Commodity Futures Trading Commission is Hiring a Deputy Director Near Washington, DC

Qualifications:

To qualify for the CT-16, you must possess at least one year of specialized experience equivalent to the CT/GS-15 level in the Federal service, or comparable experience gained outside federal service. 

Specialized Experience is defined as experience using knowledge of financial policies, rules, regulations to oversee the health and market structure of the derivatives markets, as well as, oversee product development and/or product regulatory filings; foreign exchanges and derivatives trading.

Must demonstrate the ability to perform at an Executive Level – see competencies below

Experience refers to paid and unpaid experience, including volunteer work done through National Service programs (e.g., professional, philanthropic, religious, 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.

Mandatory Technical Qualifications

1. In-depth knowledge and thorough comprehension of the operation of the financial markets so as to assess and direct financial market research and analysis.

2. In-depth knowledge of financial market policymaking, as well as, an in-depth knowledge of trading, strategies, and participants; risk management practices; technological innovations; financial products; financial exchange operations; or financial industry practices.

3. Knowledge of derivatives products (futures, options, and swaps products based on a wide range of commodity asset classes (energy, power, agriculture, and virtual currencies) and financial indices), exchanges, intermediaries, and clearing organizations gained through either professional experience or educational coursework.

Executive Competencies

1.  Leading the Organization - Develops and implements an organizational vision that integrates program goals, priorities, and values. Assesses and adjusts to changing situations, and implements innovative solutions to make organizational improvements. Strategically formulates objectives and priorities and implements plans consistent with the organization mission.

2.  Leading Others - Provides clear direction and ensures accountability; inspires others; provides constructive feedback; encourages and fosters an environment that supports diversity, inclusion, and equal opportunities. Demonstrates collaborative and cooperative approach. Develops and manages workforce based on staffing needs and budget.

3.  Leading Self – Understands personal strengths and weaknesses and objectively views their behavior. Seeks and accepts constructive feedback and adapts personal leadership style/strategies as needed to most effectively build trust and lead their division.

4.  Business Results - Ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations. Makes decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks. Forms and communicates a vision and priorities. Develops and executes plans that achieve outcomes for the organization.

Responsibilities:

If selected for this position, you will lead, manage, and provide oversight to the PMAB programs in direct support of the Commission. The Deputy Director develops short- and long-range plans, makes binding decisions in any area of the PMAB activities, and carries out the administrative functions of the PMAB.

Ensures that PMAB resources are used in the most effective manner consistent with resources and budget determinations and is accountable for the success of the product and market analytics program, including the full range of factors that affect program and project accomplishment. This includes obtaining the resources necessary to accomplish the program or projects and assuming responsibility for their effective use, and dealing with key officials from within and outside the agency to gain understanding and support for the program or project.

Directs and supervises the Branch’s review and analysis of novel, extremely complex derivatives contracts for compliance with the Commodity Exchange Act (CEA) and CFTC regulations. Provides administrative direction with assignments in terms of the missions and functions of the CFTC and DMO.

Directs and supervises the Branch’s review and analysis of proposed contracts that may impact the jurisdiction and/or authority of the Commission and/or the intersection of the CFTC’s jurisdiction and/or other federal agencies.  Encourages the Branch to develop practicable, reasonable approaches to resolving questions in a manner that protects market integrity, encourages innovation, and develops opportunities for market evolution.

Identifies and analyzes foundational, high-stakes issues relating to derivatives products, many of which are issues of first-impression for Branch staff, especially those involving the digital asset and environmental markets and related derivatives. Coordinates and collaborates with other Division branches in developing changes in the Commission’s approach to the oversight of products when necessary.

Regularly provides expert derivatives products advice and technical guidance to the Director, the Commission, and Commission senior staff related to the derivatives markets and product review program. Represents the Commission at meetings with congressional staff, senior staff of the Securities and Exchange Commission, U.S. Treasury, and other government agencies, officials of other countries, officials of international agencies, and representatives of nongovernmental international groups regarding issues identified. Regularly represents the Commission at meetings with industry trade associations, exchanges, market participants, and legal counsel on product filings.

Serves as the principal source of the Commission’s advice on pertinent market developments and potential problems. Conducts regular market briefings on significant market conditions and emerging market dynamics, developments, and trends and provides the Commission with accurate, meaningful, and properly evaluated information. Designs, coordinates, and organizes public events and conferences to obtain direct feedback from stakeholders, and to share CFTC views on market status and trends.

Often interacts with members of the Commission’s executive and senior management teams from various divisions and offices, representatives from other government agencies, and outside interest groups, which may require persuasive advocacy regarding market and product issues. Represents the Commission with respect to the PMAB in communications with Congress, the public, industry groups, trading facilities, and other U.S. and non-U.S. government agencies. 

Collaborates with other Division branches and their Deputy Directors to resolve emerging issues in the derivatives markets that are covered by the mandate of the Division. Explores and develops ideas, evaluates problems, and implements novel courses of action in areas, most of which are either unprecedented or where precedent and past practice do not serve emerging needs. 

Serves as CFTC representative on advisory panels and international working groups with representation of other U.S. and foreign agencies and industry officials regarding the functions of derivatives markets and the CFTC’s oversight.

Receives and addresses inquiries into market conditions and studies into international issues, such as the impact of proposed or existing rules or policies on domestic and foreign traders and exchanges. This process often requires collaboration with other branches within the Division, as well as other Commission Divisions and Offices.Supervises the Branch’s contributions to large-scale studies undertaken by the Division that address the primary concerns of the Commission.

Provides technical assistance to foreign governments, foreign exchanges, or international bodies in connection with derivatives trading, the regulatory framework, product design, and compliance through meetings, seminars, and onsite visits to the host country.

Job Summary