Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications

Federal Highway Administration•Washington, DC

About The Position

The Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications, oversees legislative analysis, congressional affairs, international affairs, and policy communications for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA). The Director advises the Associate Administrator and Deputy Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs on legislative recommendations, policy development, and intermediate- and long-range program goals. The role coordinates legislative development within FHWA and with other U.S. Department of Transportation agencies and offices. The Director leads legislative policy planning and development, assesses the implications of legislation for the Federal-aid highway program, and monitors implementation of highway legislation. The role also manages FHWA’s international scanning, technical assistance missions, technology transfer, and international visitors programs, and advises on matters involving foreign governments, multinational institutions, and international organizations. As FHWA’s liaison to Congress, Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the Office of the Secretary, the Director communicates with congressional staff and government officials on highway policy and legislative initiatives. The Director prepares executive briefings for Department and FHWA leadership and oversees the office’s administrative and research budgets and functions, including technology and security, equipment, data processing, and human resources. The Director provides executive direction for developing, analyzing, and coordinating FHWA policy on Federal legislation, including alternative Federal-aid highway programs and legislative proposals, and connects these proposals with program office goals and the budget process.

Requirements

U.S. Citizen or National.
Secret security clearance is required; the employee may need to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final clearance before entering on duty.
Demonstrated executive-level experience developing, coordinating, and evaluating organizational policy and legislation that links organizational goals and the budget process.
Demonstrated executive-level experience leading communications and outreach efforts that provide a high level of customer service to a wide range of officials and stakeholders.
Demonstrate the five Executive Core Qualifications: commitment to the rule of law and principles of the American founding; driving efficiency; merit and competence; leading people; and achieving results.
Submit a resume of no more than two pages demonstrating the required Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications.
Complete a one-year SES probationary period unless already completed.
Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment when requested to determine suitability for Federal employment.
Male applicants born after December 31, 1959, must certify Selective Service registration or exemption.
A writing sample may be required; applicants may also be asked to prepare or deliver a presentation as part of the evaluation process.

Responsibilities

Advise the Associate Administrator and Deputy Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs on legislative recommendations, policy development, and intermediate- and long-range program goals.
Coordinate legislative development within FHWA and with other agencies and offices within the U.S. Department of Transportation.
Lead the formulation and execution of legislative policy planning and development, assess legislation’s policy implications for the Federal-aid highway program, and monitor implementation of highway legislation.
Develop, implement, and manage FHWA’s international scanning, international organization engagement, overseas technical-assistance missions, international technology transfer, and international visitors programs.
Advise agency leadership on matters involving foreign governments, multinational institutions, and international organizations.
Serve as FHWA’s liaison to Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the Office of the Secretary on highway policy and legislative initiatives.
Communicate with congressional staff, State officials, and Federal agency personnel about the Federal-aid highway program and related policies.
Prepare executive briefings for the Secretary, Deputy Secretary of Transportation, FHWA Administrator, and other Departmental leaders ahead of meetings and significant events.
Oversee the office’s administrative and research budgets and administrative functions, including technology and security, office equipment, data processing, and human resources.
Direct the development, analysis, and coordination of FHWA policy on Federal legislation, including alternative Federal-aid highway programs and legislative proposals, and link proposals with program office goals and the budget process.

Benefits

Federal retirement system with a defined-benefit pension.
Thrift Savings Plan (TSP) retirement savings plan.
Employee Assistance Program offering confidential counseling to employees and immediate family members.
Transit subsidy of up to $315 per month.
26 days of annual leave per year.
13 days of sick leave per year.
11 paid Federal holidays per year.
Health benefits for employees and eligible family members.
Flexible Spending Account participation.
Federal Long Term Care Insurance Program participation option.
Federal Employees’ Group Life Insurance participation option.