Summary Are you interested in helping to operationalize the newly enacted Postal Service Health Benefits Program (PSHBP), which will provide health insurance options to approximately 1.7 million postal service employees, annuitants and their family members? Join the team charged with leading contracting, planning implementation, program analysis, developing processes and procedures, benefit negotiations and disputed claims resolution for the PSHBP. Responsibilities THIS IS A PUBLIC NOTICE: This Notice is issued under Direct-Hire Authority (DHA) to recruit new talent to these occupations for which there is a severe shortage of candidates. This means that we can hire any qualified candidate, either from this notice or from any source. This position will be dedicated to implementing and managing ongoing operations for the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program. Please note, there may or may not be actual/projected vacancies when you submit your application. Your resume and any supporting documentation will be retained with other applicants and reviewed as vacancies occur. You will not receive a notice regarding your application's status. Position 24-PSIO-PGRM-MGR-JRT-SPLASH: Program Manager (PSIO Chief): This position is located within the Contracting Group in the Postal Service Insurance Operations (PSIO) office under Healthcare and Insurance (HI). PSIO is responsible for the administration of the Postal Service Health Benefits (PSHB) Program, which provides health insurance coverage to approximately 1.7 million individuals, made up of Postal Service employees, Postal Service annuitants, and their eligible family members. HI also provides policy and oversight for a wide array of insurance and benefit programs; therefore, the PSIO organization may be requested to coordinate and work across HI in support of these programs and the HI mission. Duties include: Provides overall leadership for group through planning, organizing, mentoring, and supporting PSIO initiatives, projects, and programs. Works collaboratively with OPM and HI management on achieving PSIO goals. Oversees, maintains, and is responsible for a portfolio of systems and applications to support the Contracting Group's unique business and data analysis needs. Responsible for strategic planning, communicating, procurement activities, and executing programs and projects to support the effective implementation and ongoing management of systems, databases, and other applicable efforts. Manages the negotiation and administration of the individual contracts through which health insurance benefits are provided. As Program Manager, the incumbent has both program and supervisory responsibilities. The incumbent provides management oversight and control over contracting functions. Reviews contract and rate proposals from carriers and underwriters and reviews the conduct of the annual contract negotiations. Monitors the performance of the carriers to ensure contract compliance and to identify individual and systematic elements of noncompliance by carrier or underwriter. Analyzes and approves subcontracts entered into by the carriers for the provision of contract services. Communicates goals and policy initiatives of the Federal government and OPM regarding health insurance, such as cost containment objectives and coverage revisions, and contract administration such as streamlining and performance. Identifies needs for program revisions and improvements. Oversees budget management, project schedule development and management, contractor management, staffing and resource management and training needs. Reviews and updates project performance in relation to goals; monitors quality, timeliness, resource usage and budget; takes corrective actions were applicable. Conducts strategic and long-range planning; develops and recommends goals; evaluating project feasibility and making recommendations to senior management as to approaches and techniques. Applies program and project management principles for effective oversight of complex, multifaceted, enterprise health and insurance, including Postal, and other benefits programs and projects. Continually plans, reviews, and evaluates group direction and accomplishments, making appropriate adjustments as needed to achieve stated goals. Creates and executes project work plans and revises appropriately to meet changing needs and requirements. Reviews and edits documentation produced by team and other entities for interdependencies, impacts, and unforeseen consequences on PSIO, HI, and OPM. Requirements Conditions of Employment Must be a U.S. Citizen or National Males born after 12-31-59 must be registered for Selective Service Suitable for Federal employment, determined by a background investigation May be required to successfully complete a probationary period This position is not eligible for inclusion in a bargaining unit Qualifications For the GS-15 Grade Level: You must have one year of specialized experience comparable in scope and responsibility to the GS-14 grade level in the Federal service (obtained in either the private or public sector), which includes overseeing the administration of a Health Insurance Program and/or providing expert advice and guidance related to the implementation and negotiations of Public or Private Health Insurance Programs, including claims examining and contract negotiations. You must meet all qualification and eligibility requirements by the closing date of this announcement. 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 Additional Information This announcement will be used to fill vacancies through OPM-authorized Direct Hire Authority due to Critical Hiring Need/Severe Shortage of Candidates. Veteran preference and traditional rating/ranking of applicants do not apply. For more information on OPM's authorization of Direct Hire Authority, please visit: https://www.opm.gov/policy-data-oversight/hiring-information/direct-hire-authority/ Incentive payments may be considered. Relocation expenses will not be paid. This job opportunity announcement may be used to fill additional similar vacancies across OPM. Positions filled will be permanent, competitive-service positions. Selectees will be eligible for health and life insurance, are covered under the Federal Retirement System, and are eligible to participate in the Thrift Savings Plan (401k).