Administrative / Management (Direct Hire)

Role Overview

NASA is recruiting for administrative and management roles across multiple organizations within the agency. The announcement covers several occupational series and grade levels, ranging from GS-09 through GS-15 in series GS-0301 and GS-0343.

Key Duties

The scope of responsibilities will depend on the grade level selected, with higher grades carrying broader authority and more complex work. At the highest advertised levels, the role may include the following:

• Carrying out advanced organizational studies and program assessments to measure performance, uncover improvement opportunities, and shape recommended solutions for senior review.
• Managing large-scale programs and operational activities, setting objectives, reviewing results, and ensuring work aligns with agency priorities and leadership direction.
• Coordinating across departments, functional teams, and outside partners so requirements are aligned and enterprise-level delivery runs smoothly.
• Creating, updating, and communicating agency-wide policy and procedural guidance, while assessing the effect of policy changes and advising leadership on rollout considerations.
• Representing NASA in executive meetings, interagency groups, and other high-level settings while maintaining productive relationships with key internal and external stakeholders.
• Acting as a senior advisor on complex administrative, organizational, and program issues by providing informed recommendations that support executive decision-making.
• For supervisory roles, handling staff supervision duties such as assigning work, reviewing performance, recommending personnel actions, administering discipline when needed, and identifying development needs.

Qualification Requirements

Specialized experience means experience that gives you the knowledge, skills, and ability to perform this kind of work successfully. Qualification standards vary by grade:

• GS-09: One year of directly related experience at the GS-07 level applying regulations, policies, or guidelines and coordinating with stakeholders to support program or organizational goals; or a qualifying master’s degree, two years of graduate study toward a master’s, an LL.B. or J.D. if related, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• GS-11: One year of directly related experience at the GS-09 level conducting analytical, policy, or program work and coordinating with multiple stakeholders or functional areas; or a qualifying doctorate, three years of graduate study toward a Ph.D., an LL.M. if related, or an equivalent mix of education and experience.
• GS-12: One year of directly related experience at the GS-11 level supporting analytical, program, or administrative functions and coordinating across organizational components to support objectives.
• GS-13: One year of directly related experience at the GS-12 level handling complex analytical, program, or administrative work, advising senior officials, and working across organizational levels to advance mission or program goals.
• GS-14: One year of directly related experience at the GS-13 level managing enterprise-wide programs or analytical efforts, developing policy or strategic guidance, and overseeing program operations and outcomes.
• GS-15: One year of directly related experience at the GS-14 level overseeing enterprise-level programs or functions, developing agency-level policy or strategic guidance, and advising senior or executive leadership on major organizational matters.

Your resume must clearly explain, in your own words, how you meet the specialized experience requirements. Copying language from a position description, vacancy announcement, or other reference material may be treated as plagiarism and can lead to disqualification. NASA also states that AI or AI-assisted tools are not permitted for drafting application or assessment responses.

Education Requirements

For GS-09 and GS-11 applicants using education to qualify, degrees completed in the United States must come from an institution accredited by a recognized accrediting body. Foreign education must be evaluated and found equivalent to an accredited U.S. education, or otherwise receive full credit for comparable coursework at a U.S.-accredited institution. All degrees must have been earned in the year of, or after, the date the program gained accreditation.

Additional Information

• Applicants will be asked in the questionnaire to choose the series they want to be considered for, as well as the lowest grade level they are willing to accept.
• NASA may consider applicants for similar vacancies across the local commuting area connected to the locations listed in the announcement, and your application may be shared with selecting officials inside the agency.
• CTAP and ICTAP candidates may be considered for additional selections from this announcement if they meet the applicable requirements and provide the required proof.
• If you received a federal Voluntary Separation Incentive Payment within the past five years, you may have to repay the full amount before your start date if selected.
• This position is not included in a bargaining unit.
• The final full performance level will depend on the specific position offered and will not automatically be the highest grade listed.
• Other work locations not specifically named in the announcement may also be considered at management’s discretion.
• Candidates are expected to be dedicated to improving federal government efficiency, supporting the ideals of the American republic, and upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.

Probationary Period

A one-year probationary period may apply, during which NASA will assess fitness and whether continued employment serves the public interest. In that review, the agency may consider job performance, conduct, agency needs, broader organizational or government interests, and whether the role contributes to efficiency in federal service. If the period applies, employment may end unless written certification is issued confirming that continued service advances the public interest. Supervisory probation rules may apply separately in addition to any standard probation requirement.

Benefits

Federal employees receive a comprehensive benefits package, with access for the employee and eligible family members. The exact benefits available depend on the type of appointment and whether the role is full-time, part-time, or intermittent. Applicants should contact the hiring agency for details.