Position Summary:
The Associate Administrator (AA) for Research, Data Solutions and Innovation is responsible for administering a broad program of research, development, and information dissemination programs which facilitate improvements in rail services, techniques, methods, management, and operations. The incumbent has responsibility for programs and functions including: safety research and development; industry, market, and data-intelligence; economic analyses, including benefit-cost analyses in support of regulations and grants; technical capacity-building and workforce programs for the railroad industry; and FRA’s international programs.
The AA reports to the Executive Director, and serves as principal staff advisor to, and acts on behalf of the Executive Director in the development of policy for FRA research, data analysis, and innovation programs.
Key Responsibilities:
- Plans for and implements these programs under the Executive Director’s direction. This role involves such activities as: (a) representing the Executive Director in developing policy positions relative to FRA research, technology development, and deployment; (b) taking responsibility on behalf of the Executive Director for execution of research, development and demonstration programs; (c) assuring comprehensive information availability to internal and external customers; and, (d) advising on and where appropriate representing the Executive Director in relationships between FRA and other DOT operating administration, other Federal agencies, the Congress, state and local governments, and industry on matters concerning DOT’ s technology development and deployment programs.
- Exercises leadership in design, development, and execution of innovative and imaginative strategies for multi-year research, development, demonstration, and deployment programs involving new technology and service and management innovations.
- Applies knowledge and analysis of industry research and development needs to develop innovative strategies for meeting those needs in collaboration with Federal, state, and local government agencies; railroad service providers; private industry; academia; and public interest and advocacy groups.
- Directs staff in developing long-range plans and an annual program plan showing the relative priority and funding needs for planned activities of the Office of Research, Data Solutions and Innovation, within available funding and in support of the FRA and DOT Strategic Plans.
- Ensures that difficult and complex problems and issues crucial to project success are promptly identified and resolved that projects are effectively managed and evaluated, and that information developed is disseminated to interested members of the rail industry.
- Exercises leadership in establishing mutually supportive relationships with public and private sector entities having interests and capabilities in research, data analysis, and technical assistance; leads administration of technical capacity-building programs, including appropriate stakeholder workforce training. In doing so, draws upon personal and institutional relationships, developed by self and staff, and places special emphasis on those relationships which the Administrator particularly desires to establish.
- Directs staff in developing a strategy for FRA’s engagement with international partners.
- Develops budget proposals for research, data analysis, and innovation programs and provides supporting documentation for presentation of these proposals to interagency committees of the Office of the Secretary, the Office of Management and Budget, and the Congress. Provides staff support and briefings to assist the Administrator and the Secretary in their congressional testimony and develops information to be submitted for the record. Assures that research, data and innovation programs are carried out in a manner consistent with congressional directions.
Required Education & Experience:
- Demonstrated experience leading outreach efforts, and interacting and communicating with representatives of foreign governments; transportation industry including carriers, shippers, labor organizations; and other organizations concerned with transportation data, economic analysis, research, development, technical information dissemination, and training and technical assistance.
- This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment. Leadership Competencies: Creativity and Innovation, External Awareness, Flexibility, Resilience, Strategic Thinking, Vision
- This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization’s vision, mission, and goals. Inherent to this ECQ is the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts. Leadership Competencies: Conflict Management, Leveraging Diversity, Developing Others, Team Building
- Demonstrated experience developing and executing strategic plans, policies, guidance, and program evaluations that advance transportation research, development of innovative technologies, and economic and data analysis.