Position Description
August 24, 2024

PD_DOT_Assistant-Secretary-for-Transportation-Policy

Position Description

assistant secretary for transportation policy, 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 Office of Transportation Policy is the office responsible for recommending overall surface transportation policy initiatives to the secretary. 

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

Undersecretary of Transportation for Policy

Responsibilities

Management Scope

The assistant secretary oversees the Office of Economic and Strategic Analysis; the Office of Infrastructure Finance and Innovation; and the Office of Safety, Energy and Environment.2 https://lo.bvdep.com/OrgChart.asp?curp=1&LDIBookId=19&LDISectio
Id=180&LDIOrgId=156722

Primary Responsibilities

® Carries out duties and powers prescribed by the secretary (49 U.S.C. § 102)
® Recommends overall surface transportation policy initiatives to the secretary 
® Coordinates multimodal initiatives and processes, such as the development of the department’s proposed reauthorization language and streamlining environmental reviews of transportation infrastructure3 https://www.transportation.gov/policy

Strategic Goals and Priorities

[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration]

Requirements and Competencies

Requirements

® Experience in transportation policy
® Prior government experience and knowledge of legislative and federal budgeting process
® Management experience
® Strong relationships with relevant stakeholders, or ability to form them

Competencies

® Excellent coordination skills and proven track record of collaboration
® Strong leader
® Strong communication and interpersonal skills
® Ability to interact and coordinate among high-level stakeholders across government
® Excellent negotiation skills
® Ability to work in a matrixed environment

Past Appointees

Carlos A. Monje Jr. (2015 to 2016): Counselor to the Secretary, Department of Transportation; Special Assistant to the President and Chief of Staff, White House Domestic Policy Council; Senior Policy Advisor, White House Domestic Policy Council4 http://cdn.theatlantic.com/assets/media/files/Monje-Bio.pdf
Polly Trottenberg (2009 to 2013): Executive Director, Building America’s Future; Deputy Chief of Staff, Senator Barbara Boxer; Chairman of the Senate Environment and Public Works Committee5 https://www.transportation.gov/mission/polly-trottenberg
Tyler Duvall (2006 to 2009): Deputy Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, Department of Transportation; Special Assistant to the Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy, Department of Transportation; Associate, Hogan & Hartson, LLP6 http://www.transportation-finance.org/pdf/events/Tyler_Duvall_Bio.pdf
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