Federal Position Descriptions
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Administrator of the Maritime Administration

Administrator of the Maritime Administration, Department of Transportation
Responsibility
Management Scope

In fiscal 2015, MARAD had an actual budget of $428.1 million.3 In fiscal 2016, the agency had 670 full-time nonseasonal employees.4

Primary Responsibilities

• Carries out the duties prescribed by the secretary (49 U.S.C. § 109)
• Develops broad maritime policies and manages MARAD’s activities, particularly to ensure compliance with statutory obligations and requirements
• Maintains contact with international maritime groups, conducts negotiations and maintains effective relations with other federal agencies and the public
• Provides executive leadership at the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy5

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

• Background in maritime transportation policy (preferred)
• Relationships with relevant stakeholders, or ability to form them
• Strong management experience
• Understanding of congressional and legislative processes

Competencies

• Strong communication and interpersonal skills
• Excellent leadership skills
• Strong negotiation skills

Past Appointments
  • Paul Jaenichen Sr. (2014 to 2016): Deputy Maritime Administrator; Deputy Chief of Legislative Affairs, Department of the Navy; Director, Navy Personnel Command6
  • David T. Matsuda (2010 to 2013): Deputy Maritime Administrator; Acting Assistant Secretary for Transportation Policy; Transportation Advisor to Senator Frank R. Lautenberg7
  • Sean T. Connaughton (2006 to 2009): Chairman of the Prince William Board of County Supervisors; Attorney, Troutman Sanders LLP; Commander, United States Naval Reserve; Officer, Coast Guard8
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 $165,300 (5 U.S.C. § 5314)2

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Transportation

SENATE COMMITTEE

Commerce, Science and Transportation

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Footnote
  1. https://www.marad.dot.gov/about-us/office-of-the-administrator/
  2. 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.
  3. https://www.transportation.gov/sites/dot.gov/files/docs/DOT_BH2017_508%5B2%5D.pdf
  4. Partnership for Public Service Analysis of Fedscope
  5. OPM
  6. http://docs.house.gov/meetings/AS/AS28/20140730/102432/HHRG-113-AS28-Bio-JaenichenP-20140730.pdf
  7. https://www.marad.dot.gov/newsroom/news_item/2009/news-item-david-t-matsuda-sworn-in-as-deputy-maritime-administrator/
  8. http://www.joc.com/maritime-news/bush-nominates-connaughton-head-marad_20060627.htmlhttp://www.vhha.com/about/sean-t-connaughton/
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