Area Director

Lead with purpose and make an impact. As an Area Director, you will serve as a senior executive leader, guiding operations and advancing national priorities across your Area. You'll strengthen partnerships with Tribes, Urban Indian Organizations, and key stakeholders while driving collaboration, addressing critical issues, and helping ensure the Indian Health Service (IHS) effectively serves American Indian and Alaska Native communities.

As an Area Director, you will serve in a highly visible leadership role with the opportunity to make a meaningful impact across the IHS and the communities it serves. You will provide senior leadership for your assigned Area, translate national priorities into effective Area-level action, and help ensure programs, resources, and partnerships are aligned to advance the IHS mission. The position offers the opportunity to work closely with Tribal Nations, Urban Indian Organizations, senior IHS leaders, and Federal, state, local, and other partners while leading a diverse portfolio of operational and organizational priorities. As Area Director, you will bring together people, programs, and resources to address complex challenges, strengthen relationships, and move important initiatives forward. Key functions include: Executive Leadership and Area Management: Lead Area Office operations, resources, and staff while translating national priorities into coordinated Area-level actions and ensuring accountability for organizational commitments. Tribal, Urban Indian, and Stakeholder Engagement: Strengthen government-to-government and partner relationships through Tribal Consultation, Urban Confer, listening sessions, technical assistance, and ongoing engagement. ISDEAA Implementation and Coordination: Coordinate Area implementation of the Indian Self-Determination and Education Assistance Act (ISDEAA), working across Area and Headquarters functions to support consistent and timely implementation. Program, Partnership, and Cross-Functional Coordination: Bring together programs, partners, and subject-matter experts to address complex issues, coordinate priorities, resolve challenges, and advance matters requiring broader Agency action. Emergency Preparedness, Continuity, and Issue Response: Provide Area-level leadership for preparedness, continuity, response, and recovery efforts and help ensure significant events and critical issues receive timely attention and follow-through. This job posting has been extended and will close on Friday, October 30, 2026.

Selectee may be subject to a probationary period ESEP appointees typically serve a two year trial period U.S. Citizenship is required Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959 This is a designated position covered by Public Law 101-630, requiring contact or control over Indian children. Due to this requirement, the agency must ensure that persons hired for these positions have not been found guilty of or pleaded nolo contendere or guilty to certain crimes. A one-year supervisory/managerial probationary period may be required upon selection/placement. Confidential Financial Disclosure Form required. Successfully pass the E-Verify employment verification check. To learn more about E-Verify, including your rights and responsibilities, visit www.dhs.gov/E-Verify/. You will need to set up direct deposit so we can pay you. Background Investigation Requirement: This position requires the successful completion of a federal background investigation as a condition of employment. A background investigation is a standard process used by the Federal Government to verify an individual's identity, employment history, education, and other relevant information to determine suitability for Federal service. Upon receipt of instructions, applicants must complete all required background investigation forms within five (5) calendar days of issuance. Timely completion is critical to avoid delays in processing or a determination of unsuitability. Applicants are strongly encouraged to prioritize this requirement and to maintain regular communication with their assigned Personnel Security Specialist throughout the process. Financial Suitability Requirement: This position requires a review of the applicant's financial history as part of the personnel security and suitability determination. Applicants must demonstrate financial responsibility, maintain good standing with creditors, and satisfy all legal financial obligations prior to applying. Individuals with substantial delinquent or unresolved financial obligations-including, but not limited to, delinquent federal or state tax liabilities, defaulted federal student loans, court-ordered fines or fees, or child support arrears-may be deemed unsuitable for employment with the Indian Health Service (IHS). Prior to the appointment, candidates must present two valid forms of identification. If one of the documents is a state-issued ID or driver's license, it must be REAL ID-compliant.

There are no education requirements.