News Release

Washington, D.C. – As part of the federal government’s continuing outreach efforts to hire the best and the brightest, the U.S. Office of Personnel Management has launched the Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program*. The SES CDP will, in particular, contribute to the government’s efforts to create a high-quality, Senior Executive Service leadership corps that reflects the rich diversity of America.

“I am very proud of the work OPM has done to create an SES that takes from all segments of our society,” said OPM Director Kay Coles James. “Women, minorities and people with disabilities are making important contributions to America every day as valued members of the civil service. The Administration is committed to expanding opportunities to move into the executive ranks, and the program we are beginning today will make them more available -- for everybody.”

James also stressed that “our recruitment will be consistent with the merit system principles – which are the foundation for everything we do. I appreciate the leadership Congressman Danny Davis (D-IL) has provided on this issue, and look forward to working with a wide range of leaders across government to make this program successful.”

The SES CDP presents competitive programs designed to create pools of qualified executives for SES positions, and will include a variety of elements that prepare candidates for success. Elements of the program include rotational assignments, formal training, mentoring and performance assessment.

Graduates of OPM’s CDP are certified by an SES Qualifications Review Board and may be selected for an SES position anywhere in the federal government, without further competition. Thus, the CDP offers an important alternative to the traditional, competitive SES selection process and a viable entry mechanism for “high-potential candidates” who need additional training and experience.

The development model for OPM’s CDP will be rich in exposure to leadership experiences, and it will be feedback intensive and offer positive mentoring. The program will bring together a diverse cadre of potential executives from participating domestic and defense agencies and the private sector for a unique experience in learning and development.

OPM’s CDP is open to individuals at the GS-14 and 15 grade levels, or equivalents from within and outside the federal government, with the duration of a candidate’s participation lasting between 12-24 months.

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*OPM is now working on a complete implementation plan, and expects to announce the application process by October 1. The announcement will be published in OPM’s online vacancy system, USAJOBS, http://www.USAJOBS.opm.gov.

OPM oversees the federal work force and provides the American public with up-to-date employment information. OPM also supports U.S. agencies with personnel services and policy leadership including staffing tools, guidance on labor-management relations and programs to improve work force performance.

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