Federal Position Descriptions
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Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs

Assistant Secretary for Aviation and International Affairs, Department of Transportation
Responsibility
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

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
• 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

Strategic Goals and Priorities
[Depends on the policy priorities of the administration.]
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 Appointments
  • 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
  • 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
  • Karan K. Bhatia (2003 to 2005): Deputy Undersecretary and Chief Counsel, Bureau of Industry and Security, Department of Commerce; Partner, Wilmer, Cutler & Pickering7
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 IV $155,500 (5 U.S.C. § 5315)1

REPORTS TO

Secretary of Transportation

SENATE COMMITTEE

Commerce, Science and Transportation

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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://lo.bvdep.com/OrgChart.asp?curp=1&LDIBookId=19&LDISectionId=180&LDIOrgId=154155
  3. OPM
  4. https://www.transportation.gov/policy/assistant-secretary-aviation-international-affairs
  5. https://www.uschina.org/assistant-secretary-transportation-susan-kurland
  6. http://hls.harvard.edu/dept/alumni/alumni-news/honoring-donors/a-living-tribute-to-andrew-b-steinberg-84/
  7. https://georgewbush-whitehouse.archives.gov/government/kbhatia-bio.html
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