Summary The United States Patent and Trademark Office's (USPTO) mission is to promote innovation and competition by providing quality examination and issuance of patent and trademark applications, guiding domestic and international intellectual property policy, and delivering intellectual property information and education worldwide. Responsibilities The physical worksite for this position is located in Alexandria, Virginia. Presence at the Alexandria, VA campus is required for this role, as it includes on site functions that must be performed in person. Position may be eligible for situational telework in accordance with agency policy/business unit discretion. The agency currently allows for 52 hours of telework per calendar year. If you are energized by complex legal and policy work and ready for a meaningful challenge, we invite you to join a dynamic, skilled, and collaborative team in the Office of Policy and International Affairs. The Office of Policy and International Affairs develops, communicates, and helps ensure consistency in copyright policy to support the USPTO's mission and to advance clear, effective copyright administration. In addition, the office develops and administers policies and guidance that inform copyright-related practices and procedures. As a Senior Level Attorney Advisor for Copyrights, you would Provide expert legal and policy analysis on complex domestic and international copyright issues. Review domestic legislation on substantive copyright law and administrative matters that is consistent with Administration goals. Make presentations to, and secures comments from, high-profile private sector groups, trade and bar associations, and others with an interest in copyright matters. Coordinates with the senior level attorney advisor (copyright) responsible for international matters in providing assistance regarding bilateral and multilateral negotiations to obtain and realize the Administration's objectives in foreign policy and trade arenas where exceptionally sophisticated or complex copyright issues are involved. Directs and advises other attorneys on a wide range of intellectual property matters, with an emphasis on copyright matters, public awareness and education campaigns, and the electronic management of copyrighted materials. Renders advice, counsel, or instruction to employees on both substantive work and administrative matters. Develops performance standards; evaluates work performance of team members; prepares and conducts performance appraisals. As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you will be serving in a position in Schedule Policy/Career of the excepted service. You will obtain competitive status after two years of service in this position [if applicable]. Your employment in this position will be at-will. Merit Systems Protection Board (MSPB) appeals of adverse actions concerning performance, discipline, and other matters arising under chapters 23, 43, and 75 of title 5, U.S.C will not be available to an individual serving in this position. Prohibitions on prohibited personnel practices will be enforced by the Office of General Counsel and not the Office of Special Counsel. Requirements Conditions of Employment Qualifications To meet the minimum requirements for a Senior Level position, candidates must be a recognized subject matter expert with directly related experience. Typically, experience of this nature will have been gained at the GS-15 or equivalent level in the federal service or its equivalent in the private sector. Candidates must demonstrate their experience meets the Professional Technical Qualifications for this position in their two-page resume and this experience must have been at a sufficiently high level of difficulty to clearly show the candidate possesses the required subject matter expertise and technical 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. To meet the minimum qualification requirements for this position, you must show that you possess the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs) related to the position within your resume - NOT TO EXCEED 2 PAGES. Resumes over the 2-page limit, will not be reviewed beyond page 2 or may be disqualified. Your resume should include examples of experience, education, and accomplishments applicable to the qualification(s). If your resume does not reflect demonstrated evidence of these qualifications, you may not receive consideration for the position. PROFESSIONAL TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (PTQS): Your resume should demonstrate accomplishments that would satisfy the technical qualifications. PTQ 1: Expertise related to copyright law, the U.S. legislative process, and providing expert legal advice regarding copyright law and policy, including writing and reviewing complex legal documents as it pertains to leadership positions and with managing resources in a technical, legal, or government organization. PTQ 2: Demonstrated experience to effectively communicate with high-ranking officials both within and outside the federal government, including Members of Congress, international organizations, and stakeholders regarding highly complex and sensitive issues pertaining to domestic copyright law and policy. There is NO requirement to prepare a narrative statement specifically addressing the Professional Technical Qualifications (PTQs). Education Educational requirement is a law degree and membership in good standing of the bar of a state or territory of the United States, the District of Columbia, or Puerto Rico. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. FOREIGN EDUCATION: Education completed in foreign colleges or universities may be used to meet the requirements. You must show proof the education credentials have been deemed to be at least equivalent to that gained in conventional U.S. education program. It is your responsibility to provide such evidence when applying. Additional Information OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office. This is a Non-Bargaining Unit position.You may be required to complete the Fair Credit Act Memo. This is a Public Trust position and has a risk level designation of "Moderate Risk". Relocation expenses are not authorized and will not be paid. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice. USPTO Job Applicants requiring reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process should request accommodation(s) from the USPTO at http://www.uspto.gov/accommodation. Equal Employment Opportunity (EEO) Policy Statement: http://www.eeoc.gov/federal/index.cfm If you receive a tentative offer of employment for this position, you will be required to complete an Optional Form 306, Declaration of Federal Employment, and to sign and certify the accuracy of all information in your application, prior to entry on duty. False statements on any part of the application may result in withdrawal of offer of employment, dismissal after beginning work, fine, or imprisonment. Employment Information Resources - Resource Center: https://help.usajobs.gov/how-to The USPTO participates in E-Verify. For more information on E-Verify, please visit the Department of Homeland Security Website. All Federal employees are required to have Federal salary payments made by direct deposit to a financial institution of their choice. 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 (oeeo@uspto.gov) or phone (571-272-8292). Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
