Federal

Regional Director

Economic Development Administration Β· Department of Commerce
πŸ“ Atlanta, Georgia ES-00 $151,661 - $228,000/yr
Posted: Feb 18, 2026 Deadline: Mar 4, 2026 (Closes in 14 days days left)

About This Position

The position is Regional Director, Office of the Assistant Secretary, Economic Development Administration (EDA). This position serves as Director of the Atlanta Regional Office and proactively manages efforts of regional office staff to ensure EDA investment priorities are comprehensively incorporated into investment development and evaluation within a major geographical region encompassing several states.

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 Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ) related to this position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit will not be reviewed and will be disqualified. Your resume should be 2 pages or fewer and must not include images or graphics. Your resumes 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 Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs). PROFESSIONAL/TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQs): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. Knowledge of economic development principles, concepts, strategies, trends, processes, and/or programs relating to regional, state, and local economic development problems, including enhancing regional competitiveness, entrepreneurship, and industry cluster development. Experience in dealing with economic development organizations and institutions as well as local, state, and federal officials on economic development problems in promoting cooperation and collaboration in local communities, economic districts, and regions, particularly in the Southern region of the United States. 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. 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.

Major Duties

As Regional Director, the incumbent acts as the Economic Development Administration (EDA) representative in the serviced region, working with wide latitude and speaking on behalf of the Assistant Secretary at high-level meetings. Implements agency policy and legislative requirements. Cultivates a good rapport with key individuals/groups in the region on behalf of the Assistant Secretary and fosters communication and collaboration between diverse entities while promoting the Administration's goals and actions. Ensures the flow of information from the region to Headquarters is sufficient to foster good policy execution, program planning, and evaluation. Fully supports the Assistant Secretary, ensuring the EDA programs are carried out effectively and efficiently. The incumbent performs the following specific duties: Relying on career status support staff for recommendations, the incumbent is responsible for directing, coordinating, and monitoring technical and financial assistance programs for the Economic Development Administration related to the needs of the designated areas and districts served by the Regional Office. Further, the incumbent is responsible for directing a large group of technical and administrative personnel engaged in analyzing, evaluating, and acting on proposals or activities associated with economic development. Represents the Economic Development Administration in establishing and maintaining effective relations with other federal agencies and national organizations concerned with coordinated policies and programs for economic development and, when designated, serves as the Department of Commerce member on interagency committees related to economic development. Collaborates with other agencies of the Executive Branch in coordinating economic development programs, which supplement or are closely allied with the Department's economic development programs. Stimulates interest of state and local agencies in preparing and carrying out economic development programs for designated areas, districts, and centers. Establishes guides as to nature, scope, context, and format of any overall economic development plan submitted for approval. Reviews, evaluates and acts upon requests for approval of overall economic development plans. Appears before professional, civic, and other groups to expand favorable relations with the public by discussing EDA's programs, policies, and appropriations. Works with various information media for the same purpose. Coordinates with local and state governments in economic development organization and planning and in development of the Overall Economic Development Program (OEDP) which is related to the needs of all designated areas serviced by the Regional Office. Maintains a strong, responsive relationship with special departments, councils, and other groups. Develops and implements a regional strategy, which is a statement of goals and objectives upon which the region will concentrate its efforts and appropriately allocate its portion of EDA's resources during the fiscal year. Counsels, advises, and collaborates with top agency officials on policy matters and major considerations in developing, implementing, and coordinating all regional economic development efforts as they interrelate in addressing national, regional, and subregional strategies. Advises the Assistant Secretary on special problems as they relate to national initiatives and programs, and as they impact upon major constituents or their key representatives.

Conditions of Employment

Must be a U.S. citizen or national. May be subject to pre-employment and random drug tests. Initial Senior Executive Service (SES) career appointee is subject to a one-year probationary period. Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment at the time requested by the agency. If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. File a Confidential Financial Disclosure Report OGE-278e within 30 days of appointment and annually from then on. You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. There are three key documents that contain important information about your rights and obligations. Please read and retain these documents: Noncriminal Justice Applicant's Privacy Rights, for those who undergo an FBI fingerprint-based criminal history record check for personnel vetting, which includes Rap Back, FD-258 Privacy Act Statement - FBI (this is the same statement used when your fingerprints are submitted as part of your background investigation), and SEAD-3-Reporting-U.pdf (dni.gov), (applicable to those who hold a sensitive position or have eligibility for access to classified information)

Education

This position does not have a positive education requirement.

How You Will Be Evaluated

Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you meet minimum qualifications, your application package will be further reviewed to determine if you possess the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQ) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQ) listed above. ECQs and PTQs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume. Separate narratives will not be accepted or reviewed. Highly qualified applicants may undergo one or more interviews and may be referred to the selecting official for further consideration. Upon selection, if not already a member of the SES serving under a career appointment, the individual selected must have his/her executive qualifications certified by the U.S. Office of Personnel Management's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB) before appointment to this position. The selected individual's application will be forwarded to the OPM for review and certification by the QRB, unless the selectee provides evidence of their noncompetitive status (i.e., a current SES, OPM QRB certified SESCDP graduate, or SES reinstatement eligible). Upon QRB certification, the selected individual will be required to serve a one-year probationary period. For more information regarding the SES, go to https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/.

Additional Information

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders. Individuals selected for SES positions members may be subject to reassignment across geographical, organizational, and functional lines, and may be required to sign a Reassignment Rights and Obligation Agreement. Veterans Preference: Veterans' preference is not applicable to the SES. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx) False Statements: If you make a false statement in any part of your application, you may not be hired, you may be fired after you begin work, or you may be subject to fine, imprisonment, or other disciplinary action. OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.

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 the closing date of the announcement 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. To view the application form, visit:https://apply.usastaffing.gov/ViewQuestionnaire/12878531

Required Documents

A complete application includes items described below. Please note that if you do not provide all required information, as specified in this announcement, you may not be considered for this position (or may not receive the special consideration for which you may be eligible). Please carefully review the following list to determine what documentation you need to submit. Some documents may not apply to all applicants. 1. RESUME: All applicants are required to submit a resume limited to two (2) pages (i.e., 1 page that is double-sided or 2 pages that are one-sided each) showing all relevant experience. Applicants seeking initial career appointment to the Senior Executive Service (SES) must include evidence of the ECQs and TQs. PLEASE DO NOT USE USAJOBS RESUME BUILDER. 2. VACANCY QUESTION/ASSESSMENT QUESTIONNAIRE RESPONSES: Responses are automatically submitted through USA Jobs when you apply to this vacancy. 3. ADDITIONAL REQUIRED DOCUMENTS: Applicants are required to submit the following supporting documentation if applicable: CURRENT OR FORMER SES MEBERS: Must provide your SES appointment SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action), and an SF-50 showing current career SES status or career SES reinstatement eligibility. SES CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM (SESCDP) GRADUATES: Verification of successful completion of an OPM-approved SESCDP and OPM SES QRB certification. CURRENT FEDERAL CIVIL SERVICE EMPLOYEE: Must provide a copy of your Notification of Personnel Action, Standard Form 50 (SF-50) or equivalent personnel action form reflecting you are a current Federal Civil Service employee. STRONGLY RECOMMENDED: Most recent performance evaluation.

Frequently Asked Questions

What is the salary for the Regional Director position at Economic Development Administration?
The salary range for this position is $151,661 - $228,000/yr. This is a ES-00 position on the General Schedule pay scale. Actual pay may vary based on locality adjustments.
Where is the Regional Director job located?
This position is located in Atlanta, Georgia. This is an on-site position.
What qualifications do I need?
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 re...
How do I apply for this position?
Apply through USAJobs.gov by clicking the 'Apply on USAJobs' button. You'll need a USAJobs account, a federal-style resume, and supporting documents. The deadline is Mar 4, 2026.
Is a security clearance required?
Yes, a Sensitive Compartmented Information clearance is required.
What does ES-00 mean?
ES-00 refers to the General Schedule grade level. Higher grades require more experience and offer higher pay. Visit our GS Pay Scale page for full salary tables by grade and locality.
What benefits do federal employees receive?
Federal employees receive comprehensive benefits including health insurance (FEHB), retirement through FERS, Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) with government matching, paid annual and sick leave, paid parental leave, life insurance, and student loan repayment programs.