The Air Traffic Organization (ATO) has 35,000 controllers, technicians, engineers, and support personnel whose daily efforts keep aircraft safe, separated, and on time. The Office of Policy develops, maintains, evaluates and implements rules, regulations, standards, procedures, and initiatives to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the National Airspace System (NAS).
Summary
The Air Traffic Organization (ATO) has 35,000 controllers, technicians, engineers, and support personnel whose daily efforts keep aircraft safe, separated, and on time. The Office of Policy develops, maintains, evaluates and implements rules, regulations, standards, procedures, and initiatives to ensure the safe and efficient operations of the National Airspace System (NAS).
The Director, Policy oversees the development, evaluation, and maintenance of regulatory policies, standards, and procedures related to federal aviation rules and regulations, and for Unmanned Aircraft Systems (UAS). The Director establishes a continuous feedback process to ensure policies align with strategy and appropriately support execution. The incumbent serves as the primary point of contact for the service areas/centers and field facilities for Air Route Traffic Control Centers, Terminal Radar Approach Control Facilities, and towers for standards and procedures issues.
Principal Responsibilities
Provides leadership, direction, and guidance on the establishment of national standards and procedures for the operation of national air traffic control systems.
Oversees document change proposals and the development of air traffic control procedures to meet requirements defined by the ATO.
Develops regulatory policies, rules, and standards to ensure the safe and efficient utilization of the NAS, terminal, and en-route capabilities, air traffic operations, and utilization of navigable airspace.
Formulates and oversees air traffic environmental policies and ensures compliance with FAA policies and the National Environmental Policy Act.
Develops air traffic policies and procedures for the integration of instrument flight procedures and UAS into the NAS.
Represents the FAA in meetings and forums to address or resolve issues pertaining to policy. Exercises delegated authority to make commitments on behalf of the FAA on matters directly affecting the safety and efficiency of the national airspace.
Selective Service Registration is required for males born after 12/31/1959.
Designated or Random Drug Testing required.
Qualifications
To meet the minimum qualifications of this position, you must clearly articulate and describe within your two (2) page resume evidence that you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs) related to this position. Your resume should include examples of experience and accomplishments applicable to the qualifications. Applicants who do not possess these criteria are ineligible for further consideration.
Please DO NOT submit separate documents addressing the technical and executive leadership requirements. Only your two (2) page resume will be accepted and considered. ELDs and TRs must be thoroughly addressed within your two (2) page resume.
MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENT (TR):
TR: Experience leading, overseeing, and providing strategic and tactical direction for an aviation organization responsible for managing the development of governing documents and initiatives related to the National Airspace System, including air traffic operations and environmental policies, procedures, and standards.
EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS (ELDs)
ELD 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – This core qualification requires a demonstrated knowledge of the American system of government, commitment to uphold the Constitution and the rule of law, and commitment to serve the American people.
ELD 2: Driving Efficiency -This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to strategically and efficiently manage resources, budget effectively, cut wasteful spending, and pursue efficiency through process and technological upgrades.
ELD 3: Merit and Competence - This core qualification involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.
ELD 4: Leading People - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to lead and inspire a group toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals, and to drive a high-performance, high-accountability culture. This includes, when necessary, the ability to lead people through change and to hold individuals accountable.
ELD 5: Achieving Results - This core qualification involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.
Note: If you are a current member of the FAAES, Career SES, or have been certified through successful participation in an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or have Career SES reinstatement eligibility, you do not need to address the ELDs. Instead, you should attach proof (e.g., SF-50, Certification by OPM’s SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB)) of your eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES.
Education
An education requirement has not been established for this occupational series.
Make sure your resume includes detailed information to support your qualifications and answers to the job questionnaire.
Additional information
Position may be subject to a background investigation. A one-year probationary period may be required. Veterans preference does not apply to the FAA Executive System.
The person selected for this position may be required to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of entry on duty. FAA policy limits certain outside employment and financial investments in aviation-related companies. www.faa.gov/jobs/workinghere/financial-disclosure-requirements
This position is covered by the Department of Transportation's Drug and Alcohol Testing Program. Any applicant tentatively selected for this position will be subject to pre-employment or pre-appointment drug screening. Persons occupying a "testing designated position (TDP)" will be subject to random drug and/or alcohol testing.
PCS entitlements will not be paid if the agency requires relocation.
OPM must authorize any employment offers made to current or former (within the last 5 years) political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Non-career SES employees in the executive branch. If you are currently, or have been within the last 5 years, a political Schedule A, Schedule C, or Noncareer SES employee in the executive branch, you must disclose that to the Human Resources Office.
Candidates should be committed to improving the efficiency of the Federal government, passionate about the ideals of our American republic, and committed to upholding the rule of law and the United States Constitution.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
How you will be evaluated
You will be evaluated for this job based on how well you meet the qualifications above.
Once the application process is complete, a review of your resume and supporting documentation will be conducted. If you possess the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TQs) listed above, your application package may be further evaluated by an Executive Rating Panel. Additionally, hiring Managers may choose to interview highly qualified candidates via one or more interviews.
IMPORTANT: Applicants may be rated on the extent and quality of experience, education, and training relevant to the duties of the position(s). All answers provided in the on-line process must be substantiated. Ensure that your application package/resume supports your responses.
A career with the U.S. government provides employees with a comprehensive benefits package. As a federal employee, you and your family will have access to a range of benefits that are designed to make your federal career very rewarding. Opens in a new windowLearn more about federal benefits.
Eligibility for benefits depends on the type of position you hold and whether your position is full-time, part-time or intermittent. Contact the hiring agency for more information on the specific benefits offered.
RESUME: As stated in the OPM memorandum titled Hiring and Talent Development for the Senior Executive Service, dated May 29, 2025, resumes must be no more than two pages, legible, and in a readable font. Eligibility and qualifications will be determined solely from those two pages. Your resume must include detailed information to verify qualifications: employment start/end dates for each position, full-time or part-time status (or average hours per week), and position titles. Your resume should clearly show relevant experience and education that support the required experience.
SF-50:Current and former federal employees must submit an SF-50 showing eligibility. Submit your current or most recent SF-50. Do not submit an award SF-50, as these do not verify eligibility. Career Executives or those with FAAES or SES reinstatement eligibility must submit an SF-50 showing career FAAES or SES status.
CDP Certificate:If you have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, include a copy of your OPM certificate.
Failure to submit any required documents by the closing date will remove you from consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This recruitment will be conducted using a RESUME-ONLY application process. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages and must clearly describe your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you meet the Executive Leadership Dimensions and Mandatory Technical Requirements for this position. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted and will result in removal from consideration.
Resumes must be uploaded to your USAJOBS application and submitted in either Word (or Word-compatible) or PDF format.
You are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and Qualifications Review Board for examples and tips on preparing an effective executive resume: OPM SES Qualifications Guide.
To apply, click the Apply Online button in the job announcement. You will need to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account: USAJOBS Help.
Be sure to upload your two-page resume and all required supporting documents before submitting your application.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduates should submit a copy of their CDP program certification with their package.
Federal Aviation Administration
Executive Resources Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 523
AHR-200
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
RESUME: As stated in the OPM memorandum titled Hiring and Talent Development for the Senior Executive Service, dated May 29, 2025, resumes must be no more than two pages, legible, and in a readable font. Eligibility and qualifications will be determined solely from those two pages. Your resume must include detailed information to verify qualifications: employment start/end dates for each position, full-time or part-time status (or average hours per week), and position titles. Your resume should clearly show relevant experience and education that support the required experience.
SF-50:Current and former federal employees must submit an SF-50 showing eligibility. Submit your current or most recent SF-50. Do not submit an award SF-50, as these do not verify eligibility. Career Executives or those with FAAES or SES reinstatement eligibility must submit an SF-50 showing career FAAES or SES status.
CDP Certificate:If you have completed an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program, include a copy of your OPM certificate.
Failure to submit any required documents by the closing date will remove you from consideration.
If you are relying on your education to meet qualification requirements:
Failure to provide all of the required information as stated in this vacancy announcement may result in an ineligible rating or may affect the overall rating.
This recruitment will be conducted using a RESUME-ONLY application process. Your resume must not exceed two (2) pages and must clearly describe your professional experience and accomplishments that demonstrate you meet the Executive Leadership Dimensions and Mandatory Technical Requirements for this position. Resumes longer than 2 pages will not be accepted and will result in removal from consideration.
Resumes must be uploaded to your USAJOBS application and submitted in either Word (or Word-compatible) or PDF format.
You are strongly encouraged to review the Office of Personnel Management's Guide to Senior Executive Service Qualifications and Qualifications Review Board for examples and tips on preparing an effective executive resume: OPM SES Qualifications Guide.
To apply, click the Apply Online button in the job announcement. You will need to create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account: USAJOBS Help.
Be sure to upload your two-page resume and all required supporting documents before submitting your application.
You must apply online to receive consideration. Your application must be submitted by 11:59 PM Eastern Time on the Close Date for it to be accepted. If you are applying for positions associated with FAA registers, your application must be submitted at the time a referral list is created in order to receive consideration for positions associated with a register.
SES Candidate Development Program (CDP) graduates should submit a copy of their CDP program certification with their package.
Federal Aviation Administration
Executive Resources Division
800 Independence Avenue, SW, Room 523
AHR-200
Washington, DC 20591
US
Next steps
Once your complete application is received, we will conduct an evaluation of your qualifications and determine your ranking. The most highly qualified candidates will be referred to the hiring manager for further consideration and possible interview. We expect to make a selection within 90 days of the closing date of this announcement. You will be notified of the outcome.
All qualified applicants will be considered regardless of political affiliation, race, color, religion, national origin, gender, sexual orientation, marital status, age, disability, or other non-merit factors. DOT provides reasonable accommodations to applicants with disabilities. If you need a reasonable accommodation for any part of the application and hiring process, please notify the agency contact listed in the Agency Contact Information section of this announcement or the hiring manager. An employee with a disability must notify the decision-maker of the accommodation request. Job applicants and employees are required to follow up oral requests in writing. Decisions on granting reasonable accommodation will be made on a case-by-case basis. Additional information on reasonable accommodations procedures or on EEO Programs is available on Office of Civil Rights (ACR) or by contacting the local FAA Civil Rights Office.
Fair and transparent
The Federal hiring process is set up to be fair and transparent. Please read the following guidance.
