Job Description

Position Summary:

The Director of Technical Policy is responsible for managing the execution of various activities in support of the Aerospace and Defense technical workforce. In this role, you will help create AIA positions and advocacy strategies on policies and practices affecting the industry primarily related to technical domains, including artificial intelligence, digital thread, quality assurance, product support, and engineering practice.

The incumbent will be responsible for supporting the strategic goals of the AIA Engineering & Technology Leadership Council within committees and working groups. These groups currently address engineering management, product support, and quality assurance. The Director will serve as the staff liaison to gain concurrence on policy matters and will then work with other AIA resources to establish communication and influence strategies.

The Director will also monitor and analyze relevant legislation and regulations and develop policy positions and recommendations to support the industry's goals and objectives.

The Director has demonstrated an ability to be a thought leader on the intersection of technical practice and policy, and has domain expertise in either space, national defense, or civil aerospace markets. The Director has experience in solving unique/complex problems, especially in arriving at consensus positions between various stakeholder groups with differing interests and opinions. This position requires a high degree of influence without authority, and the successful candidate will be able to describe situations where this skill has been applied.

This position reports to the Vice President of Engineering & Technology.

Key Responsibilities:

Manage activities related to convening and supporting technical policy discussions (50%)

• Convene and facilitate groups of aviation industry stakeholders, including representatives from government and regulatory agencies, to discuss and address technical policy issues and challenges.
• Develop and communicate policy positions and recommendations that reflect the industry's consensus and best practices on technical policy matters.
• Track actions resulting from meetings and provide support to close actions as needed.
• Initiate data collection related to industry priorities among AIA companies and develop proposals, position papers, and supporting communication materials for advocacy and outreach.

Develop technical policy tracking capabilities and structures and facilitate communication internally and externally (30%)

• Track and review legislation and regulations that affect the aviation industry’s technical interests and needs and provide timely and accurate feedback and input.
• Represent the organization and the industry in various technical policy forums and events and establish and maintain effective relationships with key policy makers and influencers.
• Develop briefings on policy proposals and present the content to interested stakeholders.
• Develop and execute a communication strategy between the AIA staff, the AIA member technical community, and policy makers.

Coordinate technical activities across AIA divisions (20%)

• Coordinate and collaborate with other policy directors and staff within the organization to ensure alignment and consistency of policy messages and strategies.
• Oversees the efforts to improve information sharing, organizational planning, and identifying issues that will enhance coordination throughout the organization on cross-divisional and organization-wide events and activities.

Qualifications and Experience:

• A bachelor's degree in engineering, computer science, public policy, or a related field. An advanced degree is preferred.
• 8 - 10 years of experience in policy development, with a focus on technical policy issues and challenges.
• Demonstrated knowledge and expertise in various technical domains, with specific depth in at least one of the following technical domains: artificial intelligence, digital thread, quality assurance, or engineering practice.
• Excellent communication, presentation, and interpersonal skills, with the ability to convey complex technical information in a clear and concise manner.
• Strong leadership, management, and organizational skills, with the ability to lead and motivate a diverse and high-performing team.
• Proven ability to work effectively and collaboratively with internal and external stakeholders, including government and regulatory agencies, industry associations, and other policy organizations.
• High level of integrity, professionalism, and ethical standards.

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 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.

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