A resource for keeping the NIH executive community informed about training opportunities, executive performance management and other matters of interest.
Brought to you by the Division of Senior and Scientific Executive Management (DSSEM).
Important Dates
FY 2024 SES/SL Special Act Awards
| 04 Jun Senior Executive Service (SES) and Senior Level (SL) Executives |
For details on guidance and deadlines, please visit the Special Act Awards section.
Please contact the Executive Performance Management Team with questions.
NIH Virtual Tour
This dynamic, interactive tour showcases the depth and breadth of NIH’s important work turning discovery into health and illustrates the wide range of the NIH mission. To learn more about who we are, what we do, and our impact on health visit the NIH Virtual Tour here!
News and Announcements
Provisional Certification for Senior-Level (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) Performance Appraisal System
With OMB concurrence, OPM approved HHS for a provisional certification for the Senior-Level (SL) and Scientific or Professional (ST) performance appraisal system, effective July 2, 2023, to July 2, 2024. This certification authorizes pay for SL/ST up to Executive Level II, $212,000, and the higher aggregate limitation on pay, $272,100 for CY2023.
To avoid a certification authority gap and continue applying the higher maximum rate of pay and higher aggregate, the department will request full certification in April 2024, which requires full compliance with the SL/ST basic performance management system for the FY 2023 performance cycle.
FY 2023 Presidential Rank Award Winners Have Been Announced!
The Presidential Rank Award (PRA) is one of the most prestigious awards in the federal career civil service, and these awards are critical to recognizing the hard work and essential contributions of dedicated civil servants in the American federal workforce. The President selected 232 winners across 31 different agencies for the 2023 awards program for their exceptional leadership, accomplishments, and service over an extended period. These individuals are all members of the Senior Executive Service (SES), Senior-Level (SL), and Scientific and Professional (ST) corps. NIH had an amazing four winners this year! Join us in congratulating NIH’s winners (listed below)! A complete list of 2023 winners may be viewed on the OPM site.
FY 2023 NIH Presidential Rank Award Winners:
- Ms. Camille Hoover, M.S.W.
- Mr. Keith R. Lamirande, M.B.A.
- Ms. Colleen McGowan, MHA, FACHE
- Mr. Jerry Sheehan, M.S.
HHS SES News
Development Opportunities and Other Information
Senior Executive Orientation Briefing: Being Future Ready – Leading America’s Workforce – This orientation is designed for new members of the SES, SL/ST, and other SES equivalents in their first two years of appointment. Seasoned executives who have not previously attended are welcome to attend. The program features keynote speakers who are policymakers, current and former SES, and subject matter experts. In addition to plenary discussion, speakers may engage participants in interactive exercises and small group discussions. The program concludes with a federal judge administering the oath of office, affirming Constitutional heritage and responsibility. Certificates will be mailed to participants after the program. This orientation is in person at the U.S. Patent & Trademark Office in Alexandria, VA, from 8:45 AM to 4:30 PM. HHS colleagues who attended in 2023 reported a well-designed program and a good use of their time. They appreciated the opportunity to meet other executives from across the government. To register for the August 2, 2024 orientation, click HERE – tuition: $985.
Inclusive Leadership in Action: Addressing DEIA Systemically - Efforts to make government more diverse, equitable, inclusive, and accessible (DEIA) have brought us far – especially by providing the knowledge and language to understand how to promote DEIA practices further. But there is still much work to do. Making meaningful progress on the vision of the Strategic Plan to “embed DEIA throughout the federal workforce” - begins with your own work. In this highly interactive course, you’ll explore what it means to lead inclusively from “the inside out.” You’ll start by analyzing your own biases, mindsets, beliefs, and behaviors to help you better lead inclusively. Using tools such as systems mapping, you’ll analyze the organizational systems and structures that need examining to create and sustain inclusive cultures. In this safe learning environment, you’ll also work through your own real-life challenges and practice skills needed to promote inclusive cultures, diverse teams, and systems and policies that are equitable and accessible to all. To register for the June 10-13, 2024, click HERE. September 9-12, 2024, click HERE.
Empowering SES: Navigating the Small Business Goals Performance Requirement
This session, hosted by the Executive Resources Division on May 23, 2024, from 1 – 2 PM, is dedicated to unraveling the intricacies of the performance requirement outlined in Executive Order 13985, aligning with the Small Business Jobs Act of 2010. Discover how your role as an SES member can actively contribute to the Department's small business prime contracting and subcontracting goals from Shannon Jackson, Executive Director of the Office of Small & Disadvantaged Business Utilization (OSDBU). Delve into the specific targets HHS sets. Your active participation is vital in comprehending these goals and charting a course for SES to contribute actively to their achievement. Register HERE for this virtual session and be a key player in advancing the Department's small business goals.
Senior Executive Service Candidate Development Program (SESCDP)
The U.S. Nuclear Regulatory Commission (NRC) is sponsoring an SESCDP which is targeted to begin in February 2025. They anticipate 20-25 participants. The SESCDP prepares individuals who demonstrate executive potential for senior leadership positions at the NRC. Accepting applications from 5/6-5/17/2024 or until 350 are received. Candidates selected from outside of NRC who are currently serving in career or career-type appointments in other agencies may participate in the program while serving in their current agencies upon negotiation of a Memorandum of Understanding with the candidate's home agency. Alternatively, NRC may offer a career type General Grade Schedule (GG) 15 position to a career civil service candidate selected from another agency. Click HERE for more information.
Government Customer Experience & Engagement Summit
As constituents' expectations evolve alongside technological advancements, government agencies must adapt their services to better meet the needs of customers across the nation. Doing so requires focus on and investment in the customer experience (CX). And with the emergence of artificial intelligence (AI) leaders are looking to its potential to improve CX. How is the rise of cutting-edge technologies like AI reshaping traditional approaches to government CX? What lessons are being learned along the way? How can leaders ensure that they are improving operations while placing equity at the heart of engagement strategies? Participants will have the opportunity to follow along two distinct tracks that cater to diverse interests and objectives: technology and culture. The technology track will engage you in conversation surrounding the digital transformation of CX, its challenges and opportunities, while also exploring the integration of new technologies. Meanwhile, the culture track invites discussions on leadership, diversity, equity, and inclusion, and the importance of cultivating a positive work environment. The event is on June 6, 2024 from 8 AM – 2 PM at the Westin Washington, DC. Click HERE for more information and to register for this FREE for Government event.
Performance Management
USA Performance (USAP)
An automated performance management system for SES and Senior-Level Title 42 executives.
Executive Performance Management - Awards and Recognition
Information on the executive performance cycle and the various award programs.
Compensation
The Senior Executive Service (SES) covers managerial, supervisory, and policy positions classified above GS-15. Compensation is through a performance-based pay system.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) has overall authority for the SES program. They provide oversight and assistance to HHS and NIH.
SES Information and Guidance
Candidate Development Program
The Candidate Development Program (CDP), is a tool used to identify and prepare aspiring senior executive leaders.
This program is not offered on a regular basis. When the application period is open, HHS and other sponsoring agencies will post opportunities on USAJobs. If interested, you may apply to the program.
Vacancies and Rotational Opportunities
- Current SES positions [usajobs.gov]
- SES Rotation Announcements
For additional information and guidance, check out the NIH Senior Executive Service SharePoint Site
Training Opportunities
Executive Careers
Recent NIH Executive Vacancies
| Position | IC | Close Date |
|---|---|---|
| Director, National Library of Medicine | NLM | |
| Clinical Director and Chief of the Clinical Research Branch | NIEHS | Open until filled |
| Scientific Director | NINR | Open until filled |
| Director, Division of Aging Biology | NIA | Open until filled |
| Associate Director, Division of Extramural Activities | NINDS | Open until filled |
