The Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation (FDIC) is offering an exceptional career opportunity for experienced banking professionals in 2026. The Reviewing Official position represents one of the highest-paying federal government roles, with compensation reaching up to $295,000 annually. This comprehensive guide explores everything you need to know about this prestigious position, including qualifications, responsibilities, application process, and career benefits.
What is an FDIC Reviewing Official?
A Reviewing Official at the FDIC serves as an independent panel member within the Office of Supervisory Appeals. This role is critical to maintaining fairness and transparency in the federal banking regulatory system. The position involves reviewing appeals from insured depository institutions regarding material supervisory determinations made by the FDIC.
Key Position Highlights
- Salary Range: $280,000 – $295,000 per year
- Hourly Rate: $134.16 – $141.35 per hour
- Location: Remote position (anywhere in the U.S.)
- Vacancies: 3 positions available
- Application Deadline: February 27, 2026
- Employment Type: Intermittent term appointment (up to 4 years)
Primary Responsibilities and Duties
Expert Review and Analysis
Reviewing Officials serve as subject matter experts who evaluate complex banking supervisory issues. The role requires:
- Independent Review: Examining materials submitted by financial institutions and FDIC staff concerning appeals of material supervisory determinations
- Policy Consistency: Ensuring decisions align with FDIC policies, practices, and mission
- Panel Participation: Working as part of a three-member panel to provide objective assessments
Communication and Collaboration
The position demands excellent communication skills for:
- Facilitating meetings with high-level officials from FDIC, federal and state regulators, and financial institutions
- Conducting oral presentations and questioning sessions
- Consulting with the Legal Division on policy and procedural matters
- Managing sensitive and controversial supervisory issues
Decision-Making Authority
Reviewing Officials have significant responsibility in:
- Deliberating with panel members on complex supervisory determinations
- Resolving supervisory appeals on behalf of the FDIC
- Coordinating written decisions that communicate panel findings
- Providing detailed findings of fact and conclusions for each case
Minimum Qualifications and Requirements
Essential Experience Requirements
Leadership Experience: Candidates must demonstrate proven ability in:
- Leading and collaborating with team members
- Managing complex projects and programs
- Guiding technical work of others
Technical Experience: The position requires:
- Experience at the GS/CG-14 level or equivalent in the private sector
- Expertise in examination of depository institutions
- Knowledge of safety and soundness supervision
- Understanding of compliance with banking laws and regulations
Selective Placement Factor
Critical Requirement: Candidates must possess:
- Risk Management or Compliance Examiner Commission from FDIC, OR
- Equivalent status from a comparable federal or state agency
This requirement is non-negotiable and essential for consideration.
Additional Qualifications
Successful candidates typically have:
- Expert knowledge of state or federal banking agency missions and procedures
- Financial institution analysis expertise, including credit risk, capital, liquidity, and market risk assessment
- Risk management process understanding
- Supervisory determination experience in making or reviewing complex banking decisions
- Negotiation skills for defending difficult positions to senior officials
Application Process and Requirements
Required Documentation
Applicants must submit a 2-page resume (minimum 10-point font) that includes:
- Work Experience Details:
- Duties performed
- Full employer name and address
- Start and end dates (month/day/year)
- Work schedule (full-time, part-time, intermittent hours)
- Salary information
- Education and Training:
- Program titles
- Subject areas
- Number of hours completed
- Completion dates
Important Resume Guidelines
- Page Limit: Only the first 2 pages will be reviewed
- Detail Level: Provide clear, concise examples emphasizing:
- Level of responsibilities
- Scope and complexity of programs managed
- Program accomplishments
- Policy initiatives
- Contact levels
- Results achieved
- Action-Oriented Language: Use leadership-focused verbs
- Quantification: Include numbers (e.g., employees supervised, budget managed)
Veterans’ Preference
Veterans claiming preference must submit:
- DD Form 214 (Member 4 copy)
- Documentation showing discharge type/character of service
- Additional required forms (SF-15, VA letters, etc.)
Employment Conditions and Benefits
Position Structure
Appointment Type: Term appointment (Schedule A Excepted Service)
- Initial term: Up to 3 years
- Possible extension: Maximum of 4 years total
- Based on: Workload requirements and organizational staffing needs
Work Schedule: Intermittent
- Irregular or occasional basis
- Hours not based on prearranged schedule
- Paid only for time actually worked
- Flexibility in work arrangements
Remote Work Arrangements
While this is a fully remote position, employees should note:
- Occasional reporting to Washington, D.C. location required
- Occasional travel necessary
- Relocation benefits may be authorized per FDIC policy
- Employee may be relocated to any duty location based on management needs
Comprehensive Federal Benefits
Federal employees enjoy exceptional benefits:
Life Insurance:
- Basic coverage: 3 times salary (up to $800,000)
- Corporation pays for basic coverage
- Optional lower coverage options available
Health Insurance:
- Comprehensive federal health benefits
- Competitive with private sector offerings
- Coverage for employee and family
Additional Benefits:
- Federal retirement system participation
- Thrift Savings Plan (TSP)
- Annual and sick leave
- Federal holidays
- Professional development opportunities
Security and Clearance Requirements
Background Investigation
This is a High Risk (HR) position requiring:
- Extensive background investigation
- Credentialing process
- Suitability/fitness determination
- Trust determination evaluation
Financial Disclosure
Public Financial Disclosure Required:
- Selectee must file OGE Form 278e
- Required as condition of employment
- Public disclosure document
- Annual filing requirement
Additional Requirements
- U.S. Citizenship: Mandatory
- Selective Service Registration: Required for males
- Drug Testing: Not required
- Security Clearance: Not required
Eligibility Restrictions
Critical Eligibility Note
Former Federal Employees Only: The position is open to:
- Former (not current) federal government officials
- Former state bank regulators
- Individuals who have retired, resigned, or separated from federal/state banking employment
Current federal employees and state bank regulators are NOT eligible for this position.
Political Appointee Disclosure
Current or former political appointees must disclose:
- Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-Career SES positions
- Positions held within the last 5 years
- Office of Personnel Management (OPM) authorization required
Evaluation and Selection Process
Three-Tier Quality Rating System
Applications are categorized as:
- Best Qualified: Top-tier candidates with exceptional qualifications
- Highly Qualified: Strong candidates meeting requirements
- Qualified: Minimally qualified candidates
Assessment Competencies
Candidates are evaluated on:
Leadership Competencies:
- Organizational Stewardship
- Strategic Thinking
- Managing Risk
- Influencing Others
Technical Competencies:
- Expert knowledge of banking agency missions
- Financial institution analysis expertise
- Examination and supervision experience
- Complex supervisory determination experience
Interpersonal Skills:
- Ability to participate in high-level meetings
- Negotiation skills
- Organizational awareness
- Advisory capabilities
Veterans’ Preference Priority
Within each quality category, veterans receive selection priority over non-veterans, ensuring appropriate recognition for military service.
Career Development and Impact
Professional Growth Opportunities
This position offers:
- Executive-level experience in federal banking regulation
- Independent decision-making authority
- Exposure to complex financial institution issues
- Network building with senior federal and state banking officials
- Policy influence in the banking regulatory framework
Mission Impact
Reviewing Officials play a crucial role in:
- Ensuring fairness in banking supervision
- Maintaining public confidence in the banking system
- Protecting the Deposit Insurance Fund
- Supporting the stability of U.S. financial institutions
Application Timeline and Process
Key Dates
- Opening Date: February 13, 2026
- Closing Date: February 27, 2026 at 11:59 PM ET
- Application Method: Online through USAJOBS only
Step-by-Step Application Instructions
- Create USAJOBS Account: Register at www.usajobs.gov
- Complete Application: Click “Apply” button and follow prompts
- Submit Required Documents: Upload 2-page resume and supporting documents
- Complete Assessment: Answer online questionnaire
- Submit Application: Click “Submit Application” to finalize
- Verify Status: Check that status shows “Received”
Application Tips
- Start Early: Don’t wait until the deadline
- Follow Format Requirements: Strictly adhere to 2-page limit
- Provide Specifics: Include quantifiable accomplishments
- Address Competencies: Ensure resume addresses all required qualifications
- Proofread Carefully: Errors can affect evaluation
- Save Progress: USAJOBS allows you to save and return to applications
Contact Information
Human Resources Contact:
- Name: Paris Hardy
- Phone: 703-609-7234
- Email: phardy@fdic.gov
Mailing Address: Federal Deposit Insurance Corporation Human Resources, Executive Resources 3501 Fairfax Dr., Room VS-D3026 Arlington, Virginia 22226
Related Announcements
Applicants should also consider:
- Announcement 2026-CX-PJN-0019: For attorneys with banking experience
- Announcement 2026-CX-PJN-0017: For general applicants
Each announcement may have different qualification requirements and assessment criteria.
Probationary Period and Performance Evaluation
Trial Period Requirements
If selected, you will serve a probationary/trial period during which:
- Performance will be continuously evaluated
- Conduct will be assessed
- Public Interest advancement will be determined
- Fitness for continued employment will be reviewed
Evaluation Criteria
The agency considers:
- Individual performance and conduct
- Agency needs and interests
- Advancement of organizational goals
- Efficiency of Federal service
Certification Requirement
Employment continues only with written certification that your continued employment advances the public interest.
Commitment to Excellence
Candidate Expectations
The FDIC seeks candidates who are:
- Committed to improving federal government efficiency
- Passionate about American republic ideals
- Dedicated to upholding the rule of law
- Committed to the United States Constitution
Equal Employment Opportunity
The FDIC is an Equal Opportunity Employer committed to:
- Fair and transparent hiring processes
- Diversity and inclusion
- Merit-based selection
- Compliance with federal employment laws
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I apply if I’m currently employed by a federal agency?
No. Only former federal government officials or state bank regulators may receive a tentative job offer. You must have retired, resigned, or separated from federal/state employment.
Is the position full-time?
No. This is an intermittent position, meaning you work on an irregular or occasional basis and are paid only for hours actually worked.
Can I work entirely from home?
Yes, this is a remote position. However, occasional reporting to the Washington, D.C. location is required.
What is the salary cap?
The pay cap is $295,000 annually, with hourly rates ranging from $134.16 to $141.35 while on an intermittent schedule.
How long is the appointment?
Initial term appointments are for up to 3 years, with possible extension to a maximum of 4 years total.
Conclusion
The FDIC Reviewing Official position represents an exceptional opportunity for experienced banking professionals seeking to contribute to the stability and fairness of the U.S. banking system. With competitive compensation reaching $295,000, remote work flexibility, and the chance to make meaningful policy impacts, this role offers both professional fulfillment and financial rewards.
If you possess the required Risk Management or Compliance Examiner Commission, have extensive banking supervision experience, and are a former federal employee or state bank regulator, this position could be the perfect next step in your career.
Don’t miss the February 27, 2026 deadline. Start preparing your application today to join this elite group of banking professionals serving the public interest through independent, expert review of supervisory appeals.