Advance Your Career as a Senior Advisor with the FAA

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is at the forefront of aerospace innovation, managing one of the world's most complex and safe transportation systems. We are currently looking for a talented and strategic Program Manager to serve as a Senior Advisor in our Great Lakes Region. This role is perfect for leaders who excel at navigating organizational complexities and building partnerships that span the aviation community.

Job Responsibilities

As a Senior Advisor, you will serve as a right-hand consultant to the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator. Your duties will include:

Strategic Oversight: Managing multifaceted projects ranging from environmental challenges to airport capacity initiatives.
Policy Creation: Developing and influencing policies that affect organizational performance.
Ambassadorship: Representing the FAA to Congressional staff, media, and foreign government officials.
Communications: Preparing high-level briefing materials, speeches, and reports for senior leadership.

Comparison Table: Job Requirements

Requirement	Description
Work Experience	1 year at FV-I/GS-13 level or higher
Citizenship	U.S. Citizens Only
Clearance	Secret Security Clearance Required
Education	No education substitution

Requirements

To be eligible for this position, you must have specialized experience equivalent to the next lower level in our federal pay scale. Your work history must clearly illustrate your capability to manage high-level policy issues and your professional knowledge of FAA mission functions.

Salary Overview

This position offers a competitive compensation package, with an annual salary range of $124,957 to $193,721, commensurate with experience and organizational guidelines.

Benefits

Working for the FAA means access to federal benefits, including robust health insurance, a competitive retirement pension, and a generous leave policy designed to support a healthy work-life balance.

Application Tips

Respect the Limit: Your resume must not exceed two pages. Brevity and clarity are key.
Align Your Experience: Explicitly map your previous work experience to the required qualifications listed in the announcement.
Stay Current: If you are an FAA employee, ensure your SF-50 is accurate and up-to-date in your application.

If you are ready to apply your expertise to the mission of aviation safety and excellence, we encourage you to submit your application by August 31, 2026. Join our team in Des Plaines and help shape the future of the skies.

Why This Program Manager (Senior Advisor) Job Matters

Shape the future of aviation policy as a Senior Advisor for the Federal Aviation Administration in the Great Lakes Region.

Program Manager (Senior Advisor) Job Overview

The Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) is seeking an experienced Program Manager to serve as a Senior Advisor within the Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration (ARA). Based in Des Plaines, Illinois, this pivotal role supports the Regional Administrator and Deputy Regional Administrator by providing high-level counsel on complex operational, policy, and strategic engagement initiatives. The successful candidate will act as a key liaison between the agency and internal/external stakeholders, including Congressional officials, aviation industry leaders, and the general public, while driving horizontal integration across regional programs.

Requirements for Program Manager (Senior Advisor)

Must be a U.S. citizen.
One year of specialized experience at the FV-I (or GS-13) level or equivalent.
Proficiency in FAA organizational policies, mission, and operational functions.
Ability to obtain and maintain a Secret security clearance.
Willingness to undergo pre-employment drug screening and participate in random drug/alcohol testing.
Must submit an SF-50 (Notification of Personnel Action) for verification of federal status if currently employed by the FAA.

Preferred Qualifications for Program Manager (Senior Advisor)

Proven experience representing an organization to Congressional and aviation community officials.
Demonstrated skill in managing complex environmental, noise, or airport capacity projects.
Experience in cross-functional team leadership and policy development.
Strong communication skills for drafting high-level briefings, speeches, and presentations.

Federal Benefits & Perks

✓Comprehensive health and life insurance options.
✓Generous federal retirement and pension plans.
✓Paid vacation, sick leave, and federal holidays.
✓Opportunities for professional development and training.
✓Flexible work arrangements, including telework eligibility.

💡 How to Apply Program Manager (Senior Advisor) Job & Insider Tips

Application Steps for Program Manager (Senior Advisor) Job

Register for a USAJOBS account if you do not have one.
Prepare a resume that is strictly limited to two pages.
Ensure your work history includes specific job titles, series, grades, hours worked, and start/end dates.
Apply online via the official FAA/USAJOBS portal.
Upload required documentation, including your SF-50 if currently an FAA employee.
Submit your application before the closing date of August 31, 2026.

💡 General Tips

Keep your resume to exactly two pages; additional pages may not be reviewed.
Be detailed: clearly map your experience to the specialized requirements listed in the announcement.
Check your application status regularly through the provided portal.
Resubmit your application if you make any changes to ensure the latest version is evaluated.
Include specific examples in your work history to substantiate your qualifications.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is a college degree required for this role?

No, there is no specific educational substitution for the required specialized experience for this position.

What level of security clearance is required?

The position requires a Non-Critical Sensitive (Secret) security clearance.

Does this role allow for remote work?

The position is telework eligible, but it is not a fully remote position.

What if I need a reasonable accommodation?

The FAA provides reasonable accommodations for applicants with disabilities. Please notify the hiring manager or the contact listed in the announcement to begin the process.

Is drug testing required?

Yes, this is a testing-designated position, and you will be subject to pre-employment screening and random testing.

Job from Federal Aviation Administration

The Office of National Engagement and Regional Administration (ARA) plays a critical role in the FAA. We are tasked with horizontal integration—ensuring that the agency's initiatives are cohesive, efficient, and well-understood by stakeholders. Our workforce consists of over 44,000 dedicated professionals, including engineers, scientists, and business leaders, all committed to the future of flight.