OPM Updates Core Qualifications for Senior Executive Service
The core qualifications for the Senior Executive Service (SES) just got their first major update in more than 15 years, as times have certainly changed in the way we work.
In a memo announcing the changes to the Executive Core Qualifications (ECQs), Office of Personnel Management (OPM) Acting Director Rob Shriver noted the updated competencies will better position the federal government to recruit, assess, and retain top talent.
“A robust articulation of the qualifications and characteristics required of these leaders is foundational to building and sustaining the cadre, guiding aspiring leaders, providing a framework for selection of leaders, and supporting performance management of existing leaders,” wrote Acting Director Shriver in the memo.
To come up with the list, OPM examined over 55 competency models from organizations inside and outside government, spoke with panels of SES members from over 45 agencies, surveyed SES members, and held focus groups.
Added were artificial intelligence (AI) literary competencies, which were required under President Biden’s 2023 executive order on AI.
Also added were data literary and systems, interpersonal skills, and building workplace culture and strategic communication as new sub-competencies.
While employee groups welcomed the change, they warned that more collaboration is needed to strengthen the SES.
“It is great news that OPM is issuing the first updates to the ECQs in 18 years. Looking ahead, OPM should more closely engage with relevant stakeholders on this important work. SEA looks forward to working with leaders in the Trump administration in reviewing these proposed updates and working together to strengthen the SES. As important as updating the ECQs is, far more important is the assessment and leader development strategies employed by OPM and federal agencies,” said Senior Executives Association (SEA) President Marcus Hill in a statement.
Also taking issue was former OPM associate director Ronald Sanders, who told GovExec that the Trump Administration should junk the whole ECQ overhaul and “start over with some alacrity.”
“You can't lead in this world without having to do so without formal authority — without confronting people who don't work for you in order to get them to follow you and get things done,” said Sanders. “And the OPM ECQs just don't do that.”
Provided the Trump Administration does not junk the changes, they are scheduled to take effect July 1, 2025. OPM will provide office hours, training, and operational support to agencies to help with implementation.