Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

JOB SUMMARY:  

Located in Washington, D.C., the Vice President, Regulatory Affairs leads AOPA's regulatory and compliance efforts related to general aviation operations, aircraft certification, safety standards, and airspace policy.  

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

Develops and executes AOPA’s regulatory strategies and tactics related to general aviation operations, aircraft certification, safety, maintenance standards, and emerging aviation technologies. 

Engages in FAA regulatory and certification processes and pathways on behalf of aircraft owners and general aviation pilots. 

Tracks aviation regulations, safety directives, and rulemaking affecting aircraft design, avionics, maintenance, pilot certification, and airspace integration. 

Represents AOPA before members, industry, and government agencies. 

Coordinates with SVP Government Affairs to align regulatory engagement with potential legislative and policy initiatives impacting the general aviation industry. 

Develops and monitors budget as . 

Workforce Planning and Team Management: 

Actively participate in the recruiting process for approved hires. This includes reviewing and updating position descriptions before recruiting, as well as selecting candidates and conducting interviews. 

New employee onboarding plan development. Development of a 12-month plan to support the strategic development of a newly hired or promoted individual.  

Assign tasks, manage workloads and schedules, and allocate resources to optimize productivity and ensure deadlines are met. Evaluate workflows, both inter- and intra-departmental, to standardize work processes and ensure an equal distribution of work among similar roles.    

Compliance and Policy Enforcement: 

Knowledge of organizational policies, employment laws, and regulations, and ensuring compliance with these within your team and among your direct report(s). 

Maintain unwavering confidentiality, discretion, and accuracy regarding personnel records related to employee performance, attendance, and disciplinary actions. 

**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 is . 

Extensive experience (15+) in aviation regulatory affairs, certification, or safety oversight within the general aviation or aerospace sector. 

Deep knowledge of regulatory frameworks governing general aviation aircraft certification, maintenance, operations, and safety. 

Demonstrated experience working with the Federal Aviation Administration and other governmental authorities. 

Strong understanding of rulemaking processes and aviation safety standards. 

Established experience and knowledge of the general aviation industry. 

Significant experience in progressively responsible roles, with a minimum of five years in a leadership capacity.  

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:  

Private pilot certificate with instrument rating preferred. 

Knowledge of all types of general aviation aircraft is a plus. 

Bachelor’s degree in general aviation 

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

This position works in AOPA’s D.C. office and requires frequent travel in and around Capitol Hill / D.C. 

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. The nature of this position may require evening and/or weekend hours. 

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 may require up to 15% travel. Potential travel may include local community or networking events, as well as industry-related seminars.  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 15 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 salary range for this position is: $170,000 - $210,000, 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