Deputy Commissioner for Patents

About the role

The Deputy Commissioner for Patents (DCP) is responsible for initiating programs consistent with the priorities and goals of the Agency, communicating policy and decisions within the context of her/his responsibilities, mentoring and coaching of subordinates, coordinating Patent strategic initiatives, establishing procedures, participating in activities which promote the goals of the Office and supporting improvements and programs presented by the Commissioner. The DCP provides strategic vision, guidance, and direction to ensure that the necessary monitoring, assessment, and training required to instill confidence in the patent system are provided to internal and external stakeholders. The DCP makes managerial and technical decisions required for successful program development, administration, and management.

Responsibilities

• Frames out vision-oriented initiatives and provides strategic direction to individuals/teams for accomplishing these initiatives, along with the Commissioner and other DCPs
• Ensures administrative policies and procedures are communicated to Patent business unit employees; creates remedies and implements practices to ensure compliance where practices and procedures are not aligned with overall goals; communicates issues that arise to the Commissioner for Patents
• Represents the Commissioner for Patents with full authority in contacts with members of the public, officials of other Government agencies, Department of Commerce and Patent and Trademark Office employees, members of Congress, and foreign government officials
• Participates in matrix management with other DCPs in Patents, requiring coordination of responsibilities and the ability to work in a team environment while exhibiting effective leadership in planning and organizing assignments of a large number of executives, professionals and supporting staff
• Provides direct management oversight of at least one senior executive (Patent Assistant Commissioner for Patents, Technology Center Group Director, etc.)
• Provides the Commissioner for Patents with management support of day-to-day operations within the Patent Organization, including oversight of patent technology centers in their direct chain of oversight and coordination with other DCPs to enable examination of applications for and reissues of patents
• Oversees one or more non-technology center operational components, which may include: workforce management, financial management, data analytics, project management, patent training, stakeholder engagement, process improvement, classification, international patent cooperation, information technology (patent automation, scientific and technical information, etc.), and application processing

Qualifications

To meet the minimum qualification requirements, you must show that you possess the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and two Technical Qualifications (TQs) listed below in your resume. Resumes must not exceed 2 pages.

Technical Qualifications (TQs):

• Experience in directing, supervising, and evaluating the activities of a professional and technical organization unit, including the ability to develop and achieve organizational goals, prepare and execute organizational budgets, delegate assignments, motivate subordinate groups and individuals, and establish and maintain a positive working environment
• Demonstrated knowledge of patent statutes, regulations, and court decisions, including the ability to advise senior level executives on and recommend thoughtful solutions for complex legal issues

Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs):

• Commitment to the Rule of Law and Principles of the American Founding
• Driving efficiency
• Merit and compliance
• Leading people
• Achieving results

Education

At least a bachelor's degree in an engineering, scientific, or technical field is required.

Pay

Apply on USAJOBS by 09/17/2026.

Schedule & Telework

The physical worksite is in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required, as the role includes on-site functions that must be performed in person. The position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion; the agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year.