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Summary Join USPTO's leadership team and help shape the future of global patent classification. As Director of Classification Quality and International Coordination, you will guide classification policy, improve quality, and collaborate with international partners to support innovation and strengthen Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC) standards. Responsibilities The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia.This position is eligible under the Situational Telework Program per agency and business unit discretion/policy. As Director of Classification Quality and International Coordination/Supervisory Patent Classifier, you will: Lead a classification team, guide staff development, and ensure accuracy and consistency of classification work. Shape classification policy, complete advanced analysis projects, and provide expert guidance on Cooperative Patent Classification (CPC), International Patent Cooperation (IPC), and International Property Five (IP5), World Intellectual Property Organization (WIPO) activities. Support strategic and international classification initiatives, prepare technical briefs, and represent USPTO in coordination efforts. Evaluate classification quality, identify improvement needs, and deliver program-wide quality assessments. Conduct research and develop policy recommendations that support classification goals and organizational priorities. This is your opportunity to lead a mission that supports innovation, strengthens patent quality, and influences how the world classifies technology. Applicants should familiarize themselves and must be able to comply with the relevant conflict of interest laws and standards of ethical conduct for employees of the executive branch regarding possible conflicts of interest in connection with their potential area of examination as seen here: https://www.commerce.gov/ogc/about-ogc/bureaus-and-offices/office-assistant-general-counsel-ethics-law-and-programs-office/ethics-rules. Attorney-applicants must also be able to comply with the relevant rules of professional conduct regarding any possible professional responsibility conflicts in connection with their applications. In particular, please notify the USPTO Office of Enrollment and Discipline at [email protected] if you currently represent clients before the USPTO and/or you have a family member who is representing clients or adjudicating matters in which this Office is involved so that we can evaluate any potential conflict of interest or disqualification issue that may need to be addressed under those circumstances. You will be required to file a confidential financial disclosure report, i.e. Office of Government Ethics (OGE) Form 450 annually. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications You must meet the United States Office of Personnel Management's (OPM) qualification requirements (including specialized experience and/or educational requirements) for the advertised position. You must meet all eligibility and qualifications requirements by the closing date of the job announcement. OPM Qualifications Standards are available at https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/classification-qualifications/general-schedule-qualification-standards/1200/patent-classifying-series-1223/ Basic Requirements: Applicants for this position must meet the basic individual occupational requirements for a scientific, technological, or engineering occupational series related to the area in which patents are examined, as defined by OPM. Positions at this level require one year of specialized experience equivalent to at least the next lower grade level that demonstrate: Thorough knowledge of the functions, processes, and practices associated with U.S. patents and the patent examining process; Ability to perform patent work assignments in the area(s) of technology of the position to be filled; and Originality and creativity in solving technical problems. In addition to the above, positions at this grade level require thorough knowledge of patent classification principles, procedures, and practices. Specialized Experience is experience that has equipped applicants with the particular knowledge, skills and abilities to successfully perform the duties of the position, and that is typically in or related to the position to be filled. To be creditable, specialized experience must have been equivalent to at least the next lower grade level in the federal service. For this position, the next lower grade level is a GS-14. To qualify, you must have one year of specialized experience equivalent to the GS-14 level that demonstrates the requirements described above and includes experience with at least three of the following: Leading teams to improve patent classification processes. Leading teams in developing and implementing training materials and/or platforms related to classification work or technical subject matter. Participating in strategic planning and international collaboration efforts. Leading teams to develop and integrate classification automated tools into existing organizational tools and/or processes. 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. Education Education may not be substituted for specialized experience at this grade level. Additional Information 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. This is a Public Trust position and has a risk level designation of "high." Background Investigation - 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 the Department of Homeland Security Website. Supervisory Probationary Period- If selected, you may be required to complete an initial one-year supervisory probationary period. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice. Relocation Expenses are not authorized and will not be paid. CTAP candidates will be eligible for selection priority if it is determined that they have exceeded the minimum qualifications for the position by attaining at least a "well qualified" rating of 85 out of 100. Information about CTAP eligibility is on the Office of Personnel Management's Career Transition Resources website at: OPM CTAP/ICTAP. CTAP documentation requirements are listed in the 'Required Documents' section of this announcement. More than one selection may be made from this announcement if additional identical vacancies in the same title, series, grade, and unit occur within 90 days from the date the certificate was issued. All application materials become the property of the United States Patent and Trademark Office. USPTO Job Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should request accommodation(s) from the USPTO at USPTO Reasonable Accommodation. 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 sexual orientation), national origin, political affiliation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions, retaliation for engaging in protected activity, 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 via email ([email protected]) or phone (571-272-8292).