Deputy Assistant Administrator, Diversion Control Regulatory

This position serves as the Deputy Assistant Administrator (DAA) for the Regulatory Control Division (DR), responsible for the agency's Regulatory Control Program (RCP), a strategic component of U.S. law and policy aimed at preventing, detecting, and eliminating the diversion of controlled substances and listed chemicals into the illicit market.

Responsibilities

As an advisor to the Assistant Administrator for Diversion Control, the incumbent provides guidance, direction, and supervision to the four sections and subordinate units within the office. The Deputy Assistant Administrator directs the activities of the following sections:

• Diversion Regulatory Group (DRG): Provides expert regulatory oversight and guidance, ensuring full compliance with national initiatives, and fostering collaboration with federal, state, and local partners. DRG staff serve as subject matter experts to the Office of Chief Counsel, provide guidance on diversion control initiatives, advise the Regulatory Drafting and Policy Support (DPW) section, and manage 303 investigations to ensure compliance and integrity. DRG oversees the Marihuana Growers Program and ensures compliance with the Religious Freedom Restoration Act (RFRA).
• Diversion Import/Export Section (DRI): Administers the program for monitoring controlled substances, chemicals, and regulated machines. Issues import and export permits and declarations, monitors transshipments and regulated machines, and collects data to be analyzed by U.S. authorities and shared with international counterparts to identify trends, diversion, and illicit trafficking. Implements programs in accordance with U.S. congressional legislation and international treaties.
• Diversion UN Reporting & Quota Section (DRQ): Prepares statistical reports on the legitimate manufacture, export, import, distribution, and reserve stocks of narcotic and psychotropic substances for submission to the United Nations as mandated by international drug control treaty obligations. Determines anticipated future needs for narcotic and psychotropic substances by collecting and analyzing information from the Department of Health and Human Services, states, the pharmaceutical industry, and other sources. Establishes and revises annual production quotas for all Schedule I and II controlled substances and List 1 chemicals (pseudoephedrine, ephedrine, and phenylpropanolamine). Participates in the development of United Nations resolutions, position papers, and briefing materials. Educates DEA registrants and internal components on quota regulations and international treaties.
• Diversion Technology Section (DRT): Enhances, secures, and maintains the Diversion Control Division's (DC) Information Technology (IT) infrastructure in support of DEA registrants and personnel.

The Deputy Assistant Administrator reviews the effectiveness of DEA-wide and individual field office diversion control programs to ensure alignment with the diversion control mission and legal requirements. Establishes guidelines and priority objectives for diversion offices concerning working agreements between DEA and federal, state, local, and foreign officials. Provides leadership, interprets policy, approves working plans, and monitors progress toward mission objectives. Ensures adherence to Equal Employment Opportunity laws, policies, and principles.

Requirements

• Must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Must be able to obtain and maintain a Background and/or Security Clearance.
• Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service.
• Drug testing designated position.
• New appointees must successfully complete a 1-year probationary period.
• This is a Senior Executive Service (SES) - Excepted Service Position.

Qualifications

Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of the American republic, and dedicated to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution. To meet the minimum qualification requirements, candidates must demonstrate the following Technical Qualifications (TQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) within their resume (not to exceed 2 pages):

Technical Qualifications (TQs)

• TQ 1: Expert-level mastery in the development, implementation, and oversight of a complex national regulatory framework governing controlled substances.
• TQ 2: Ability to design, evaluate, and enforce policies that prevent, detect, and eliminate diversion of licit pharmaceuticals into illicit channels.
• TQ 3: Ability to lead large-scale regulatory, compliance, and enforcement programs; direct multidisciplinary teams; and manage nationwide initiatives integrating intelligence, policy analysis, operations coordination, and stakeholder engagement.

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs)

The following five ECQs are mandatory for all new entrants into the Senior Executive Service (SES) under a career appointment:

• ECQ 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding
  • 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 with presidential and public interests. Demonstrates a commitment to serve the American people.
• ECQ 2: Driving Efficiency
  • 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
  • Technical Skill: Possesses the requisite technical knowledge and subject matter expertise to consistently produce timely, high-quality work. Is considered a strong contributor in their domain.
  • Problem Solving: Engages in critical and data-driven thinking when diagnosing root causes and evaluating options. Identifies and promptly addresses high-priority problems.
  • Agility and Resilience: Anticipates and adapts to change, new ideas, and new information. Is committed to continuous improvement. Deals effectively with pressure and remains optimistic and persistent under adversity.
• ECQ 4: Leading People
  • Accountability: Ensures employees are appropriately recruited, selected, appraised, trained, and retained. Takes swift action to address performance- or conduct-based deficiencies. Holds self and others accountable for measurable, high-quality, timely, and cost-effective results.
  • Developing Others: Recognizes and rewards outstanding achievement. Develops the ability of others through formal and informal learning opportunities. Cultivates a dynamic environment where employees are encouraged to take initiative.
  • Executive Judgement: Makes well-reasoned, timely, and effective decisions. Considers short- and long-term implications. Communicates effectively with stakeholders across all organizational levels, sharing and guarding information appropriately.
• ECQ 5: Achieving Results
  • Operational Mindset: 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 an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have SES reinstatement eligibility, you must provide proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board).