Senior Manager, Civil Aviation

Position Summary:

As the voice of American aerospace and defense, AIA represents 95% of the aerospace and defense  manufacturing interests in the U.S. Membership is comprised of a diverse group of companies from tier one/prime OEMs and integrators to family-owned small businesses who provide the systems, parts, materials, products, and services for commercial, military, and business aircraft, space systems, helicopters, and emerging markets such as Advanced Air Mobility.

The Senior Manager for Civil Aviation reports to AIA’s Vice President for Civil Aviation and works directly with the two Senior Directors in the Civil Division, as well as with a broad range of colleagues across AIA. The Senior Manager is responsible for supporting and advancing a broad range of priorities within the Civil Aviation portfolio to include safety and certification, air traffic modernization, emerging technologies, and sustainability to name a few. The Senior Manager will also be involved with relevant engineering and technical issues that impact or are expected to impact the aerospace industry. The Senior Manager will bring their technical, organizational, political, and business acumen to bear in anticipating and/or resolving issues associated with current and future aerospace systems, products, and operations. 

The Senior Manager will provide advice and recommendations on technical, operational, and regulatory implications of domestic and international policy initiatives that impact the aerospace manufacturing industry. The Senior Manager will manage content and membership of relevant Civil Aviation Councils, Committees, and Working Groups (CCWGs). These bodies may take the initiative to formulate positions to be presented to the U.S. government, international bodies, and other industries. The Senior Manager is expected to foster an environment of teamwork, professionalism, and collaboration.

The median compensation for this position is $85,000.

Key Responsibilities: 

Regulatory, Policy and Technology Management (40%)

• The Senior Manager is responsible for anticipating and/or monitoring issues and policies that affect the design, certification, and manufacturing of traditional and emerging aircraft and operations.
• The Senior Manager will provide input and support on broad industry issues related to commercial aviation such as supply chain, spectrum, automation, and AI. This support includes strategic initiatives such as policy formulation, economic, and technical trends, flight safety and regulation, aircraft environmental performance, legislative initiatives, and R&D policy. 
• The Senior Manager will support the development of new policies, positions, and ideas to advance advocacy and respond to significant government legislation and regulatory changes on behalf of the commercial aviation industry.
• The Senior Manager will proactively stay updated in their field(s) of expertise and  will be expected to conduct seminars, webinars, and other events to facilitate education/awareness among AIA staff and members.

Member Engagement, Cross Government/Industry Coordination, Interpersonal Skills (40%)

• The Senior Manager works closely within the Civil Aviation team and with other internal departments and staff; in conjunction with the Vice President and the Senior Directors, the Senior Manager provides focus for all aspects of civil aviation efforts, which may overlap other functional departments within the association.
• The Senior Manager proactively builds partnerships external to AIA, including those with AIA members, relevant USG interests to include Congressional staff, FAA/DOT and other CAAs, industry stakeholders, other trade associations, and multi-lateral and other international organizations through CCWGs and other forums.
• The Senior Manager is seen as a trusted partner internally and externally by engaging with others, developing quality products, and demonstrating accountable behaviors.
• The Senior Manager participates in seeking industry alignment; drafting and refining AIA's positions on the various issues and topics under consideration and in making these viewpoints known to appropriate relevant officials.
• The Senior Manager is responsible for agendas, clear objectives, participation in meetings and other interactions; this often will include assisting in budget preparation, site selection, meeting arrangements, generation of background materials, and minutes of proceedings.
• The Senior Manager serves as a key resource to AIA and other departments in issues beyond civil aviation (i.e., AIA events)

External Engagement (20%)

• The Senior Manager works with the Vice President and Senior Directors to identify opportunities for AIA participation to optimize industry’s voice; prepare for panels and moderates discussions at high-level aviation summits and conferences; serves as an industry representative on government advisory boards and committees.  
• The Senior Manager develops partnerships with individuals and organizations who are key stakeholders in commercial aviation.
• The Senior Manager represents U.S. manufacturing positions in multi-lateral and international forum.
• The Senior Manager works proactively with other AIA divisions, especially Legislative Affairs and Communications to advance civil aviation priorities, issues, and campaigns.

Minimum Requirements: 

• Bachelor’s degree in aerospace, engineering, a technology discipline, math, or other related technical areas; an advanced degree or other additional education is desirable
• A  minimum of 5-8 years prior experience in aerospace
• Experience with or in US government agencies (FAA/DOT) and/or Congressional committees that oversee civil aviation issues preferred.
• Experience managing, developing, or advocating positions on issues related to aviation/aerospace systems, emerging technologies, or infrastructure. A thorough understanding of civil aviation policy and regulation is preferred.
• Strong written and oral communications skills with the ability to write or oversee technical briefs, advocacy papers, and comments on rulemaking activities.
• Demonstrated proficiency and experience in customer service with high standards of timeliness and responsiveness. 
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative environment where teamwork, collegiality, and self-motivation are necessary for success.

To Apply, please send the following documents to jobs@aia-aerospace.org:

• Resume
• Cover Letter

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be provided to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to non-discrimination regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression, veteran status, or any other status protected by applicable law.