The Air Traffic Organization (ATO) has 35,000 controllers, technicians, engineers, and support personnel whose daily efforts keep aircraft safe, separated, and on time. Air Traffic Services provides safe, secure, and efficient management for the National Airspace System and international airspace assigned to U.S. control. We are responsible for more than 5 million square miles of airspace in the U.S. and more than 24 million square miles over oceans.
Duties
The Director of Strategic Operations oversees the management of field operations across air traffic facilities throughout the Eastern, Western, and Central Service Areas. The Director oversees current processes, policies, and orders to ensure field understanding and compliance; assesses operational needs and coordinates with other lines of business to develop solutions; ensures the safe and efficient integration of new technologies and procedures; and promotes fiscal accountability as related to labor resources and financial obligations.
The Director has direct line authority over approximately 64 staff members, including 12 senior managers, who assure adherence to policies and standards and risk mitigation in the National Airspace System (NAS), interface with external stakeholders regarding air traffic operations and policies, and oversee federal contract towers. The incumbent manages a budget of approximately $11 million.
Principal Responsibilities
- Oversees the implementation and development of national policies and standards of en route and terminal air traffic control (ATC) operations, including implementing new technologies. Acts as the focal point for air traffic services operation needs domestically and internationally.
- Provides input on NAS Architecture for the development of operational concepts and collaborates across Service Units to resolve ATC concerns.
- Provides executive leadership, direction, and guidance in preparing and managing the cumulative impact of NAS modernization and new entrant changes and the related effect of these changes on the air traffic operational workforce.
- Provides oversight of federal contract tower operations, requirements, and weather certification.
- Solves complex operational problems and develops new, more efficient air traffic control systems and services. Collaborates across service units to resolve field concerns and support initiatives across the NAS, including new hardware, software, airspace, and procedures designs in Terminal, Tower, and En Route operational environments.
- Provides policy guidance for new NAS initiatives consistent with established operational goals and objectives.
- Leads field facilities in operational integration planning for NextGen and emerging technologies. Develops and executes plans to realign and consolidate air traffic control facilities and services.
- Exercises delegated authority to make commitments on behalf of the Deputy Vice President, Air Traffic Services and represents the FAA in meetings and forums.
