Senior Director, Legislative Affairs

Position Summary

The Senior Director of Legislative Affairs supports the 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 on 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 the 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).
• 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.

Education

Four-year college degree required; degree in political science or related concentration preferred.

Physical Demands and Work Environment

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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