.CRMJOBS@USDOJ.GOV or faxed to (202) 616-3756 (**Preference is to receive an application via e-mail).
Applications being mailed should be sent to:
Department of Justice/Criminal Division
1331 F Street, NW
Attn: Monet Gregory
Human Capital Staff
Suite 410 Washington, DC 20530
As all incoming U.S. mail must be processed at a remote facility prior to final delivery, to avoid delay in receipt, it is highly recommended that applicants use Federal Express.
All applications (including mailed applications) MUST BE RECEIVED BY 11:59 PM EST on Thursday, April 20, 2017.
$124,406-187,000* * SES pay is determined within the pay range, commensurate with experience, superior leadership qualifications, and/or other competencies consistent with the agency mission, contingent on Department pay-setting rules.
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Department Policies
Equal Employment Opportunity: The U.S. Department of Justice is an Equal Opportunity/Reasonable Accommodation Employer. Except where otherwise provided by law, there will be no discrimination because of race, color, religion, national origin, sex - including gender identity, sexual orientation, or pregnancy status - or because of age (over 40), physical or mental disability, protected genetic information, parental status, marital status, political affiliation, or any other non-merit based factor. The Department of Justice welcomes and encourages applications from persons with physical and mental disabilities. The Department is firmly committed to satisfying its affirmative obligations under the Rehabilitation Act of 1973, to ensure that persons with disabilities have every opportunity to be hired and advanced on the basis of merit within the Department of Justice. For more information, please review our full EEO Statement.
Reasonable Accommodations: This agency provides reasonable accommodation to applicants with disabilities where appropriate. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency. Determinations on requests for reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis.
Outreach and Recruitment for Qualified Applicants with Disabilities: The Department encourages qualified applicants with disabilities, including individuals with targeted/severe disabilities to apply in response to posted vacancy announcements. Qualified applicants with targeted/severe disabilities may be eligible for direct hire, non-competitive appointment under Schedule A (5 C.F.R. § 213.3102(u)) hiring authority. Individuals with disabilities are encouraged to contact one of the Department’s Disability Points of Contact (DPOC) to express an interest in being considered for a position. See list of DPOCs.
Suitability and Citizenship: It is the policy of the Department to achieve a drug-free workplace and persons selected for employment will be required to pass a drug test which screens for illegal drug use prior to final appointment. Employment is also contingent upon the completion and satisfactory adjudication of a background investigation. Congress generally prohibits agencies from employing non-citizens within the United States, except for a few narrow exceptions as set forth in the annual Appropriations Act (see, https://www.usajobs.gov/Help/working-in-government/non-citizens/). Pursuant to DOJ component policies, only U.S. citizens are eligible for employment with the Executive Office for Immigration Review, U.S. Trustee’s Offices, and the Federal Bureau of Investigation. Unless otherwise indicated in a particular job advertisement, qualifying non-U.S. citizens meeting immigration and appropriations law criteria may apply for employment with other DOJ organizations. However, please be advised that the appointment of non-U.S. citizens is extremely rare; such appointments would be possible only if necessary to accomplish the Department's mission and would be subject to strict security requirements. Applicants who hold dual citizenship in the U.S. and another country will be considered on a case-by-case basis. All DOJ employees are subject to a residency requirement. Candidates must have lived in the United States for at least three of the past five years. The three-year period is cumulative, not necessarily consecutive. Federal or military employees, or dependents of federal or military employees serving overseas, are excepted from this requirement. This is a Department security requirement which is waived only for extreme circumstances and handled on a case-by-case basis.
Veterans: There is no formal rating system for applying veterans' preference to attorney appointments in the excepted service; however, the Department of Justice considers veterans' preference eligibility as a positive factor in attorney hiring. Applicants eligible for veterans' preference must include that information in their cover letter or resume and attach supporting documentation (e.g., the DD 214, Certificate of Release or Discharge from Active Duty and other supporting documentation) to their submissions. Although the "point" system is not used, per se, applicants eligible to claim 10-point preference must submit Standard Form (SF) 15, Application for 10-Point Veteran Preference, and submit the supporting documentation required for the specific type of preference claimed (visit the OPM website, www.opm.gov/forms/pdf_fill/SF15.pdf for a copy of SF 15, which lists the types of 10-point preferences and the required supporting document(s). Applicants should note that SF 15 requires supporting documentation associated with service- connected disabilities or receipt of nonservice-connected disability pensions to be dated 1991 or later except in the case of service members submitting official statements or retirement orders from a branch of the Armed Forces showing that their retirement was due to a permanent service-connected disability or that they were transferred to the permanent disability retired list (the statement or retirement orders must indicate that the disability is 10% or more).
USAO Residency Requirement: Assistant United States Attorneys must reside in the district to which appointed or within 25 miles thereof. See 28 U.S.C. 545 for district specific information.
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