VP, Airports/State Advcy

Summary: 

Provide leadership and direction for the development and execution of Association policy relating to advocacy on behalf of AOPA’s membership at state and local levels.  Direct management responsibility for principal ongoing programs/initiatives, including Airport protection and the Airport Support Network, State and local legislative and regulatory advocacy, and the Regional Representatives.  Directly responsible for developing and implementing strategy and policy initiatives in support of AOPA member needs on state issues.  Initiate and/or oversee development of activities and resources that enhance AOPA’s advocacy on behalf of members.

Primary Responsibilities:

• Provide strategic and tactical leadership to the Airports and State Advocacy Team. Foster innovation, independent thinking and initiative in a cross-trained team that continues to effectively protect and advance member interests on a variety of airport related issues and state legislative initiatives.  Ensure appropriate and timely responses to all member/government/aviation community inquiries.
• Develop AOPA policies and implement effective advocacy strategies on airport and state issues.  This will often include the need to coordinate the involvement and support of other AOPA resources and departments.
• Direct and oversee the work of AOPA Regional Representatives and over 2,000 Airport Support Network Volunteers.
• Develop and maintain relationships of trust for AOPA with state elected officials and aviation leaders, appropriate federal agencies, state and local pilot association groups, and other aviation industry leaders.
• Budget development, oversight, and monitoring. 

Desired Education, Skills & Experience

• Bachelor’s degree in related field; advanced degree preferred or equivalent. 
• At least ten years’ management experience.
• Previous experience in the aviation industry, preferably in general aviation. 
• Experience working with government agencies.
• Aviation-savvy individual with knowledge and understanding of general aviation issues.
• Extensive knowledge of Federal airport programs and airport issues.
• Private Pilot’s License
• Knowledge of and experience with FAA airport rules and regulations.

Additional Information: 

This position is located at Washington, D.C. office and is not eligible for remote status. 

The salary range for this position is: $158,000 - $185,000 depending on education and experience. 

Benefit Information:

Flight Training (learn to fly for free) & Flight Proficiency Program 

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents the 1st of the month following their start date 

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (only if choosing the HDHP medical plan) 

401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution 

Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up  

Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during first year (accruals increase based on tenure) 

Paid Holidays: 12 holidays 

Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date) 

Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)  

Paid Parental Leave  

AOPA Membership 

Employee Assistance Program 

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts) 

Gym Reimbursement Program 

Flexible Spending Plans 

Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) 

Tuition Reimbursement Program  

Business casual dress code 

Salary : $158,000 - $185,000