Federal Position Descriptions
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Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration

Administrator of the Federal Transit Administration, Department of Transportation
Responsibility
Management Scope

In fiscal 2015, FTA had an actual budget of $11.008 billion and 551 full-time equivalents.2

Primary Responsibilities

• Carries out duties and powers prescribed by the secretary (49 U.S.C. § 107)
• Represents the department and advises the secretary on public transportation matters
• Develops comprehensive and coordinated mass transportation systems to serve metropolitan and other urban areas
• Implements a national public transportation system plan to improve the safety of all public transportation systems that receive funding
• Administers urban mass transportation programs and functions
• Assures appropriate liaison and coordination with other governmental organizations3

• Ensures that grantees follow federal mandates along with statutory and administrative requirements4

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
Requirements

• Knowledge and experience in transportation policy
• Previous government experience, either from the agency, Capitol Hill or a similar state function
• Understanding of congressional and legislative processes
• Strong management experience
• Relationships with relevant stakeholders or ability to form them

Competencies

• Ability to work in a matrixed environment
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Strong leadership skills
• Strong negotiation skills

Past Appointments
  • Peter Rogoff (2009 to 2014): Democratic Staff Director, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; Professional Staff Member, Senate Appropriations Subcommittee on Transportation, Housing and Urban Development; Director of Legislative Affairs, National Association of Independent Colleges and Universities5
  • James S. Simpson (2006 to 2009): Commissioner of the New York Metropolitan Transportation Authority; Non-Voting Member, New York Financial Control Board6
  • Jennifer L. Dorn (2001 to 2006): President, The National Health Museum; Senior Vice President, American Red Cross; Assistant Secretary, Department of Labor; Director, Strategic Planning, Martin Marietta Corporation; Associate Deputy Secretary for Transportation and Chief of Staff, Office of the Deputy Secretary, Department of Transportation7
AGENCY

Department of Transportation

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

COMPENSATION

Level III $165,3001

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Transportation (49 U.S.C. § 107)

SENATE COMMITTEE

Banking, Housing and Urban Affairs

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Footnote
  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.
  2. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT_BH2017_508%5B2%5D.pdf
  3. OPM
  4. FTA website
  5. http://www.allgov.com/news/appointments-and-resignations/federal-transit-administrator-who-is-peter-rogoff?news=839060,https://www.linkedin.com/in/peter-rogoff-409495a6
  6. https://ballotpedia.org/James_Simpson
  7. https://www.linkedin.com/in/jenna-dorn-7b68027?authType=NAME_SEARCH&authToken=abNq&locale=en_US&srchid=3276828871485873642144&srchindex=1&srchtotal=4&trk=vsrp_people_res_name&trkInfo=VSRPsearchId%3A3276828871485873642144%2CVSRPtargetId%3A22897146%2CVSRPcmpt%3Aprimary%2CVSRPnm%3Atrue%2CauthType%3ANAME_SEARCHhttps://www.aapa.org/WorkArea/DownloadAsset.aspx?id=532https://lo.bvdep.com/PeopleDocument.asp?PersonId=-1&LDIPeopleId=442708&Save=0
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