The Senior Executive Service is comprised of the men and women charged with leading the continuing transformation of government. These leaders possess well-honed executive skills and share a broad perspective of government and a public service commitment, which is grounded in the Constitution. The keystone of the Civil Service Reform Act of 1978, the Senior Executive Service was designed to be a corps of executives selected for their leadership qualifications.
Members of the SES serve in the key positions just below the top Presidential appointees. Federal SES members are the major link between these appointees and the rest of the Federal work force. They operate and oversee nearly every government activity in approximately 75 Federal agencies.
The Office of Personnel Management (OPM) manages the overall Federal executive personnel program. OPM Staff provide the day-to-day oversight of, and assistance to, agencies as they develop, select, and manage their Federal executives. Key Federal SES functions can include directing the critical work activities of an organization as well as monitoring progress toward reaching organizational goals.
Most Federal Senior Executive Service positions are classified above a GS-15 or equivalent pay scale rating. Candidates for Senior Executive Service job vacancies must submit resumes that are more detailed than those required for most civilian jobs. An important component of the successful Senior Executive Service resume is the ability to effectively communicate essential executive and leadership skills.
Additional Suggested Information on the Senior Executive Service:
- Learn about our SES Resume Help Process
- Find more information about SES Applications
- Learn about the SES writing Team
- Understand the SES Hiring Process
