The Senior Executive Service (SES) is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of government. Members of the SES serve in the key positions just below the top Presidential appointees. SES members are the major link between these appointees and the rest of the Federal work force. The SES includes most managerial, supervisory, and policy positions classified above General Schedule (GS) grade 15 or equivalent positions in the Executive Branch of the Federal Government.

Vacant SES positions are posted on www.USAjobs.gov. In addition to your resume, applicants must provide examples of their leadership skills by addressing five executive core qualifications identified and defined by the Office of Personnel Management (OPM). The Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications (http://www.opm.gov/ses/references/handbook.asp) provides detailed information about executive qualifications and tips for writing effective qualification statements. The NASA SES Career Development Program (CDP) is a structured development program designed to prepare individuals for future service in NASA's SES. NASA's SESCDP fulfills Office of Personnel Management (OPM) merit principles and requirements as well as NASA's projected needs for individuals who have high potential for assuming executive responsibilities. This 12-24 month program provides a series of intensive developmental experiences which include formal courses and seminars, developmental work assignments, management experience (if none previously), and individual mentoring from current SES members. In addition to OPM's requirements, NASA expects its candidates to complete broadening assignments to give them a greater understanding of the Agency as a whole and its role in the federal government. Individuals who have primarily worked in a Center environment are required to spend part of their development time at Headquarters. Conversely, individuals who have worked primarily at NASA Headquarters are required to spend part of their development time at a Center or multiple Centers. While the SESCDP is expected to be an important source of candidates for SES positions, successful completion of the program does not guarantee selection for such a position. The Agency initiates a call for candidates to apply to the SESCDP through USAJobs which is typically done every two years. Additional information can be found at http://nasapeople.nasa.gov/Training/devprogs/SESCDP.htm.

Before you can be appointed into the SES, OPM must certify/approve all ECQs and the NASA Administrator must approve the appointment.