 On January 7, 2011, President Obama nominated Higginbottom to the position of Deputy Director of the Office of Management and Budget.Some Senate Republicans united in opposing Higginbottom's nomination, citing her "lack of business and accounting experience"; however she was confirmed in the Senate in a 64–36 vote on October 20, 2011.After John Kerry was confirmed to be United States Secretary of State in 2013, he hired Higginbottom as Counselor.