Director, Aviation Policy

JOB SUMMARY:

The Director, Aviation Policy, is responsible for assisting in the formulation, development, coordination, and advancement of the organization's public policy positions on matters affecting General Aviation.

The position serves to help shape the organization's overall aviation policy agenda. The Director is responsible for identifying emerging policy issues, evaluating legislative and regulatory proposals, developing policy recommendations, and advancing initiatives that protect and promote the interests of General Aviation pilots, aircraft owners, airports, and the broader aviation community.

Reporting directly to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy, the Director works collaboratively with the legislative and regulatory affairs teams within the Government Affairs department, and others, to develop policy priorities and support the organization's legislative, regulatory, and advocacy efforts.

The position requires an experienced aviation policy professional capable of independently researching complex issues, formulating policy solutions, developing recommendations, proposed solutions, and influencing organizational priorities.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Identify emerging aviation policy issues, evaluate their potential impact, and recommend appropriate responses.

Develop policy positions, recommendations, white papers, and issue briefs.

Develop practical policy solutions addressing challenges facing the General Aviation community.

Provide policy guidance and recommendations to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy and other senior organizational leadership.

Assist in establishing short- and long-term policy priorities that advance the organization's mission and represent the interests of its members.

Lead the development of organizational policy positions on matters affecting public-use airports.

Identify opportunities and develop solutions to address issues involving federal grant assurance enforcement and airport compliance.

Coordinate with legislative and regulatory affairs teams within Government Affairs on priorities and advocacy strategies.

Provide substantive policy research, analysis, and recommendations to support legislative and regulatory advocacy efforts.

Conduct research and analysis on aviation policy issues and emerging industry trends.

Develop data-driven recommendations to support organizational policy positions.

Prepare briefings, presentations, reports, and background materials.

Provide policy expertise and recommendations to the Senior Vice President of Government Affairs and Advocacy and other senior organizational leadership.

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, Public Policy, Political Science, Public Administration, Business Administration, or a related field.

Minimum of 8–10 years of progressively responsible professional experience in aviation/airport policy or a related field.

Demonstrated knowledge of General Aviation and issues affecting aircraft owners, pilots, airports, and the broader aviation industry.

Experience developing policy recommendations and analyzing legislative and regulatory proposals.

Strong understanding of the FAA's role, responsibilities, and regulatory authority.

Knowledge of federal aviation statutes, regulations, and policies affecting General Aviation.

Familiarity with airport development, Airport Improvement Program funding, FAA grant assurances, and airport compliance requirements.

Understanding of federal, state, and local government processes and their impact on aviation policy.

Knowledge of aviation infrastructure, airport access, airspace, and General Aviation industry issues.

Ability to interpret complex legislation, regulations, and policy proposals and translate them into practical organizational recommendations.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Advanced degree in a relevant discipline preferred.

Experience working for or with an aviation trade association, airport association, government agency, or aviation advocacy organization.

Experience with airport policy, airport infrastructure, airport funding, or airport preservation strongly preferred.

Familiarity with airport advocacy and federal Airport Improvement Program policies.

Private Pilot License.

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position works in an office setting.

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break.

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces if in a general aviation aircraft.

This position requires some travel, up to 10% of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit.

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands of this position are typical of a standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to:

Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.

Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.

Communicate effectively via email, phone, and in-person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.

Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 25 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.

Occasionally stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:

This position is located at AOPA’s Washington, D.C., office.

The annual salary for this position is: $115,000 - $125,000, depending on education and experience.

BENEFIT INFORMATION:

Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient)

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

Flexible Spending Plans

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants)

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)

Work From Home Fridays

Paid Parental Leave

AOPA Membership

Employee Assistance Program

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts)

Gym Reimbursement Program

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

Tuition Reimbursement Program

Discount on AOPA swag

Business casual dress code

Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa