Senior Specialist, Federation Engagement & Public Policy Coord.

Salary Range:
$89,280.00 to $98,208.00 Annually

Position Title:
Senior Specialist, Federation Engagement & Public Policy Coordinator

Who We Are
The American Institute of Physics (AIP) is a federation of 10 Member Societies, which together have nearly 120,000 members across the globe. Founded in 1931, AIP advances the success of our Member Societies and engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences. Our overarching strategy is to advance the physical sciences with a unifying voice of strength from diversity. We want you to become a part of our mission and join our dynamic team!

Summary
Reporting to the Federation Officer, this position will help design and implement initiatives that address the evolving needs of AIP’s member organizations by promoting inter-connectivity and collaboration (with an emphasis on public policy actions), and activating internal AIP capabilities in service of their success.

The Senior Specialist will play a key role in supporting the Federation Assembly (AIP’s convening of Member Society leadership) and its initiatives, including helping plan and coordinate forums, workshops, working groups, and task forces. This role will have a special focus on the coordination and facilitation of member organizations’ public policy and government affairs.

This role will provide a hub for relevant member organization stakeholders to support policy-related convenings, information sharing, and capacity building—a role that will require internal coordination between AIP’s research and content teams.

This position is ideal for someone energized by helping others succeed—someone who thrives on fostering dialogue, enabling collaboration, and identifying shared opportunities that strengthen partnerships and advance collective goals across the scientific federation.

Join our team of energized, collaborative, and passionate individuals, and contribute to making a positive impact on the world by advancing the physical sciences!

What You’ll Do
Plan Execution

Support implementation of engagement strategies that build relationships across AIP member organizations.

Identify shared priorities and opportunities for collaborations that advance Federation goals.

Engage with AIP staff teams to support Federation initiatives and align resources with member organizations’ strategic goals.

Support the collection and sharing of insights and feedback from member organizations that inform AIP program evolution.

Public Policy and Government Affairs

Develop and maintain a strong understanding of member organizations’ public policy priorities and activities. Connect members with relevant expertise, tools, and resources, and support coordinated advocacy efforts.

Represent AIP in relevant science policy coalitions and networks to gather information, foster collaboration, and share key insights with the Federation.

Organize public policy convenings for member organizations.

Work with AIP staff to share policy resources with member organizations, and identify opportunities for engagement.

Relationship Building and Management

Develop and maintain communication with member organizations to align AIP programs with federation priorities. Act as an internal advocate for member organizations across AIP teams.

Support outreach to prospective partners whose missions align with AIP’s strategic goals.

Convening of Stakeholders

Help organize and support the Federation Assembly, AIP Annual Forum (the Institute’s strategic 1-day topical workshop for AIP member organizations), and other convenings involving the Federation.

Develop opportunities to facilitate discussions among member organizations around issues involving policy, governance, and student engagement.

Serve as point of contact for working groups and provide staff support.

Leadership and Committee Support

Provide staff support to the Federation Assembly and its Committees, and the Membership Committee of the AIP Board of Directors.

Ensure consistent documentation of federation engagement activities and assist with tracking metrics of success.

What You’ll Bring
Bachelor’s degree required; advanced degree preferred.

Minimum of 7 years’ experience in a scientific society, membership-based organization, or related nonprofit, ideally with a focus on federation or stakeholder engagement.

Demonstrated success in building and managing relationships across complex stakeholder environments.

Strong organizational and facilitation skills with experience in event or program planning.

Familiarity with science policy or government relations in the nonprofit or academic sector is a plus.

Understanding of governance structures, volunteer management, and federated association models.

Excellent communication, problem-solving, and collaborative skills.

Experience managing multiple projects and priorities in a cross-functional team environment.

To Apply
Include a resume and a cover letter. We encourage you to apply even if your experience does not fully match the position description. At AIP, we embrace considering people from a diversity of backgrounds and career experiences.

Compensation
$89,280 – $98,208

Working at AIP
AIP embraces a flexible hybrid work environment to balance in-person collaborative work with remote work. The team works in a flexible, hybrid schedule and reports to our offices in College Park, Maryland and Washington, DC, as needed. Employees are required to reside in the DC Metro regions of Maryland, Virginia, or Washington, DC.

We offer comprehensive benefits, including generous paid time off, medical/dental/vision coverage, an annual retirement contribution of 10% of base pay, tuition assistance, commuter benefits, and more.

Your colleagues at AIP are welcoming, gracious, and eager to help each other succeed. With our commitment to community service, institute-wide social opportunities, and ongoing learning and development, AIP is a rewarding place to work.

About AIP
Join Us and Make a Difference!

At the American Institute of Physics (AIP), we’re dedicated to advancing, promoting, and serving the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. As a 501(c)(3) non-profit, AIP is a federation that advances the success of our Member Societies and an institute that engages in research and analysis to empower positive change in the physical sciences.

Our mission is to advance, promote, and serve the physical sciences for the benefit of humanity. We are passionate about our work and committed to fostering an inclusive and dynamic environment where creativity, collaboration, and enthusiasm thrive.

Join our team and become part of an energized, forward-thinking community. Together, we’ll explore the frontiers of science, support groundbreaking research, and contribute to the betterment of humanity.

Be a part of AIP—where science meets passion and purpose.

Commitment to Non-Discrimination
All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to disability, status as a protected veteran, or any other status protected by applicable federal, state, or local law.