PD_DOT_Assistant-Secretary-for-Aviation-and-International-Affairs

Position Description

Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation

Overview

Senate Committee

Commerce, Science and Transportation

Agency Mission

To ensure a fast, safe, efficient, accessible and convenient transportation system that meets our vital national interests and enhances the quality of life of the American people, today and into the future

Position Overview

The assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs is responsible to the secretary for analyzing, developing, articulating and reviewing policies and plans for economic issues in domestic and international transportation.

Compensation

Level IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)¹ _{The Consolidated Appropriations Act, 2017 (Public Law 115-31, May 5, 2017), contains a provision that continues the freeze on the payable pay rates for certain senior political officials at 2013 levels during calendar year 2017.}

Position Reports to

Secretary of Transportation

Responsibilities

Management Scope

The assistant secretary for aviation and international affairs oversees the Office of Aviation Analysis; the Office of International Aviation; the Office of International Transportation and Trade; and the Working Group on Improving Air Service to Small Communities.² _{https://lo.bvdep.com/OrgChart.asp?curp=1&LDIBookId=19&LDISectio
Id=180&LDIOrgId=154155}

Primary Responsibilities

® Analyzes, develops, articulates and reviews policies and plans for aviation and international transportation
® Provides departmental leadership and coordination on international surface transportation policy issues, including trade, technical assistance and cooperation programs
® Develops, coordinates and carries out public policy related to economic regulations governing U.S. and foreign carrier economic authority to engage in air transportation, and represents the public interest in formal hearings instituted by the department in regulating the airline industry
® Formulates, coordinates and executes departmental international civil aviation transportation policy, and negotiates bilateral and multilateral international aviation matters
® Renders decisions in all formal hearings instituted by the department for aviation and economic regulatory matters³ _OPM
® Provides departmental leadership for and develops, coordinates and carries out public policy related to the airline industry
® Works with other federal agencies on initiatives related to aviation and international transportation
® Administers the laws and regulations governing U.S. and foreign carrier economic authority to engage in air transportation
® Renders decisions in all aviation economic regulatory matters instituted by the department
® Administers regulatory programs for small community transportation, including the Essential Air Service Program and the Small Community Air Service Development Pilot Program
® Develops, coordinates and carries out public policy and regulatory actions on establishing mail rates within Alaska and in the international market
® Develops, coordinates and carries out public policy and certain regulatory actions with respect to access at U.S. airports⁴ _{https://www.transportation.gov/policy/assistant-secretary-aviation-international-affairs}

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Previous government experience (helpful)
® Background in air transportation
® Knowledge of legislative and federal budget process
® Extensive management experience

Competencies

® Track record of collaboration
® Ability to work in a matrixed environment; strong coordination skills
® Strong negotiation and diplomacy skills
® Ability to work under high pressure
® Energy for frequent travel

Past Appointees

Susan L. Kurland (2009 to 2016): Managing Director, Jefferies & Company; Vice President and Deputy General Counsel, U.S. Airways; Associate Administrator for Airports, Federal Aviation Administration⁵ _{https://www.uschina.org/assistant-secretary-transportation-susan-kurland}
Andrew B. Steinberg (2006 to 2008): Chief Council, Federal Aviation Administration; Partner, Jones Day Law Firm; Executive Vice President, General Counsel and Corporate Secretary, SABRE and Travelocity⁶ _{http://hls.harvard.edu/dept/alumni/alumni-news/honoring-donors/a-living-tribute-to-andrew-b-steinberg-84/}
Karan K. Bhatia (2003 to 2005): Deputy Undersecretary and Chief Counsel, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce; Partner, Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering⁷ _{https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/kbhatia-bio.html}
The Partnership’s Center for Presidential Transition helps ensure the efficient transfer of power that our country deserves. The Center’s Ready to Govern· initiative assists candidates with the transition, works with Congress to reform the transition process, develops management recommendations to address our government’s operational challenges, and trains new political appointees.