Deputy Center Director of Operations

Summary

This position is located in the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality (CCSQ) at the Centers for Medicare & Medicaid Services (CMS). As the Deputy Center Director of Operations, you will provide executive leadership, direction, and coordination for the operational management of a cohesive, Agency-wide approach to measuring and promoting health quality, and lead the Agency's priority-setting process for clinical quality improvement.

Duties

• Provides executive leadership and direction in the development and implementation of the Agency’s quality and safety initiatives and provides strategic direction for the Agency, the states, and quality improvement partners.
• Analyzes and evaluates existing legislative mandates, Departmental initiatives, and Agency priorities as well as any additional new or revised legislation to ensure harmony with Agency and Center priorities.
• Plans and coordinates the strategic organization and operations of the Center to marshal available staff, budgetary, financial, and other resources to accomplish program missions.
• Provides executive leadership for IT operations, Quality Improvement Organization and End Stage Renal Disease programs, acquisition strategy, contracting, compliance, audits, and procurement, ensuring adherence to federal requirements.
• Provides executive leadership for continuous improvement across the Center and Agency, including program and operational process improvement, project risk identification and mitigation, and creative problem solving.
• Leads the Center for Clinical Standards and Quality in the Director’s absence and represents the Director before Agency leadership, the Office of the Secretary, Congress, and Federal and State agencies on significant matters.

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. Candidates will not be hired based on their race, sex, color, religion, or national origin. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Technical Qualifications (TQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) or the Technical Qualifications (TQs). TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. TQ 1: Demonstrated executive-level experience overseeing the financial operations and management of healthcare programs. This includes developing, interpreting, and applying complex laws, regulations, and policies. Experience must demonstrate the ability to lead cross-functional teams to ensure compliance with federal laws and regulatory requirements and to translate legislative requirements into clear operational guidance. Experience must also include developing and implementing financial management policies that support changing regulatory requirements while ensuring program integrity and fiscal accountability across large healthcare programs. TQ 2: Demonstrated executive-level experience leading multi-year strategic planning across a large organization and driving continuous quality improvement. Experience must demonstrate the ability to provide strategic direction for key areas, including policy, programs, budget, workforce, technology, and operational improvements. It must also include using proven methods to identify and manage project risks and encourage problem-solving across the organization. Experience must include overseeing the development and implementation of program policies and multiple healthcare information technology systems, ensuring technology supports mission-critical program goals. EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs): In addition to the Technical Qualification Requirements listed above, all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment will be assessed for executive competency against the following five mandatory ECQs. If your 2-page resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of the ECQs and TQs, you may not receive further consideration for the position. There are five ECQs: ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding - This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people. ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades. ECQ 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality. ECQ 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable. ECQ 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors. Note: If you are a member of the SES or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP) or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to respond to the ECQs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the SES.

How to apply

To apply for this position, you must complete this application and submit any required documents specified in the Required Documents section and submit by 11:59 PM (EST) on 09/08/2026 to receive consideration. To begin, click Apply to access the online application. You will need to be logged into your USAJOBS account to apply. If you do not have a USAJOBS account, you will need to create one before beginning the application. Follow the prompts to select and upload your résumé and/or other required documents to be included with your application package. You will have the opportunity to upload additional documents to include in your application before it is submitted. Your uploaded documents may take several hours to clear the virus scan process. After acknowledging you have reviewed your application package, complete the "Include Personal Information" section as you deem appropriate and click to continue with the application process. You will be taken to the online application which you must complete in order to apply for the position. Complete the online application, verify the required documentation is included with your application package, and submit the application. It is applicant's responsibility to verify that information entered and uploaded, (i.e., resume and other required documents) is complete, accurate, and submitted by the closing date. Human Resources will not modify or change any part of your application. Application packages will NOT be accepted via mail. Due to security processes, mail delivery takes approximately 2-3 weeks to process at which time the vacancy announcement will be closed, and no further consideration will be given to additional application packages. Commissioned Corps Officers (including Commissioned Corps professionally boarded applicants) who are interested in applying for this position must send their cover letter and professional resume (not PHS Curriculum Vitae) to [email protected] in lieu of applying through this announcement. The resume should specifically explain how you are qualified for this position and draw specific attention to your skills and experiences that demonstrate these qualifications. Also send any transcripts, licenses or certifications as requested in this announcement. Please send all documents in 1 PDF file. In the subject line of your e-mail include only the Job Announcement Number. In the body of your e-mail include your current rank name and serial number. Failure to provide this information may impact your consideration for this position.