Deputy Executive Director Human Resources Operations Center

Summary

The Deputy Executive Director, Human Resources Operations (DEDHRO) serves as a vital counterpart to the Executive Director, Human Resources Operations (EDHRO), taking on full authority in the latter's absence and sharing in the overall responsibility for directing and overseeing all HR functions within the largest integrated healthcare HR enterprise in the nation.

Duties

• Duties of this position include but are not limited to: Reporting directly to the EDHROC, the DEDHROC has primary responsibility for supervising all VHA Human Resources operations in the field. This includes the oversight of more than 10,000 HR and support staff providing nationwide HR services for approximately 356,000 employees, enabling workforce solutions that support healthcare delivery to over 9.2 million enrolled Veterans. The DEDHROC supports the EDHROC in setting HR strategy and overseeing operations, develops and evaluates HR policies using advanced analytics and AI, serves as principal advisor on complex issues, ensures effective performance management and leadership development, and leads innovation and modernization efforts to keep HR programs agile and responsive to VA and VHA priorities. Direct, coordinate, and oversee work performed by subordinate first level direct reports which includes supervisors; exercise significant responsibility in collaborating with officials from other units or organizations and advise higher-level management; assure equitable development and assessment of performance standards and rating techniques across units, teams, and projects; manage the HR program segments with substantial resources; make decisions on work issues presented by subordinate supervisors; evaluate subordinate supervisors and serve as the reviewing official on evaluations of nonsupervisory employees as necessary. In this role, the DEDHRO aids in setting HR strategies, overseeing operations, and developing and evaluating HR policies through advanced analytics and AI, all while serving as a principal advisor on complex issues, ensuring effective performance management and leadership development, and driving innovation within the HR landscape. The responsibilities include directing and overseeing the work of subordinate supervisors, ensuring equitable performance standards, managing significant HR program segments, and making critical decisions on employee issues, grievances, and disciplinary actions. This role involves collaborating with higher management and other units, approving selections for positions, and identifying solutions to enhance HR business practices and team dynamics. Additionally, it encompasses supporting equal employment opportunity initiatives, assisting in the execution of national HR programs, integrating workforce management functions, and driving innovation in HR strategy. The position also focuses on policy development, strategic planning, and engagement with senior executives to ensure compliance and improve operational quality within the VHA's HR operations. Serve as the Deputy executive leader for VHA-wide HR operations strategy, integrating workforce planning, talent acquisition, classification, compensation, recruitment and placement, employee benefits, human resource development, performance management, employee engagement, employee/labor relations, HR technology innovation, and information systems. The DEDHROC is supervised by the EDHROC and operates under their general administrative direction in also receiving broad policy guidance and overall objectives. Within this framework, the DEDHROC is delegated the same significant authority as the EDHROC and is empowered to independently make decisions and act on behalf of the EDHROC in their absence, including planning, directing, and executing nationwide HR operations and programs. The DEDHROC's work is characterized by exceptional complexity and national impact, requiring innovative strategy development, policy interpretation, and organizational leadership with minimal oversight. The effectiveness of the DEDHROC role in management of the human resources operations program and advancement of VA's mission is reviewed in terms of results achieved, while decisions, recommendations, and strategic actions are considered authoritative and contribute directly to official VHA HR positions.

Qualifications

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 be disqualified. Please see "Required Documents" section below for all resume formatting requirements. 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. Do NOT submit a separate 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. TQ1: Demonstrated executive leadership in directing enterprise-wide human resources operations, workforce strategy, and organizational transformation within a large, complex organization. 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. Sub-Competencies: Knowledge of the American System of Government: Demonstrates understanding and appreciation of the American system of government, including the Constitution, the Bill of Rights, separation of powers, federalism, and the historical development of the American Nation. Commitment to the Rule of Law: Upholds the principles of the American Founding, including equality under the law and democratic self-government. Ensures the law is applied fairly and consistently. Civic-Mindedness: Stays up-to-date on important developments in American government and aligns organizational objectives and practices with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a 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. Sub-Competencies: Fiscal Responsibility: Strategically manages, allocates and monitors financial resources. Aligns priorities and initiatives to justify budget proposals. Monitors expenditures, cuts unnecessary costs, and uses cost-benefit analysis to set priorities. Managing Resources: Manages resources efficiently and effectively based on current and projected organizational goals, skills, budget considerations, and staffing needs. Leveraging Technology: Explores emerging technology and potential applications. Incorporates technology to enhance efficiency and achieve results. Ensures access to and security of technology systems 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. Sub-Competencies: Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in his or her domain. Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses the most pressing, high-priority problems. Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, new information, and new conditions. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent, even under adversity. 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. Sub-Competencies: Accountability: Ensures that employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies in employees supervised. Holds self and others accountable for measurable high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results. Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement in others. Develops the ability of others to perform and contribute to the organization by providing opportunities to learn through formal and informal methods. Cultivates a dynamic environment in which employees are not afraid to make mistakes. Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions and considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information where appropriate. 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. Sub-Competencies: Operational Mindset: Effectively translates strategies into actionable steps and processes. Partners effectively with stakeholders to drive adoption and addresses blockers to ensure successful implementation. Innovation: Applies creativity to improving products and processes, challenges convention, takes measured risks, and considers ways to simplify and remove unnecessary requirements. Strategic Thinking: Formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the long-term interests of the organization by evaluating conditions, resources, capabilities, constraints, and organizational goals and values. 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 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. See "Required Documents" section for additional information.

Education

If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, an official transcript or equivalent will be required if you are selected. Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)

How to apply

Your complete application must be received by 11:59 pm EST on the closing date, 10/01/2026. Please read all instructions before you begin. 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.