Careers

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

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Position Summary:

The Senior Director of Legislative Affairs supports development of the Association’s legislative program, communication of the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry’s concerns and priorities to Congress, support for AIA events and informational sessions on Capitol Hill, and apprising AIA members of congressional actions and their impacts to the A&D industry. The position is responsible for monitoring and reporting on pending legislation affecting the industry on a broad range of aerospace and defense issues, recommending and implementing AIA positions and strategies in their regard, and advocating those positions before Congress. The Senior Director will manage the AIA legislative team and their work in the absence of the Vice President, Legislative Affairs. It is expected that this position will involve registration and reporting as a federal lobbyist, as required by law, but not registration as a lobbyist before any state.

Key Responsibilities:

This position reports directly to the Vice President, Legislative Affairs, and provides legislative support to more than one AIA policy division. Core duties and responsibilities are as follows:

• Monitors Congressional activity pertaining to defense and international activities and regulatory actions stemming from legislative initiatives. Provides timely feedback to AIA members; and recommends AIA positions and strategies for AIA’s legislative advocacy.
• Represents AIA at regular meetings of industry and agencies on specific legislative and regulatory activities. Arranges congressional briefings and coordinates industry presentations and responses with member company representatives.
• Develops and maintains strong working relationships with Congressional staff and Members of Congress; meets regularly with Congressional Members and staff, both independently and with others.
• Works closely with AIA member senior-level company representatives, industry coalitions, and other associations to develop, promulgate and advance industry positions. Serves as the coordinating director for Washington Procurement and International Legislative Committee activities.
• Coordinates with other staff and assists in preparation of AIA activities at internal and external strategic calendar events.  May include international air shows, AIA Board of Governors meetings, Congressional briefings or receptions, and other events as needed.
• Reviews and contributes to articles, blogs, reports, electronic communications, and other written materials reporting on legislation and advancing industry positions.
• Drafts Congressional testimony and statements/letters for the record to be presented by AIA executives, and coordinates AIA’s Congressional hearing activities to ensure successful and responsive presentations.
• Leads the legislative staff in the absence of the VP, Legislative Affairs.

Qualifications and Experience:

Experience Required

• Minimum of 6 years’ experience on Capitol Hill or 8 years of relevant legislative experience (international trade and/or defense experience preferred).
• In-depth and demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative process;
• Excellent interpersonal, research, and communications skills (verbal and written); and
• Proven skills in making presentations before small and large groups.
• Ability to execute work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Proven ability to consistently make sound judgments.
• Ability to coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Proficient in applicable technology programs and applications.
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative environment while developing and maintaining positive work relationships.       

Educational Requirement

• Four-year college degree required; degree in political science or related concentration preferred.
• 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

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

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Position Summary:

Looking to join a leading organization that serves as the voice of the American aerospace and defense industry? The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) located in Rosslyn, VA has been the voice of the A&D sector for over 100 years. AIA is dedicated to shaping policy that strengthens the industry’s ability to improve the safety of air transportation, drive innovation, and ensure a vibrant industrial base.

AIA is seeking a dynamic and experienced Senior Director and Director of The American Rocketry Challenge (ARC).

The American Rocketry Challenge is the world’s largest rocket contest and the aerospace and defense industry’s signature STEM program, with nearly 5,000 students nationwide competing annually. The contest provides students in 6th – 12th grades the opportunity to design, build, and launch model rockets and gain hands-on experience solving engineering problems. To learn more about the American Rocketry Challenge, as well as the Aerospace Industries Association and National Association of Rocketry, please visit https://rocketcontest.org/about/

The Senior Director will play a crucial role in leading ARC initiatives by overseeing the strategic planning, implementation, and evaluation of the program. They will proactively evaluate program impact by capturing key metrics and take actions towards improvement when necessary. The Senior Director is responsible for cultivating partnerships and maintaining relationships with key stakeholders to secure funding for the program. Other responsibilities include prepare and manage the program’s budget, represent the organization at conferences, workshops, and other events to promote ARC initiatives, and supervise a staff of two (Director, American Rocketry Challenge and Coordinator, American Rocketry Challenge & Program Outreach). This position reports to the Vice President, Communications.

The American Rocketry Challenge Director will act as liaison for the American Rocketry Challenge with organizations and individuals including registered teams, AIA member companies, academic institutions, associations, Congressional staff, the National Association of Rocketry, NASA, the Department of Defense, consultants, and AIA staff. The Director will manage all event planning related to the program in partnership with the National Association of Rocketry, including the National Finals and International Rocketry Challenge, and manage year-round internship program. This position reports to the Senior Director, American Rocketry Challenge.

Minimum Requirements:

• Native understanding and extensive work within the Microsoft Office environment (Outlook, Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Project planning programs, SharePoint) is required.
• Experience with SurveyMonkey Apply is a significant plus.
• Excellent communication skills conveying key messages to large groups in writing and in-person.
• Demonstrated ability to effectively communicate and collaborate with individuals across various levels of the association’s hierarchy within a diverse organization.
• 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.
• Ability to independently prioritize, multi-task duties, and collaborate across AIA. In addition, possesses well-developed interpersonal and time management skills.

Desired Skills/Experience:

• An Associate or Bachelor’s degree, or equivalent experience is preferred
• Experience as a project or program manager or in corporate social responsibility preferred.
• Experience in and passion for STEM education and Diversity, Equity, and Inclusion programs.

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 diversity, equity, and inclusion regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

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

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Position Summary:

The Director, Industrial Base Policy supports the Vice President for National Security Policy on all matters relating to DOD industrial policy and procurement, and represents AIA on these and related issues to AIA membership, outside organizations, the Department of Defense (DOD) and other executive branch agencies, and Congressional committees and member offices.

The Director, Industrial Base Policy engages with AIA staff, member companies, councils, and committees, and is responsible for monitoring, analyzing, proposing, and advocating policies concerning defense industrial policy and procurement-related practices, the implementation of relevant regulations and legislation and their implementation, and other related areas.

Core Duties:

The Director, Industrial Base Policy reports directly to the Vice President for National Security Policy.  The incumbent maintains regular contact with government officials and representatives of the Department of Defense (primarily the Office of the Secretary of Defense, including the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, the military service Secretariats, and other defense agencies) and other Executive Branch agencies and 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 CEOs and other executives, and other senior individuals in and out of government.

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

The Director, Industrial Base Policy may be called upon to present the Association’s views orally and in writing to government and industry officials and to the media; to represent the Association 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. They will contribute articles and news items to AIA publications, highlighting issues and developments falling within the NSP division’s domain, and prepare summaries of such issues for use during AIA or outside meetings.

The Director, Industrial Policy will support the Vice President for National Security Policy by monitoring developments and initiatives within the national security community and the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) to ensure that AIA’s awareness and advocacy are integrated, comprehensive and consistent. They will focus on the objectives driven by the National Defense Strategy’s emphasis on Great Power Competition and innovation – such as supply chain security, assured access to materials and resources, and advanced technology (artificial intelligence, microelectronics, digital engineering, unmanned systems, hypersonics, etc.) – and will engage with non-traditional providers to broaden AIA’s membership and enhance our impact on policy.  The Director, Industrial Base Policy will further ensure that AIA’s engagement in the national security policy community is coordinated across AIA councils and committees (primarily the Defense Policy Council, Acquisition Policy Council, Contract Management Committee, Intellectual Property Committee, Cybersecurity Committee, and Washington Procurement Committee), and across other AIA divisions (primarily the Communications, International Affairs, Space, and Legislative Affairs divisions).

Key Responsibilities:

Policy Leadership 30%

• Crafting AIA industrial policy positions that address the development and sustainment of the Defense Industrial Base (DIB) and promote innovation, secure and resilient supply chains, and a public perception of the DIB as a respected institution and source of American strength.
• Maintaining liaison with trade associations, policy organizations, and academic institutions to improve AIA’s awareness of, and influence on, U.S. national security policy.
• Analyzing industry challenges and opportunities to prompt deliberations and policy actions.
• Synthesizing concepts and ideas coming from government contacts to provide insight into future defense and aerospace developments.

Collaboration & Advocacy 50%

• Leading AIA advocacy efforts and engagement with the Office of the Assistant Secretary of Defense for Industrial Base Policy, and other federal organizations and agencies that impact defense industrial base policies.
• Collaborating with AIA’s Communications division and other AIA divisions to develop stakeholder education materials and webinars regarding various DIB topics, including Industrial organization, industry workforce, historical industrial trends, and capital allocation decisions that industry executives make as part of their fiduciary responsibilities.
• Building industry consensus among member companies on relevant and timely topics and issues, and serving as staff liaison to relevant internal and external groups.
• Organizing and executing periodic council and committee meetings, including developing the agenda, assembling background information and materials, arranging for speakers and other participants, ensuring that minutes are prepared, and managing associated expenses.

Industry Activities 20%

• Assisting with the planning and execution of major association events, including Executive Committee and Washington Representatives meetings, semi-annual Board of Governors meetings, periodic meetings with senior government officials.
• Other duties as assigned.

Qualifications and Experience

Experience Required

• The Director, Industrial Policy must be a known and respected practitioner in the defense acquisition community.
• Must have a deep understanding of the U.S and international defense ecosystem, with a minimum of 10 years’ experience in the Department of Defense, the U.S. Congress, a DoD supplier, and/or a relevant trade association.
• The combination of Industry and DoD experience is highly valued.
• The individual must have demonstrated research and communications skills.

Education

• A Bachelor’s degree is required.
• A Master’s or Juris Doctor degree, or PhD with engineering, business, national security, or foreign policy concentration is 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

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

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Position Summary:

The Director, Legislative Affairs will develop and execute the Association’s legislative program; communicate the aerospace and defense (A&D) industry’s concerns before Congress and advocate for those priorities; support AIA events and informational sessions on Capitol Hill; and inform AIA members of key congressional actions and potential impacts the A&D community.  In this role, you will develop AIA positions and strategic advocacy on legislation affecting the industry primarily related to civil aviation issues. This includes partnering with the leadership team and AIA members to develop and execute AIA’s legislative strategy and advocating those positions before Congress.  It is expected that this position will involve registration and reporting as a federal lobbyist, as required by law, but not registration as a lobbyist before any state.

Our ideal candidate must have a strong working knowledge of the federal legislative process, the current organization of Congress, and the legislative timetable for annual appropriations and policy legislation.  Recent and relevant experience on Capitol Hill is a requirement for this position.

This position reports directly to the Vice President, Legislative Affairs and will be a critical partner alongside other members of the Legislative Affairs, Communications, and Civil Aviation teams to support our mission.

Key Responsibilities:

This position is responsible for successful execution of AIA’s legislative strategy as it relates to civil aviation legislation before the U. S. Congress.  Under direction of the Vice President, Legislative Affairs, the position provides broad support to and leads AIA’s overall legislative strategy with a focus on Civil Aviation issues.  Where needed, it is expected that the Director will also support legislative advocacy on cross-cutting issues aligned with AIA’s strategic priorities such as federal tax policy, workforce, and annual defense legislation. This is a strategic role requiring adaptability, creativity, and motivation. The individual is expected to deliver high levels of support to AIA staff and members and be available as a subject matter expert in legislative affairs who can help identify and solve near-term problems for stakeholders.

Qualifications and Experience:

Minimum Requirements

• 5+ years of full-time experience on Capitol Hill working for a Member of Congress or Congressional committee (civil aviation and/or aerospace experience preferred).
• In-depth and demonstrated knowledge of the federal legislative process.
• Excellent interpersonal and legislative research skills.
• Excellent business writing and oral presentation skills with an ability to communicate in written form to different audiences with minimal oversight.
• Ability to execute work and meet deadlines in a fast-paced environment.
• Goal-oriented with strong ability to self-manage tasks and deadlines.
• Ability to successfully coordinate multiple projects simultaneously.
• Ability to work reliably and timely with a demonstrated ability to maintain the highest level of ethical and professional standards.
• Demonstrated experience working in a highly collaborative environment while developing and maintaining positive work relationships.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree required; political science or related concentration 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 diversity, equity, and inclusion regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression or veteran status.

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

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Position Summary:

AIA is seeking a Manager, Corporate Events. This position is primarily responsible for the planning and execution of AIA’s strategic events, as well as providing logistical support for various association meetings (in-person, hybrid, and virtual). The ideal candidate is detailed oriented and possess above average organizational and inter-personal skills. This position reports directly to the Vice President, Corporate Events.

Key Responsibilities:

Event Management (85%)

• Conceptualizing, designing, and creating high-profile external events that portray the organization in a positive light to media, government officials and other key stakeholders. Events include but are not limited to multi-day meetings with senior government officials and receptions at international air shows.
• Oversee the creation and maintenance of online components of events to include registration, event web pages, surveys, etc.
• Manage the AttendeeHub event app, inputting the schedule, speaker bios, and helpful information for attendees for large events and air shows.
• Produce detailed proposals for events, e.g., timelines, venues, vendors, staffing, and budgets.
• Create event sponsorship packages and assist in the solicitation and securing of sponsorships when applicable.
• Partner with internal cross-functional teams to create event agendas, marketing materials, and content that meet engagement targets.
• Increase the engagement strategy, creative approach, planning, and execution for the organization’s largest and highest profile events, including day-of-event management.
• Lead and support management of internal webinars hosted through Zoom for Government.
• Negotiate vendor contracts, such as audio visual, transportation, entertainment, etc.
• Monitor hotel room blocks for all events.
• Manage food and beverage, as outlined on BEOs, to confirm that all meals and room setups are correctly.
• Manage and track speakers’ requirements, i.e. transportation, hotel rooms, dietary restrictions, AV, presentations, etc.
• Assist in the design, development, and execution of marketing and outreach strategies under the direction of the Vice President.
• Develop approach and methods to evaluate and measure event success. Leverage insights in the development of an annual strategy.

Financial Management (15%)

• Monitor budgets to ensure revenue and expenses are kept within established boundaries.
• Review financial information for accuracy, such as invoices for services and materials; the hotel invoice, subcontractor invoices, etc.
• Ability to identify and execute on opportunities for increased efficiencies and cost savings.

Qualifications and Experience:

Experience

• Strong ability to balance multiple priorities, work independently and participate as a part of a cross-functional team, keep others informed through clear written and verbal communication, while maintaining a high level of productivity.
• Solid project management skills, including the development of work plans, responsibilities, and timelines, while maintaining high quality standards and attention to detail.
• Experience with cross collaboration and interacting with all levels, including c-suite.
• Ability to travel up to 20%; valid passport required. Availability to work evenings and weekends as needed.
• Detail oriented and possess above average organizational and inter-personal skills.
• Cvent experience highly desired.
• Familiarity with Photoshop and Canva.

Education

• Bachelor’s degree in hospitality, communications, marketing, or related field with a minimum of 4+ years’ equivalent direct work experience in conference planning or special events.

Desired Skills

• CMP (Certified Meeting Professional) 

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 diversity, equity, and inclusion regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression or veteran status.