Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications

Summary

The Director, Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications is responsible for overseeing legislative analysis, congressional affairs, international affairs, and policy communications for the Federal Highway Administration (FHWA).

Duties

• The Director advises the Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs (AA) and Deputy Associate Administrator for Highway Policy and External Affairs (Deputy AA) on legislative recommendations, policy development, and establishment of intermediate and long-range program goals. The Director also coordinates legislative development within FHWA and with other agencies and offices within the U.S. Department of Transportation. In addition, the Director: Provides leadership and direction in formulating and executing a program of legislative policy planning and development by assessing the policy implications of legislation developed by FHWA and by other entities as the legislation relates to the Federal-aid highway program (FAHP) and monitors progress in implementing highway legislation. Develops, implements, and manages the Agency's program of international scanning for new technology and innovation, international organizations, overseas missions for technical assistance, international technology transfer program, and the international visitors program. Advises the AA and Deputy AA on all matters related to foreign governments, multi-national institutions, and international organizations. Acts as the Agency's liaison to Congress, other Federal agencies, State and local governments, and the Office of the Secretary on highway policy and legislative initiatives. Communicates with congressional staff, State officials, and Federal agency personnel on the FAHP and related policies. Prepares executive briefings for the Secretary, the Deputy Secretary of Transportation, the FHWA Administrator, and other Departmental leadership in advance of meetings and other significant events involving a wide variety of audiences. Provides management and leadership oversight of the Office of Legislative Affairs and Policy Communications' administrative and research budgets and administrative functions that include technology and security, office equipment, data processing activities, and human resource matters. Provides executive direction in the development, analysis, and coordination of FHWA policy on Federal legislation, including the development and analysis of alternative Federal-aid highway programs and legislative proposals, and for linking policy and legislative proposals with program office goals and the budget process.

Requirements

CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: As a condition of employment for accepting this position, you may be required to serve a 1-year probationary period during which we will evaluate your fitness and whether your continued employment advances the public interest. In determining if your employment advances the public interest, we may consider: your performance and conduct; the needs and interests of the agency; whether your continued employment would advance the organizational goals of the agency or the Government; and whether your continued employment would advance the efficiency of the Federal service. Upon completion of your probationary period, your employment will be terminated unless you receive certification, in writing, that your continued employment advances the public interest. PROBATIONARY PERIOD: Complete a one-year SES probationary period (unless already completed). Complete a Declaration for Federal Employment to determine your suitability for Federal employment, at the time requested by the agency If you are a male applicant born after December 31, 1959, certify that you have registered with the Selective Service System or are exempt from having to do so. (see https://www.sss.gov/RegVer/wfRegistration.aspx) SECURITY CLEARANCE: You may be required to obtain and maintain an interim and/or final security clearance prior to entrance on duty. Failure to obtain and maintain the required level of clearance may result in the withdrawal of a job offer or removal. WRITING SAMPLE: A writing sample may be required. PRESENTATION: Applicants may be asked to prepare and present a presentation, provide a presentation on a scenario-based situation or a similar activity as a part of the applicant evaluation process.

Education

If you are qualifying for this position by substituting education or training for experience, submit a copy of your transcripts or equivalent. An official transcript will be required if you are selected. A college or university degree generally must be from an accredited (or pre-accredited) college or university recognized by the U.S. Department of Education. For a list of schools which meet these criteria, please refer to Department of Education Accreditation page. Foreign Education: If you are using education completed in foreign colleges or universities to meet the qualification requirements, you must show the education credentials have been evaluated by a private organization that specializes in interpretation of foreign education programs and such education has been deemed equivalent to that gained in an accredited U.S. education program; or full credit has been given for the courses at a U.S. accredited college or university. If you are qualifying based on foreign education, you must submit proof of creditability of education as evaluated by a credentialing agency. For further information, visit: Recognition of Foreign Qualifications | International Affairs Office (ed.gov)