Superintendent, USMMA

Superintendent, United States Merchant Marine Academy

Job Announcement Number:MARAD.SES-2012-0002

$119,554.00 to $179,700.00 / Per Year

OPEN PERIOD:February 13, 2012 to March 28, 2012

JOB SUMMARY:

The Superintendent is the senior official responsible for providing vision, leadership, management, and direction for all United States Merchant Marine Academy (USMMA) activities.

Major responsibilities include:

· Ensuring a strong and productive academic program that delivers well qualified graduates for the merchant marine;

· Providing a safe and effective academic environment that addresses the needs of the students and faculty;

· Developing and maintaining a vision for the USMMA's capital assets and long term needs; and

· Maintaining strong financial and operational controls that demonstrate prudent use of the resources.

The Superintendent of the U.S. Merchant Marine Academy is responsible for overseeing the development of scholastic standards which encourage the intellectual, professional growth and physical well-being of midshipmen, and effective and economical operation of the Academy's facilities. The Superintendent has a profound impact on the Academy's ability to educate and train individuals to be highly qualified licensed merchant marine officers inspired to sail on vessels of the United States.



DESIRABLE QUALIFICATIONS:

· Demonstrated experience in leading large and complex organizations to ensure that the Academy provides the highest standard of maritime education, excellence, best practices, and learning gained either through academic, corporate, high-level government positions, or military service.

· The candidate should be familiar with the accrediting requirements of the Middle States Association of Schools and Colleges.

· An understanding of and experience working with Federal government processes and the underlying principles and structure of the government.

· Experience in training and developing leaders to succeed in today’s changing work environment.

DUTIES:

The Superintendent leads the Academy in the daily execution of its missions and functions and reports directly to the Maritime Administrator. As Superintendent, you will provide executive leadership, planning, direction, and coordination for all operational and administrative activities relating to the support of the Academy, including the formulation and development of plans, policies, procedures and standards to govern the operations of the Academy.

Provide professional management expertise and staff support to the Maritime Administrator in developing the strategic direction and implementing activities that are essential to ensuring that the Academy continues to meet its legislative mission.

Maintain an effective academic program to motivate midshipmen to serve, upon graduation, in the U.S. Maritime industry and/or as Reserve Officers in the U.S. Armed Forces. Ensure the academic program is designed to develop young people to become future leaders of America.

Lead by example, direct, and supervise an administrative team of professionals and ensure their work is accurate, thorough and meets all applicable Federal standards, policies, and guidelines. This includes promoting an inclusive work environment free of discrimination and providing opportunities for all employees to work to their full potential.

Direct the work of Academy staff and activities including:

· formulating the administrative operations for the support of the Academy;

· developing necessary organizational policies and procedures to build on current staffing to attract and maintain a strong leadership team as well as create a strong, unified staff;

· engaging with internal stakeholders on budget plans including formulation and implementation to advance the Academy’s objectives as well as being responsible for fiscal management that complies with all laws, and rules;

· preparing standards, objectives, policies, and procedures within the framework of relevant Federal legislation, regulations, and polices; and

· assessing the overall effectiveness, efficiency and productivity of agency operations.

Evaluate the appropriateness of existing strategies and plans in light of legislation or changes to the Academy’s policy or philosophical direction, and effectively adjust plans, goals, actions or priorities. The work requires innovative ways of assimilating input from a variety of stakeholders, who possibly have conflicting views and interests, and develops and initiates varied approaches and strategies.

Establish and maintain effective communications within USMMA, the Office of the Secretary, Operating Administrations, and outside groups, such as alumni organizations, advisory boards, Congressional boards and local community leaders.

Identify and implement management improvements and cost avoidance, reduction and enhanced efficiencies.

Promote diversity in the workforce by supporting EEO and diversity efforts through effective leadership and actions.



QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED:

As a basic requirement for entry into the Senior Executive Service (SES), you must show in your resume evidence of progressively responsible leadership experience that is indicative of senior executive level management capability; and that is directly related to the skills and abilities outlined under the Technical Qualifications and Executive Core Qualifications listed below. TECHNICAL QUALIFICATIONS (TQs):

1. Demonstrated executive level experience commensurate with the management and organizational leadership functions of a post secondary education administrator.

2. Demonstrated executive level experience effectively communicating and collaborating with internal and external stakeholders to build support for key Departmental and Academy objectives.



EXECUTIVE CORE QUALIFICATIONS (ECQs):

ECQ 1 - LEADING CHANGE: This core qualification involves the ability to bring about strategic change, both within and outside the organization, to meet organizational goals, as well as the ability to establish an organizational vision and to implement it in a continuously changing environment.

ECQ 2 - LEADING PEOPLE: This core qualification involves the ability to lead people toward meeting the organization's vision, mission, and goals, as well as the ability to provide an inclusive workplace that fosters the development of others, facilitates cooperation and teamwork, and supports constructive resolution of conflicts.

ECQ 3 - RESULTS DRIVEN: This core qualification involves the ability to meet organizational goals and customer expectations, as well as the ability to make decisions that produce high-quality results by applying technical knowledge, analyzing problems, and calculating risks.

ECQ 4 - BUSINESS ACUMEN: This core qualification involves the ability to manage human, financial, and information resources strategically.

ECQ 5 - BUILDING COALITIONS: This core qualification involves the ability to build coalitions internally and with other Federal agencies, State and local governments, nonprofit and private sector organizations, foreign governments, or international organizations to achieve common goals.



CONDITIONS OF EMPLOYMENT: If selected for this position, you will be required to:

· Complete a one-year SES probationary period (unless already completed).

· Complete a Confidential Financial Disclosure report, OGE-450. You will need to provide the information annually.


· SECURITY CLEARANCE: This position requires a secret clearance. Selectee must possess or be able to obtain this level of clearance.

· HOUSING: Selectee will be required to live on Academy grounds in assigned housing and pay rent as the Superintendent.

· CITIZENSHIP: Applicants must be a citizen of (or owe allegiance to) the United States of America. New appointees must present proof of identity and eligibility to work in the United States.

· DRUG TESTING: Selectee will be required to submit to a urinalysis to screen for illegal drug use prior to appointment and randomly testing thereafter.

· FINANCIAL DISCLOSURE: Selectee is subject to the Department’s standards of conduct and will be required to file an Executive Public Financial Disclosure Report (SF-278) upon appointment in accordance with the Ethics in Government Act of 1978.

OTHER INFORMATION:

Veterans' preference does not apply to the Senior Executive Service.

HOW TO APPLY:

The application process used to recruit for this position is RESUME ONLY. Within your resume, you should address all of the ECQ's and the Technical Qualifications. Application packages must be received online no later than 11:59pm Eastern Time on the closing date of the announcement.

· To begin, click the Apply Online button on the job announcement posting.

· Create an account or log in to your existing USAJOBS account.

· Upload your resume and supporting documents.

If you are having difficulty applying online, please contact the DOT Automated Staffing Office during regular business hours (8:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m. ET) at (202) 366-1298. You may also email us at Transjobs@dot.gov.

REQUIRED DOCUMENTS:

The following documents must be provided by the close date:

· COVER LETTER: You may submit a cover letter with a maximum of 3 pages. In the cover letter, please provide an executive summary addressing the ECQs and Technical Qualifications.

· RESUME: You must submit a resume which cannot exceed five (5) pages.

· SF-50: Current & former Federal employees should submit an SF-50 which shows your current (or most recent grade.)

· Current Career Senior Executives and individuals with SES reinstatement eligibility must submit a copy of an SF-50 which shows career SES status

· CANDIDATE DEVELOPMENT PROGRAM CERTIFICATE: Individuals who have successfully completed an Office of Personnel Management (OPM) approved SES Candidate Development Program, submit a copy of your OPM certificate.

Failure to submit any of the required documents by the closing date of the announcement will result in your removal from consideration for this position.

AGENCY CONTACT INFO:

Automated Staffing Office
Phone: 202-366-1298
Fax: 571-258-4052
Email: TRANSJOBS@dot.gov

Agency Information:
OPM Human Resources Division
Submit Application and Documents Online
1200 New Jersey Ave SE / HAHR - 50
Washington, DC
20590
US
Fax: 571-258-4052

They probably should put a few caveats in this job announcement as well:
" The interested applicant should be prepared for:

• Endless bickering from various competing constituencies
• lack of support from direct supervisors
• muddled missions which provide little or no clarity to long term improvement of the organization
• lack of resources to correct key physical deficiencies"

The "merry-go-round" that has been the USMMA Superintendent's office for the last 5 years is a real disgrace. I hope they get a solid performer who can lead the school to prominence, but I think that the hash that the Transportation Department and the Maritime Administration have created really makes it hard to imagine a dynamic leader putting themselves thru this.Clearly it can be accomplished- for example Admiral Crane really led a renaissance across the Bridge at Ft Schuyer (NY Maritime), but it took a lot more than a year and he wasn't saddled with the disfunctional MarAd to battle. Good luck to USMMA in this search- they need someone good to take this position on.

Did I miss familiarity with the Maritime industry, flag officer rank, strong industry contacts, Academy graduate? What are they thinking? Or is this just a ruse to put another puppet in place to do the bidding of the incompetent players at MARAD? Given the recent history, who in their right mind would throw their hat in the ring? Let's hope there's someone out there with credentials similar to Adm. Greene and a lot of guts that's willing to step up. And what took them so long to post this???????

Could it be they actually have found a candidate? To me that would explain the timing of the announcement and date perimeters of the application process.

Qualifications

The absence of any positive leadership at the USMMA is placing the lives of our children at risk. I have heard the current acting superintendent speak twice and he is not at all capable of running the institution. Maybe he is a good dean but he does not have the vision, leadership, or management skills to run a school like the academy. I have read several of his emails and read a few of his letters and other than being grammatically correct they are insulting, derogatory, demeaning, and appear to indicate a frightened author with low self esteem and an inflated ego. I have also heard the chief of staff speak and actually met him and he too is completely unprepared to be the director of staff. What is worse is if my sources are correct the current acting superintendent advocated that the current funds allocated to improve the electric service at the school be reassigned to simulators. After the close call with the carbon monoxide he wants to risk a horrible electric fire! He is completely irresponsible and unworthy of continuing in any capacity. The Secretary needs to appoint someone at least temporarily to govern the daily operation just as he did at Marad making the administrator a figure head. The acting superintendent is a danger to others and needs to only attend meetings, take photos, and solicit donations. A temporary executive needs to step in and take control before there are injuries or worse. It cannot wait for a new superintendent to be appointed and the acting one needs to go.

Wow, after all this time.

I too am amazed that it has taken so long for this job to post. hey, what's the hurry? Our DS has had 4 Supes in 4 years. I was hoping we'd have someone in place for graduation which by the way, is in 124 days. But who's counting.

nmlcfp said:

I too am amazed that it has taken so long for this job to post. hey, what's the hurry? Our DS has had 4 Supes in 4 years. I was hoping we'd have someone in place for graduation which by the way, is in 124 days. But who's counting.

Click to expand...

Actually, I'm hoping the position isn't filled and they get Admiral Greene to come back and give out the diplomas ... or better yet perhaps Administrator Matsuda could do it and we could see how many of our sons refuse to shake his hand.

It is safe to say that the controversy with regard to Superintendents is nothing new. I seem to recall a plane pulling a banner at my graduation with a special message for the sitting Superintendent at that time.

And Jasperdog, quit making me look for the "like" button. . . . .