Fresh Listing

Posted: March 9, 2026 (0 days ago)

This job was posted recently. Fresh listings typically have less competition.

Director, Policy

Federal Aviation Administration

Department of Transportation

Fresh

Location

Salary

$153,700 - $216,400

per year

Closes

March 23, 2026More DOT jobs →

SES Pay Grade

Base salary range: $147,649 - $221,900

Typical requirements: Executive-level leadership experience. Senior executive qualifications required.

Note: Actual salary includes locality pay (15-40%+ depending on location).

Job Description

Summary

This job involves leading a team that creates and updates rules, standards, and procedures to keep the nation's air traffic system safe and running smoothly, including policies for drones and environmental issues.

The director works closely with air traffic control centers and facilities to ensure everything aligns with the agency's goals.

It's a great fit for experienced leaders in aviation who are passionate about government service, efficiency, and inspiring teams to deliver high-quality results.

Key Requirements

  • Experience leading an aviation organization in developing governing documents, initiatives, policies, procedures, and standards for the National Airspace System (NAS), including air traffic operations and environmental policies
  • Demonstrated commitment to the U.S. Constitution, rule of law, and serving the American people
  • Proven ability to manage resources efficiently, budget effectively, reduce waste, and implement process or technological improvements
  • Strong technical knowledge and competence in producing high-quality work in aviation policy and regulations
  • Experience leading and inspiring teams to achieve organizational goals, foster high performance, and manage change while holding people accountable
  • Track record of achieving results that align with superior goals, both individually and organizationally
  • Eligibility for noncompetitive appointment if current FAAES, Career SES member, or certified through OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (with proof required)

Full Job Description

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).

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. Major Duties:

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.

Check your resume before applying to catch common mistakes

Browse Similar Jobs

Posted on USAJOBS: 3/9/2026 | Added to FreshGovJobs: 3/9/2026

Source: USAJOBS | ID: EXE-ATO-26-2-96246