Guidance on Agency Leadership Involvement in Implementing the Merit Hiring Plan

This guidance document directs federal agencies to involve their political and senior leadership actively throughout the hiring lifecycle, and not just as approvers at the end. It defines "agency leadership" to include political appointees (agency heads, deputy secretaries, assistant secretaries, chiefs of staff, and senior advisors) alongside career officials. Required leadership responsibilities include: establishing a Strategic Hiring Committee to review and approve every vacancy before it is opened and every selection before a job offer is issued; developing quarterly data-driven hiring plans; approving the creation of all new positions; participating in candidate ranking and assessment strategy development; conducting a final "executive interview" to confirm organizational fit and alignment with agency values; and heading or supporting the agency Talent Team. All selections must be based on merit and job-related criteria only. The Office of Personnel Management will track compliance through a federal dashboard, monthly CHCO Council reports, Annual Staffing Plans, and quarterly briefings. The memo establishes a goal of filling one-third of new hires with early-career professionals.