Deputy Assistant Secretary

The mission of the Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education is to administer and coordinate programs that are related to adult education and literacy, career and technical education, and community colleges. This position may be detailed to another Federal agency

The Deputy Assistant Secretary, Office of Career, Technical, and Adult Education (OCTAE) will provide executive leadership across OCTAE's program, policy, administrative, and operational functions including career and technical education, adult education and literacy, and related workforce and education initiatives, and will serve as a senior advisor to the Assistant Secretary on the administration of federal career and technical education, adult education, community college, correctional and reentry education, and workforce-aligned education programs. Within this operating environment, the DAS, OCTAE: Provides executive direction to OCTAE program offices and staff responsible for formula and discretionary grant programs, policy development, technical assistance, monitoring, performance reporting, and stakeholder engagement. Ensures that OCTAE maintains strong internal systems for grant administration, risk management, program oversight, grantee communication, and compliance with applicable laws, regulations, and Department policies. Oversees OCTAE's administrative operations, including budget execution, procurement, travel, training, human capital, performance management, awards, records management, internal controls, and office communications. Manages OCTAE's salaries and expenses planning, procurement planning, contract support, and administrative resource allocation in coordination with Department offices. Develops and maintains standard operating procedures for core office functions, including grants, contracts, budget, clearance, personnel actions, administrative approvals, and internal reporting. Coordinates OCTAE's contributions to Department-wide requirements, including GPRA, audit responses, performance reporting, budget materials, congressional inquiries, data calls, and internal control reviews. Ensures that OCTAE retains appropriate federal oversight, policy authority, statutory decision-making, and accountability when program operations involve interagency agreements or shared administrative support. Oversees grant lifecycle functions, including planning, application review, award, monitoring, technical assistance, continuation awards, closeout, and audit follow-up. Supports evidence-based policy development and practical implementation of Department priorities related to career-connected learning, workforce development, adult education, community colleges, apprenticeships, AI literacy, and education-to-employment pathways. Supports coordination across federal education and workforce programs, including alignment with Department of Labor and other federal partners where appropriate. Advises senior leadership on program risks, implementation barriers, stakeholder concerns, statutory limitations, and opportunities for improved performance. Represents OCTAE in senior-level Department meetings, interagency discussions, grantee meetings, stakeholder engagements, and internal management forums.

One year probationary period, unless excepted by regulation. U.S. Citizenship Financial disclosure statement, OGE-278. Must be able to obtain and maintain a Public Trust security clearance. Relocation expenses will NOT be paid. Registration with the Selective Service (if applicable). Males born after 12-31-1959 must be registered or exempt from Selective Service. All initial appointments to an SES position are contingent on approval from OPM's Qualification Review Board.