Become the Director of Investment Planning & Analysis at the FAA
Are you a strategic leader with a passion for high-stakes financial analysis and aerospace innovation? The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is currently looking for an expert to serve as the Director of Investment Planning & Analysis. This executive-level role is vital to ensuring that the U.S. National Airspace System remains the safest and most efficient in the world.
Job Responsibilities
As the Director, you will provide executive-level guidance to ensure the financial viability and strategic success of all FAA capital investments. Your core responsibilities include:
- Portfolio Oversight: Leading business case development, benefits estimation, and lifecycle cost analysis across the FAA's vast portfolio.
- Executive Leadership: Managing a team of 30 professionals, including seven K-Band managers, and overseeing a $200K operating budget.
- Analytical Excellence: Ensuring the credibility of research models used for major infrastructure and NextGen investments.
- Strategic Partnership: Collaborating with the CFO, Congress, and international organizations to align investments with mission-critical goals.
Comparison: Executive Requirements
| Requirement Type | Focus Area | Goal |
|---|---|---|
| Technical (TRs) | Investment & Portfolio Analysis | Strategic decision-making and ROI |
| Leadership (ELDs) | People & Culture | High-performance and accountability |
| Efficiency | Fiscal Responsibility | Reducing waste and process optimization |
Requirements
To be considered for this role, you must be a U.S. citizen and hold a Top Secret security clearance. The application process is highly selective and requires a two-page resume that articulates both your technical expertise and your leadership capabilities against the Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) defined by the OPM.
Salary Overview
The position offers a competitive salary range of $153,700 to $216,400 per year, reflecting the seniority and the critical nature of this executive appointment.
Benefits
Working for the FAA comes with world-class benefits, including:
- Extensive health and insurance packages.
- Robust federal retirement programs.
- Professional development and executive training.
- Work-life balance initiatives.
Application Tips
- Be Concise: Use your two-page limit to showcase your most impactful achievements using the STAR method (Situation, Task, Action, Result).
- Show, Don't Tell: Instead of saying you lead teams, provide evidence of how you drove cultural change or improved organizational efficiency.
- Verify Documents: Ensure your SF-50 is the most recent copy showing your current grade and career status.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ)
Q: What is the primary focus of the selection process? A: The panel focuses on your ability to meet mandatory technical requirements and executive leadership dimensions as evidenced in your two-page resume.
Q: Is this a remote position? A: No, this position is based in Washington, D.C.
If you have the skills to steer the financial future of the U.S. aerospace system, the FAA invites you to apply. This is a chance to make a lasting, national impact alongside a team of dedicated innovators. Review the requirements, polish your resume, and submit your application before the closing date.
Why This Director, Investment Planning & Analysis Job Matters
Shape the future of aviation infrastructure by leading high-stakes investment planning at the FAA—where financial rigor meets aerospace innovation.
Director, Investment Planning & Analysis Job Overview
The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an elite executive to serve as the Director of Investment Planning & Analysis. This critical leadership role sits at the intersection of finance, strategy, and engineering, overseeing the analytical foundations of the nation's aerospace investments. You will manage a high-performing team and a significant budget, ensuring that multi-million dollar investments in the National Airspace System are data-driven, mission-aligned, and economically sound.
Requirements for Director, Investment Planning & Analysis
- U.S. Citizenship is strictly required.
- Must submit a concise, two-page resume highlighting evidence of Executive Leadership Dimensions (ELDs) and Mandatory Technical Requirements (TRs).
- Must possess proven experience in investment and portfolio analysis, business case development, and operations research modeling.
- Must be able to obtain and maintain a Top Secret security clearance.
- Must be available for pre-employment drug screening and ongoing random testing as part of a testing-designated position.
- Must be able to file a financial disclosure statement within 30 days of appointment.
Preferred Qualifications for Director, Investment Planning & Analysis
- Current status as a member of the FAA Executive System (FAAES) or Career Senior Executive Service (SES).
- Certification through an OPM-approved SES Candidate Development Program (SESCDP).
- Demonstrated expertise in leading large-scale multidisciplinary teams through complex organizational change.
- Established track record of managing enterprise-wide financial oversight and major contract validation.
Federal Benefits & Perks
- ✓Comprehensive federal health insurance programs.
- ✓Generous retirement plans including the Federal Employees Retirement System (FERS).
- ✓Structured career development and executive training opportunities.
- ✓Competitive leave and federal holiday schedule.
- ✓Opportunities for telework and flexible work arrangements.
- ✓Access to transportation subsidies and work-life balance programs.
💡 How to Apply Director, Investment Planning & Analysis Job & Insider Tips
Application Steps for Director, Investment Planning & Analysis Job
- Prepare a two-page resume that explicitly addresses the ELDs and TRs.
- Log in to your USAJOBS account.
- Upload your two-page resume and relevant supporting documents such as your most recent SF-50.
- Ensure all documentation is submitted in Word or PDF format by the closing date.
- Submit your application through the portal before 11:59 PM ET on the closing date.
💡 General Tips
- Keep your resume strictly to two pages; longer resumes will not be reviewed.
- Use the OPM SES Qualifications Guide as a reference when drafting your executive experience.
- Focus your narrative on specific, measurable results rather than general job duties.
- Do not submit separate documents for ELDs or TRs; integrate them into your primary two-page resume.
- Verify your SF-50 is the correct type (avoiding award notifications) to ensure eligibility.
Frequently Asked Questions
Can I submit a resume longer than two pages if I have significant experience?
No, the two-page limit is mandatory. Applications exceeding this length will be excluded from the selection process.
Do I need to address the Executive Leadership Dimensions if I am already an SES member?
Current FAAES or Career SES members, or those with SESCDP certification, do not need to address the ELDs, but they must provide proof of their status via an SF-50 or OPM certification.
Is relocation assistance provided for this position?
Yes, relocation expenses may be authorized for the selected candidate.
Job from Federal Aviation Administration
The Federal Aviation Administration is the primary governmental agency responsible for the safety of civil aviation. With a workforce exceeding 44,000, the FAA manages air traffic control, regulates aviation safety, and spearheads the next generation of aerospace technology, from electric aircraft to commercial space flight. As an executive at the FAA, you aren't just managing a budget; you are securing the future of global transit.