Careers

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

The Vice President of Membership & Strategic Development will report directly to the Senior Vice President of External Affairs. The focus will be on strengthening relationships with AIA’s most significant member companies, recruiting new members to ensure AIA continues to reflect the A&D ecosystem, stabilizing the membership function during this transition, and positioning the team for long-term success. This includes direct engagement with member company executives, targeted new member recruitment, and day-to-day leadership of the Membership team.

A key part of the role will also be working with AIA’s Policy Vice Presidents and senior staff to make membership a shared responsibility across the association. The VP will assist AIA leadership as they consider major changes to the overall membership structure and benefits, helping to gather input, test ideas with members, and ensure that any transition is communicated clearly and effectively. Success in this highly visible role will require proactivity, exceptional relationship-building skills, and the charisma to engage senior executives, inspire confidence, and strengthen members’ connection to AIA.

The salary range for this role is $195,000 to $215,000 annually, with higher compensation commensurate with experience and qualifications.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership & Team Management

• Provide steady leadership to the Membership Department, ensuring clear roles and responsibilities for each team member.
• Streamline processes to improve responsiveness and effectiveness.
• Maintain a regular in-office presence (3+ days/week) to work directly with staff and colleagues.

Member Retention & Engagement

• Build and strengthen relationships with members and demonstrate follow-up on member feedback.
• Develop tailored engagement plans that connect members to AIA’s policy work, councils, and major events.
• Collaborate with Policy Vice Presidents to align initiatives with member priorities and demonstrate the value of engagement.

New Member Recruitment

• Identify and pursue new membership opportunities, particularly among new entrants and companies adjacent to the aerospace and defense sector.
• Develop and deliver compelling value propositions for prospective members.
• Support the President and senior leadership in outreach to target companies.

Coordination & Communication

• Strengthen communication between the Membership team and Policy divisions to ensure member concerns and opportunities are consistently addressed.
• Provide regular updates and strategic recommendations to the President and executive leadership team.
• Develop tracking tools and metrics to measure progress on retention and recruitment.
• Provide input to policy divisions to ensure member priorities are reflected in AIA’s advocacy and program planning.

Membership Structure & Benefits

• Support the President and senior leadership as AIA explores changes to the overall membership structure and dues model.
• Provide feedback based on member interviews, retention trends, and industry benchmarks.
• Help design and communicate transition strategies to ensure changes are understood and supported by the membership base.

Transition Objectives

• Stabilize the membership function during leadership transitions.
• Position the team for long-term success through strategic planning and operational improvements.
• Ensure continuity of member engagement, recruitment, retention, and sponsorship efforts.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Skills/Experience

• A minimum of five years in a senior management role in government, an association, or aerospace-related corporation.
• Working knowledge of the aerospace and defense industry.
• Ability to effectively market the vision, programs, and value of membership in AIA to maintain and increase membership, including reaching and/or expanding into new or untapped markets.
• A vision and the ability to translate that vision into programs that increase AIA membership, including reaching and/or expanding into new or emerging markets.
• Superb interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collegially with others and with the highest standards of integrity.
• Specific expertise in membership, business development, or customer service, including prior supervisory experience in a membership-based organization, association, or aerospace/defense-related corporation.
• Superb interpersonal skills and demonstrated ability to work collegially with others and with the highest standards of integrity.
• Demonstrated experience and success in the use of technology as a management tool.
• Adept in motivating teams, fostering a positive organizational culture and employee engagement.
• Experience in developing and managing departmental budgets.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in business, public policy, or aerospace-related fields preferred.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• 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 made 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. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy supports the Vice President for National Security Policy on all matters relating to Department of War procurement policy, including but not limited to, the Defense Federal Acquisition Regulation Supplement, contract management, commercial item procurement, and pricing policy matters. The incumbent represents AIA on these and related issues to AIA membership, outside organizations, the Pentagon, other executive branch agencies, and Congressional committees and member offices.

Building on their experience, judgment, and network, the incumbent works with and seeks input from AIA member companies, councils, and committees, and is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, proposing, and advocating for legislation, regulation, and policies concerning defense procurement; monitoring development and implementation of such rules; and other related areas.

Key Responsibilities:

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy serves as AIA’s primary defense contracting policy resource. The incumbent responds to inquiries from member companies, government officials, the public, and the press. These inquiries may range from general questions to highly technical requests requiring significant effort to assemble data and related background information. The incumbent also may prepare Congressional testimony on association positions for AIA leaders.

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy maintains regular contact with government officials and representatives of the Department of War, the Office of Management and Budget, other Executive Branch agencies, and other offices. The incumbent may accompany the Vice President for National Security Policy and other senior AIA leaders to meet with senior Administration officials, members of Congress and staff, AIA member company Chief Executive Officers and other executives, and other senior individuals in and out of government.

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy may be called upon to present AIA’s views orally and in writing to government and industry officials and to the media; to represent AIA in coalitions that are formed to present a unified approach on national security policy issues of mutual interest; and to represent AIA positions as a spokesperson at conferences and seminars. The incumbent will contribute articles and news items to AIA publications, highlighting issues and developments within the NSP division’s portfolio, and prepare summaries of such issues for use during AIA or outside meetings.

The Senior Director, Procurement Policy will support the Vice President for National Security Policy by leading and coordinating the activities of AIA’s acquisition-focused councils, committees and working groups, primarily the Acquisition Policy Council, Cost Principles Committee, Contract Management Committee, Commercial Items Working Group, and others.

The salary range for this role is $174,000 – $190,000.

Policy Leadership (40%)

• Representing AIA to all stakeholders across the federal contracting community.
• Leading AIA input to, comments on, and communications regarding defense procurement policy matters, including executive orders, regulatory actions, policy memoranda, and other guidance affecting defense procurement.
• Analyzing industry challenges and opportunities and synthesizing concepts and ideas coming from government contacts and AIA’s council, committee and working group activities into cohesive policy positions.

Collaboration & Advocacy (40%)

• Advocating for the association’s acquisition and procurement priorities and agenda in collaboration with internal AIA staff, including representatives from Communications, Legislative Affairs, International Affairs, Space Systems, and other divisions.
• Providing regular input and advisory support to the Washington Procurement Committee and informing AIA legislative goals and activities as it relates to defense acquisition and procurement matters.
• Building industry consensus among member companies on relevant and timely defense procurement topics and issues and serving as staff liaison to relevant internal and external groups.

Industry Activities (20%)

• Overseeing arrangements and content for periodic council and committee meetings (including developing the agenda, assembling background information and materials, arranging for speakers and other participants, and ensuring that minutes are prepared), and managing expenses associated with all council and committee meetings.
• Assisting with the planning and execution of major association events, including Executive Committee and Washington Representatives meetings and semi-annual Board of Governors meetings.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Skills/Experience

• The Senior Director, Procurement Policy must be a known and respected practitioner in the defense acquisition community, with focused experience in defense contracting policies and practices.
• The successful candidate will have a deep understanding of the U.S and international defense ecosystem, with a minimum of 12 years of experience in the Department of War, the U.S. Congress, a defense supplier, and/or a relevant trade association.
• The combination of both industry and Department of War experience is highly valued.
• The incumbent must have excellent writing, research, speaking ability, superior attention to detail, and be skilled at working within large groups with divergent views to build consensus.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree, preferred.
• Specialized acquisition credentials and certifications, and/or a Juris Doctor or Master’s degree with contracting, business, or national security concentration are preferred.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• 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 made 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. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

The Director for Emerging Aviation Technologies reports directly to Vice President, Civil Aviation. The position is responsible for developing strategic direction and priorities within assigned areas of focus and coordinating for industry consensus positions.

The primary focus of the position will be the modernization of air traffic system, integration of Advanced Air Mobility (AAM), autonomy, and AI into the national airspace system, highly efficient regulatory approaches to AAM product certification and risk-based decision making for aviation safety and security within innovative technologies.

As the voice of American aerospace and defense, AIA represents a diverse group of companies from tier one/prime OEMs and integrators to family-owned small businesses. This position works directly with all AIA staff to ensure AIA continues to represent core aerospace and defense companies.

AIA represents the nation’s leading manufacturers and suppliers of civil, military, and business aircraft, space systems, helicopters, as well as other aerospace products and services.

The salary range for this role is $125,000-$150,000.

Key Responsibilities:

Regulatory, Policy and Technology Management (40%)

• Responsible for addressing all efforts to modernize the nation’s air traffic control system, including the Brand New Air Traffic System. This position will be responsible for interfacing with the FAA/DOT, as well as any member company on this effort. Provide regular updates on the status of efforts to modernize, as well as identify areas for AIA to collaborate with other stakeholders to advance this effort.
• Responsible for addressing all issues that impact the design, manufacture, and operation of AAM aircraft, and for coordinating the association’s activities in these areas.
• Analyzes various trends, issues, areas of concern and emerging patterns pertaining to domestic and international manufacture and operation of AAM to provide insight into future developments and to anticipate the need for association positions and actions. These areas include economic and technical trends, flight safety and regulation, aircraft environmental performance, legislative initiatives, and R&D policy.
• Reviews and critiques available data including proprietary information, academic background and relevant studies, policies, and recommendations from other domestic and foreign industry sources.
• Initiates actions to develop other data, reports, or other material needed to substantiate positions.
• Contributes and authors articles and news items to the AIA newsletters and op-eds, highlighting issues and developments within own areas of expertise and responsibility.

Consensus Building, Member Interface and Coordination with Government (40%)

• Coordinates the activities of committees, subcommittees and working groups established to address U.S. and international policies and regulatory issues within area of focus. These committees and working groups formulate industry positions to be presented to U.S., foreign, and international agencies, bureaus and commissions, or respond to government inquiries dealing with special areas of concern that require industry input.
• Maintains liaison with senior policy level counterparts in member companies, U.S. and foreign governments, international organizations, other associations, and academia covering technical and legislative matters to define issues and focal points.
• Participates in seeking industry consensus; drafting and refining AIA’s positions on the various issues and topics under consideration and in making these viewpoints known to appropriate agency officials and relevant private sector organizations.

External Engagement (20%)

• Coordinates and leads industry coalitions relating to issues under the air traffic modernization priorities.
• Represents AIA at ICCAIA activities relating to airspace integration, and AAM.
• Represents AIA at various official gatherings, organizing and chairing sessions, speaking or serving as a panelist. Works with other organizations and trade groups to inform them of the AIA positions and to align policy positions.
• Coordinates with membership on external engagements to recruit potential AIA members.

Qualifications and Experience:

Desired Skills/Experience

• A minimum of five years’ prior experience in aerospace-related government, association, or corporation position.
• Experience with issues related to the development and regulation of ATC, AAM, or other aviation systems in civil aviation.
• Experience managing, developing, or advocating positions on issues related to advanced aviation systems, emerging technologies, or infrastructure.
• High-level communication and persuasive skills to communicate and coordinate consensus on civil aviation issues and policy concerns of our member companies.
• Ability to effectively communicate the vision, programs, and value of membership in AIA to maintain and increase membership, including reaching and/or expanding into new or untapped markets.
• Demonstrated strong written and oral communications skills.
• 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.
• Experience with or in US government agencies (FAA/DOT) and/or Congressional committees that oversee civil aviation issues.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation, aerospace, engineering, public policy, government or legislative affairs, or related fields or comparable work experience required.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• 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 made 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. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

The Aerospace Industries Association’s (AIA) communications team is a key driver of the organization’s advocacy and outreach strategy, sharing the story of how the aerospace and defense industry contributes to America’s safety, security, and economic success.

The Manager, Content and Communications is a central storyteller, editor, and content strategist for AIA. This role is responsible for shaping, developing, and maintaining AIA’s core written products — from executive speeches and long-form thought leadership to member-facing content and internal communications — ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment across audiences and platforms.

Working closely with AIA leadership, policy and legislative teams, membership, and internal operations, this position plays a critical role in translating complex policy priorities into compelling, accessible, and strategic content that advances AIA’s mission.

The salary range for this role is $65,000 – $73,000.

Key Responsibilities:

Strategic Content Development (30%)

• Lead AIA’s speechwriting efforts, including drafting, editing, and maintaining a centralized speech bank for senior leadership.
• Serve as chief editor for AIA’s long-form external products, including white papers, reports, policy explainers, and issue briefs developed by AIA’s policy teams.
• Draft and edit longer-form written products such as op-eds, long-form blog posts, CEO bylined articles, and other thought leadership content.
• Maintain and regularly update off-the-shelf talking points, messaging frameworks, and strategic narratives for use across the organization.
• Partner with policy and issue-area teams to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling content for external audiences.

Digital & Platform Content (25%)

• Serve as the day-to-day lead on drafting compelling social media content, including graphics and video as needed.
• Spearhead rapid social media response and ensure AIA stays current to the latest social media trends and strategies.
• Support development and execution of AIA’s social media content strategy in coordination with the Manager of Digital Assets.
• Update and maintain website copy to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with AIA priorities and messaging.
• Work with Coordinator, Communications and Legislative Affairs, to support these efforts.

Thought Leadership (15%)

• Identify, develop, and support thought leadership opportunities for AIA leadership and subject matter experts.
• Maintain and manage AIA’s editorial calendar, coordinating content priorities across communications, policy, and membership teams.
• Ensure alignment and consistency across written products, speeches, digital content, and media-facing materials.

Member-Facing & Internal Communications (15%)

• Partner with the membership team to support clear, engaging member-facing communications that explain AIA priorities and impact.
• Partner with HR to support an internal messaging strategy that informs, engages, and aligns staff.
• Help ensure consistency between internal, member-facing, and external messaging.

Media & Cross-Team Support (15%)

• Support drafting and editing of press releases and other media materials in coordination with the Senior Manager, Media Relations.
• Provide general communications support to policy and issue divisions, serving as a trusted writing, editing, and strategy resource.
• Work collaboratively across the communications team to advance AIA priorities, align messaging, and strengthen the organization’s voice.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with demonstrated experience producing long-form written content.
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible language.
• Strong customer service and interpersonal skills.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Minimum of four years in communications, legislative affairs, or trade association experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines.
• Understanding of public policy, advocacy, or trade association communications preferred; Capitol Hill experience a strong plus.
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail.
• Enthusiastic about the aerospace and defense industry.
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and collaborative editing tools; graphic design experience, including with Canva, is a plus.

Education

• Bachelor-level degree in communications, English, journalism, or related field or equivalent experience.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• 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 made 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. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.

To learn more about AIA, please visit: https://www.aia-aerospace.org/about-aia/

_____________________________________________________________________________________

Position Summary:

The Human Resources Specialist supports the day-to-day execution of AIA’s human resources and people operations functions, ensuring effective execution of HR programs, processes, and initiatives. In this role, you will manage the talent acquisition process, manage the annual internship program, and handle various administrative tasks within the human resources department. The Human Resources Specialist brings a customer service focus to creating a positive experience for all employees.

The ideal candidate is an organized, discreet, collegial, and solutions-oriented HR professional who demonstrates sound judgment and a strong commitment to service. The incumbent will work closely with the Vice President, Human Resources & People Operations to support departmental priorities and initiatives. Exceptional attention to detail and excellent written and verbal communication skills are essential for success in this role. The Human Resources Specialist must be able to effectively manage multiple priorities, shift between immediate and longer-term assignments, maintain accurate and well-organized records, and consistently meet changing deadlines. The Specialist also serves as a backup resource for designated payroll and benefits administration activities, ensuring continuity of these functions as needed.

This position reports to the Vice President, Human Resources & People Operations.

The salary range for this position is $72,000 – $77,000.

Key Responsibilities:

Talent Acquisition (50%)

• Perform routine tasks related to crafting vacancy announcements, managing job postings, and organizing interview schedules.
• Coordinate AIA’s in-house applicant tracking process, including collecting and reviewing resumes, conducting candidate pre-screens, triaging applicants, maintaining accurate candidate records, and tracking candidates through each stage of the recruitment process.
• Works collaboratively to onboard/offboard voluntary departing employees. Communicate requests for IT and accounting access, provide office tours for new hires.
• Coordinate all aspects of the annual internship program, including recruitment, maintaining communication with interns and host organizations, arranging external field trips, and organizing welcome and farewell activities.
• Maintain accurate and current job descriptions, coordinating updates as needed to support organizational and regulatory requirements.

Coordinate Administrative Functions of the Human Resources Department (50%)

• Support the ongoing review and maintenance of the Employee Handbook to ensure policies and procedures remain current and aligned with applicable federal, state, and local requirements.
• Coordinate the administration of annual employee engagement and pulse surveys, employee referral and recognition programs, including the purchase, tracking, and distribution of gift cards.
• Research workplace trends and benchmark data related to workforce practices and summarize findings for HR leadership.
• Maintain HR dashboards and recurring workforce reports, compile HR metrics, validate data accuracy, and prepare information for review by HR leadership.
• Provide ongoing administrative support for AIA’s internal AI-powered HR resource, including maintaining approved HR content and identifying information requiring updates.
• Provide operational support to the payroll department by serving as a backup for the bi-weekly payroll process.
• Maintain the HR training calendar and coordinate meetings and training sessions, including agenda preparation, logistics management, and follow‑up on HR action items.
• Prepare and distribute the monthly HR newsletter highlighting key AIA updates, upcoming events, milestones, achievements, or upcoming initiatives.
• Participate in special projects, focus groups, and other assignments as needed.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• Minimum of 3 years of human resource experience.
• Solid understanding of labor legislation, payroll processes, and HRIS systems like Paylocity.
• Ability to identify routine technical or operational issues, resolve matters within established procedures, and escalate or recommend solutions when appropriate.
• Organized, quick learner, attentive to details, ability to independently prioritize, multitask projects and duties with minimal supervision while ensuring work is completed promptly.
• Strong oral and written communication skills (concise, timely, positive nature).
• Gather and process information independently. Organize useful documentation that is self-reviewed and well-thought out.
• Native understanding and extensive work within the Microsoft Office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project, SharePoint) is required.
• Ability to work under time pressure to meet deadlines and capability to quickly flex to changes in priorities. In addition, be flexible where extra hours are needed without always being asked.
• Strong interpersonal skills with ability to maintain effective working relationships with staff and external parties (vendors, consultants, etc.). Customer centricity is a must.
• Creative self-starter with strong initiative and natural desire to take ownership to contribute to the broader team.
• Experience working on cross-functional teams.
• Motivated, “can-do” attitude.
• Ability to handle confidential information with professionalism, maturity, and trust is required.

Desired Skills/Experience

• Proficient writing skills, including the ability to develop background and talking points quickly and in a concise manner, are sought after.
• Proficient in modern HR and productivity tech stacks, including tools such as Microsoft Copilot, Smartsheet, and ATS platforms.
• Demonstrates curiosity about emerging HR trends, with a growth mindset and a willingness to innovate, experiment, and continuously learn.

Education

• Associate’s degree in Human Resources, Business Administration, or related field is a plus.

To Apply, please send the following documents to [email protected]:

• 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 made 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. Military service valued, including those still serving in the National Guard or Reserve.