Assistant Center Director

Experience: You qualify for the GS-14 grade level if you possess 1 year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level, performing duties such as: Leading a cross-functional team for an assigned industry sector, planning work, setting priorities, and documenting performance standards and evaluations in line with CBP policy. Developing risk-based targeting strategies for designated accounts and commodities, analyzing trade and enforcement data across multiple ports, and recording recommended enforcement actions. Coordinating complex trade enforcement and post-entry reviews with ports, field offices, and partner agencies, compiling multi-source case files, and briefing Center leadership on significant cases. Drafting and interpreting operating procedures and implementation guidance for Center staff and stakeholders, aligning statutory and regulatory requirements with account-based processing practices. Planning and delivering industry-specific outreach and training, preparing materials on trade document and compliance requirements, and tracking stakeholder participation and issues raised. NOTE: Your resume must explicitly indicate how you meet this requirement, otherwise you will be found ineligible. Please see the "Required Documents" section below for additional resume requirements. Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., Peace Corps, AmeriCorps) and other organizations (e.g., professional; philanthropic; religious; spiritual; community, student, social). Volunteer work helps build critical competencies, knowledge, and skills and can provide valuable training and experience that translates directly to paid employment. You will receive credit for all qualifying experience, including volunteer experience. You must: Meet all qualification requirements, including education if applicable to this position, subject to verification at any stage of the application process; and Meet all applicable Time in Grade requirements (current federal employees must have served 52 weeks at the next lower grade or equivalent grade band in the federal service) by 06/05/2026. The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) must authorize employment offers made to current or former political appointees. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, Non-career SES or Presidential Appointee employee in the Executive Branch, you must disclose this information to the Human Resources Office. Background Investigation: U.S. Customs and Border Protection (CBP) is a federal law enforcement agency that requires all applicants to undergo a thorough background investigation prior to employment in order to promote the agency's core values of vigilance, service to country, and integrity. During the screening and/or background investigation process, you will be asked questions regarding any felony criminal convictions or current felony charges, the use of illegal drugs (e.g., marijuana, cocaine, heroin, LSD, methamphetamines, ecstasy), and the use of non-prescribed controlled substances including any experimentation, possession, sale, receipt, manufacture, cultivation, production, transfer, shipping, trafficking, or distribution of controlled substances. For additional information on the preemployment process, review the following link: Applicant Resources | CBP Careers Residency: There is a residency requirement for all applicants not currently employed by CBP. Individuals are required to have physically resided in the United States or its protectorates (as declared under international law) for at least three of the last five years. If you do not meet the residency requirement and you have been physically located in a foreign location for more than two of the last five years, you may request an exception to determine if you are eligible for a residency waiver by meeting one or more of the following conditions: Working for the U.S. Government as a federal civilian or as a member of the military A dependent who was authorized to accompany a federal civilian or member of the military who was working for the U.S. government Participation in a study abroad program sponsored by a U.S. affiliated college or university Working as a contractor, intern, consultant or volunteer supporting the U.S. government Probationary Period: All employees new to the federal government must serve a one year probationary period during the first year of his/her initial permanent federal appointment to determine fitness for continued employment. Current and former federal employees may be required to serve or complete a probationary period.

As an Assistant Center Director, you will manage and supervise one of the Center's divisions, overseeing national strategic trade activities, enforcement, compliance, and partnership programs for a specific industry sector. You will lead cross-functional teams and ensure the Center develops and maintains industry expertise to support CBP's trade mission. You will directly support CBP's mission by facilitating legitimate trade, protecting the U.S. economy from unfair practices, and ensuring compliance with federal laws and regulations. This position starts at a salary of $125,776.00 (GS-14, Step 1) to $163,514.00 (GS-14, Step 10). You will be responsible for managing Center operations, directing trade enforcement and compliance activities, and fostering partnerships with industry stakeholders. Your role involves supervising staff, implementing national policies, and resolving complex trade issues. Major duties may include, but are not limited to: Managing national strategic trade activities, including revenue collection, summary review, validation processes, and enforcement actions for import and export merchandise. Overseeing daily operations and providing guidance for effective enforcement actions, risk management, and tactical operations focused on national priority trade issues. Coordinating with senior law enforcement managers and external partners to approve significant enforcement actions, including criminal investigations and prosecutions. Supervising cross-functional teams, setting goals and performance standards, evaluating work, and ensuring adherence to agency policies and equal employment requirements. Advising industry stakeholders, the trade community, and internal staff on CBP policies, trade document requirements, compliance expectations, and enforcement actions, while managing outreach and training programs.