A homeland security professional will have to offer more than law enforcement and technical experience. They have to be able to handle crisis and potential risks… to be creative, a team player, committed to security, a problem solver… and to have empathy for the public they are protecting. They will have to possess the ability to get along with employees, other agencies, contractors, professional staff, media, law enforcement, and the American public. They must have the ability to work under pressure, to motivate, lead and take initiative in creating a secure environment for our homeland.
Vacancy announcements for TSA have included the personal characteristics desired in a Federal Security Director. Many of these personal characteristics are important for any homeland security position, and they should be covered in your resume and/or cover letter if possible.
Adaptability and the ability to work effectively with a wide range of people will be critical factors for the successful candidate. In addition, he/she must demonstrate the ability to establish and lead a highly motivated team, become immediately productive, and make valuable contributions by bringing the organization's current plans and assets to immediate parity with potential risks. In a crisis situation, the Federal Security Director (FSD) must be capable of working without relief through the crisis period.
The successful candidate will be a strong leader who is a quick study and understands how to manage a diverse group of field-operating assets with a responsible eye on efficiency and cost accountability. He/She will be a bright, creative, mature executive with excellent communication skills, both oral and written, and will be persuasive and able to influence with a true sense of urgency. In addition, he/she will be a team player with strong interpersonal skills and an ability to drive new concepts and ideas. The candidate must be passionate about and committed to aviation security.
The candidate must have demonstrated strategic leadership and the ability to rapidly drive sustained security and response capabilities while managing direct expenses. He/She will be a high energy self-starter with meaningful ambition to achieve personal growth and to demonstrate world-class security leadership.
The individual must understand the needs of each of the many airport constituents, including passengers, employees, airlines, concession operators, and local government. The FSD should be recognized as a valuable resource and "problem solver" embraced by all affected groups.
