Duties

Summary

The USTPO Group Director Trademark Law Offices will formulate plans and programs to meet organizational objectives, allocates resources, establishes an organizational structure and operating procedures which will facilitate accomplishment of objectives, and establishes controls by which accomplishments can be reported and corrective action.

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Responsibilities

The Group Director for Trademark Law Offices serves under the general administrative direction of the Commissioner for Trademarks and the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations. As the Group Director of Trademark Law Offices, the incumbent plans, coordinates, and manages the activities of a group of Trademark Law Offices, each supervised by a Managing Attorney. The primary function of the Law Offices is to examine applications for the registration of trademarks, service marks, collective marks, and certification marks to ascertain whether the applicants are entitled to federal registration under the Trademark Act of 1946.

The Group Director for Trademark Law Offices, In coordination with the Commissioner for Trademarks and the Deputy Commissioner for Trademark Operations, delineates fundamental organizational goals and ensures that necessary measures are taken to attain established objectives.

Additional but not limited essential duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• The incumbent will manage and coordinate trademark examining functions involving the services of a professional examining corps engaged in diversified legal and registration procedures.
• The incumbent provides leadership in achieving continuity of purpose, administrative integration, production efficiency, and uniformity of practice throughout the Trademark Examining operation.
• The incumbent prepares and promulgate notices, directives, and procedural instructions to implement and maintain statutory requirements, Trademark Rules of Practice, and policy decisions.
• The incumbent participates in the development of revisions to the Trademark Rules of Practice. Develops and implements policies, plans, and procedures governing organizational relationships, delegations of authority, the flow and distribution of work, accountability requirements, allocations of facilities, and examination techniques and practices, etc.
• The incumbent establishes and maintains standards of professional competence, ensuring that Law Offices are adequately staffed with qualified examining attorneys and support personnel.
• The incumbent analyzes and interprets workload and production to achieve balance and maintain optimum pendency and backlog levels.
• The incumbent will develop and implement techniques for reducing costs, improving practices, and streamlining work procedures within the Law Offices, including representing the Office to Bar groups and other interested parties.

Travel Required

25% or less - Occasional travel will be required.

Supervisory status
Yes

Promotion Potential
00 - Grade 00

Requirements

Conditions of Employment

• You must be a U.S. Citizen.
• Required to pass a background investigation and fingerprint check.
• Financial Disclosure Report (OGE-278) will be required upon appointment, annually and upon termination of employment.
• Be a member in good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico Bar.
• Possess a J.D. degree from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association.
• Subject to a one-year probationary period.
• You must use the USA Jobs text boxes when submitting your PTQs & ECQs

Qualifications

As a basic requirement for entry into the SES, applicants must provide evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of executive level managerial capabilities. To qualify, the applicant's resume and responses to Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) and Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) must demonstrate technical and leadership experience/expertise as they relate to the duties describe.

Experience must have been at a sufficiently high level of difficulty to clearly show that the candidate possesses the required professional/technical qualifications and executive core qualifications set forth below. 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.

Maximum length of 10000 characters when addressing the PTQs and ECQs.

Professional Technical Qualifications: Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application materials that they possess technical attributes in the Professional/Technical Qualifications (PTQs). Applicants must also have a comprehensive knowledge of trademark laws, regulations, process, and examination and registration process.

* Please provide your narrative responses to the Professional Technical Qualification (PTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) questions - Do not write "see resume".

*Applicants are required to input narrative responses to the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) in the text boxes as prompted by USAJobs.

*Each PTQ and each ECQ have a 10,000-character limit (to include spaces) and must be adhered to.

*Applicants must use the USA Jobs text boxes for submitting their PTQs and ECQs.

The PTQs for this position are:

1. Describe your demonstrated in-depth knowledge of legal issues associated with the preparation and/or prosecution of trademark applications, or the classification and examination of trademarks, or in comparable work in the trademark field.

2. Demonstrated high level experience with policy development, and program planning/evaluation.

3. Demonstrated in-depth knowledge and experience in law office management and administration.

For the following five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), you are required to submit a narrative response addressing your specific knowledge, skills, and abilities that demonstrate your possession of these qualifications. Be sure to provide specific examples of what you've done that demonstrates your possession of each ECQ. Responses to ECQs must not exceed 10 pages. For more information about the Executive Core Qualifications please visit this site: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/senior-executive-service/reference-materials/guidetosesquals_2012.pdf

Leading Change - This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

Leading People - This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

Results Driven - This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to make decisions that produce high quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems and calculating risks.

Business Acumen - This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial and information resources strategically.

Building Coalitions - This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.

Applicants are encouraged to follow the Challenge, Context, Action and Result (C-C-A-R) model outlined in the Guide to SES Qualifications.

Challenge - Describe a specific problem or goal.

Context - Describe the individuals and groups you worked with, and/or the environment in which you worked, to address a particular challenge (e.g., clients, co-workers, members of Congress, shrinking budget, low morale).

Action - Discuss the specific actions you took to address a challenge.

Result - Give specific examples of measures/outcomes that had some impact on the organization. These accomplishments demonstrate the quality and effectiveness of your leadership skills.

Education

The incumbent must be a graduate from a law school accredited by the American Bar Association and be an active member in good standing of the Bar of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico. Incumbent must maintain membership of the Bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico to uphold this position.

Additional information

Probationary Period: You will be required to serve a one-year probationary period unless you previously completed the probationary period in the SES.

Mobility: Organizational and geographical mobility is essential in developing and managing SES leaders and generally is a key to advancement. Therefore, applicants are expected to be mobile and once appointed SES members may be reassigned at the discretion of the appointing authority

If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, you must certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System. If you are exempt from registration under Selective Service Law, you must provide appropriate proof of exemption. Please visit the Selective Service System website for more information

This is a Non Bargaining Unit position.

Veteran preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.

This position requires an applicant to obtain a background investigation upon selection.

The incumbent will be required to submit to a drug test to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and, if appointed, the incumbent will be subjected to random drug testing procedures.

If selected for this position, you may be required to complete a Declaration for Federal Employment (OF-306), which includes a fingerprint and credit check, to determine your suitability for Federal employment and to authorize a background investigation.

The USPTO participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please visit http://www.dhs.gov/files/programs/gc_1185221678150.shtm

All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice.

Relocation Expenses and Recruitment Incentives may be authorized.

Telework eligible: yes, situational, as determined by agency policy.

If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Specialist listed at the end of this vacancy announcement.

The Ethics in Government Act of 1978, as amended, requires senior officials in the executive, legislative and judicial branches to file public reports of their finances as well as other interests outside the Government.

If selected for this position you will be required to file a Financial Disclosure Report (OGE Form 278). The OGE 278 is available to the public. The primary purpose of disclosure is to assist agencies in identifying potential conflicts of interest between a filer's official duties and the filer's private financial interests and affiliations.

The United States Patent and Trademark Office is an equal opportunity employer and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factors. If you believe that you have been discriminated against and would like to file an EEO complaint, you must do so within 45 days of the date of the alleged discriminatory act. Claims of employment discrimination must be submitted to the attention of the USPTO's Office of Equal Employment Opportunity & Diversity via email (oeeod@uspto.gov) or phone (571-272-8292).

How You Will Be Evaluated

You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.

Applicants must clearly demonstrate in their application materials that they possess managerial attributes in the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs). Each response should include a brief summary of the applicant's experience in relation to the specific PTQ and specific examples of accomplishments. Applicants must also clearly demonstrate in their application materials that they possess managerial attributes in the five Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs). Each response should include a brief summary of the applicant's experience in relation to the specific ECQ and specific examples of accomplishments.

• Resume - Applicants have the option of including a USAJobs system generated resume or uploading a resume in PDF.
• Narrative Responses - Please provide your narrative responses to the Professional Technical Qualification (PTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) questions - Do not write "see resume".
• Applicants are required to input narrative responses to the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) and Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs) in the text boxes as prompted by USAJobs.

*Each PTQ and each ECQ have a 10,000-character limit (to include spaces) and must be adhered to.

Applicants must use the USA Jobs text boxes for submitting their PTQs and ECQs.

Note: Submit only the documents requested. Additional documents will not be reviewed by the rating panel. Uploaded documents addressing the PTQ's and ECQs will not be accepted.

Your application will be evaluated by a rating and ranking panel, and highly qualified candidates will be submitted to the Selecting Official for further review and consideration.

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Background checks and security clearance

Security clearance
Confidential

Drug test required
Yes

Position sensitivity and risk
Non-sensitive (NS)/Low Risk

Trust determination process
Suitability/Fitness

Required Documents

A complete application consists of:

1) A resume to describe your job-related qualifications; optional cover letter: Your resume should indicate your citizenship and should list your educational and work experience. Please Note: Responses to job questions that are not fully supported by the information in your resume may result in adjustments to your rating.

2) Professional Technical Qualification (PTQs): A separate narrative statement specifically addressing each PTQ. Narrative responses should sufficiently demonstrate experience and/or knowledge in relation to the PTQs. Do not write "see resume". Input narrative responses when prompted.

3) Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs): A separate narrative statement specifically addressing each individual ECQ. Narrative responses should sufficiently demonstrate leadership experience and/or knowledge in relation to the ECQs. Maximum 10 pages total. Do not write "see resume". Input narrative responses when prompted.

4) Transcript(s) - Unofficial copies are acceptable, however, if selected you will be required to furnish official transcripts. It is your responsibility to provide adequate proof that you meet the above educational requirements. Inadequate or illegible information could result in non-qualification and loss of consideration.

5) Proof of membership: In good standing of a state, territory of the United States, District of Columbia, or Commonwealth of Puerto Rico bar.

6) Notification of Personnel Action (SF-50): requirement is applicable for applicants who are current or former Federal employees.

7) Graduates of an approved SES Candidate Development Program must provide a copy of their OPM certification of eligibility.

*NOTE: The ECQ narrative statements are NOT required if the applicant is a:

(a) Current or former Career SES member (These members MUST provide SF50, as documentation of SES Appointment), OR

(b) Graduate of an SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) approved by OPM.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement will result in your removal from consideration for this position.

If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:

Education must be accredited by an accrediting institution recognized by the U.S. Department of Education in order for it to be credited towards qualifications. Therefore, provide only the attendance and/or degrees from schools accredited by accrediting institutions recognized by the U.S. Department of Education .

Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.