Chief Data Officer

Full Job Description

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is where innovation meets purpose.

We ensure the safety and efficiency of the nation's aerospace system, overseeing air traffic, advancing cutting-edge aviation technologies, and shaping the future of flight.

Our mission is to deliver the safest, most efficient aerospace system in the world.

Join a team where your work has real impact, your ideas drive progress, and your career helps keep millions moving safely every day.

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 Requirements (TRs) and Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs), only your two (2) page resume will be accepted and considered.

MANDATORY TECHNICAL REQUIREMENTS (TRs): TR 1: Demonstrated leadership experience developing and executing an enterprise-wide information management program, fostering a data-driven culture, aligning enterprise initiatives and operations, ensuring data security and quality, mitigating data risks, and collaborating with senior leaders.

TR 2: Demonstrated leadership experience overseeing Artificial Intelligence (AI) governance processes and principles, including developing and implementing strategic plans, establishing effective policies, defining enterprise goals and objectives, analyzing organizational requirements, setting enterprise priorities, and translating strategic plans into executable projects and programs.

EXECUTIVE LEADERSHIP DIMENSIONS (ELDs) ELD 1: Commitment to the Rule of Law and the Principles of the American Founding – This ELD 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 ELD 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 ELD involves the demonstrated knowledge, ability, and technical competence to effectively and reliably produce work that is of exceptional quality.

ELD 4: Leading People - This ELD 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 ELD involves the demonstrated ability to achieve both individual and organizational results, and to align results to stated goals from superiors.

Note: Applicants who are current members of the FAA Executive System (FAAES), Career Senior Executive Service (SES), individuals certified through successful completion of an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP), or those with Career SES reinstatement eligibility are not required to address the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs).

Such applicants must provide documentation verifying eligibility for noncompetitive appointment to the FAAES (e.g., SF-50, or certification from OPM's SES Qualifications Review Board (QRB).

Major Duties:

The Chief Data Officer (CDO), located in the FAA's Office of Finance and Management, oversees the FAA's Enterprise Information Management (EIM) program to manage data and information, improve data-driven decision-making, mitigate data-related risks, enhance efficiency, reduce costs, promote transparency, and enable business insight across the agency.

The CDO also leads the governance and integration of secure, responsible Artificial Intelligence (AI) tools across the FAA's programs.

The CDO oversees a $21 million budget and approximately 40 professionals, including seven

senior managers who are responsible for the FAA's Data Strategy, the FAA AI Order, fostering an FAA data-driven culture, and for data governance, data access, advanced analytics platforms, artificial intelligence solutions, business intelligence solutions, and geospatial solutions.

Oversees the development and implementation of a comprehensive FAA Data Strategy that positions data as a core organizational asset, seamlessly integrated into the FAA's operational objectives.

Leads initiatives to leverage data insights, supporting both strategic and tactical decision-making, and encourages innovation in data usage.

Drives the development of data-driven solutions and fosters a culture in which data is integral to decision-making at all levels.

Builds a strong governance structure by engaging data stewards in each major business unit, ensuring data quality, accessibility, and secure use in analytics and reporting efforts.

Leads the strategic direction and execution of Artificial Intelligence (AI) and Machine Learning (ML) initiatives across the agency to identify opportunities for innovation and develop cutting-edge AI/ML solutions that support mission-critical business areas.

Addresses FAA's data management and AI/ML opportunities, threats, capabilities, and gaps, developing a governance framework that mitigates risks associated with extensive, dynamic data resources.

Works closely with FAA's senior leadership during high-stakes situations, providing data-driven insights and strategic guidance on matters of national security, cybersecurity, artificial intelligence, and aviation threats.