Vice President for National Security Policy (‘VP’)

Position Summary:

The Vice President for National Security Policy (‘VP’)

The VP is responsible for developing AIA’s national security agenda and planning and executing advocacy efforts to support it. The VP supervises the Senior Director for Acquisition Policy, Manager for Acquisition Policy, and Director, Defense Security and Policy Integration. Also, the VP manages all aspects of the National Security Policy Division’s (‘NSP’) human and material resources. The VP frequently represents AIA’s CEO and AIA broadly in direct engagements with AIA member companies, senior government officials, Congressional offices, the media, and outside organizations. Additionally, the VP represents AIA positions at conferences, seminars, major public policy events, and venues.

Reporting Structure

The VP reports directly to AIA’s President and CEO and manages a staff of three.

Key Responsibilities:

This is a leadership position where the VP is expected to demonstrate vision, creativity, and drive.

1. Engaging with member companies through coordinating NSP councils and committees.
2. Monitoring, analyzing, recommending, and advocating AIA positions on defense acquisition, procurement-related policies, legislation, and their implementation.
3. Addressing the aerospace and defense industry’s relationship to military strategy and requirements.
4. Coordinating with other policy divisions and collaborating with Communications and Legislative Affairs Division for successful industry advocacy and outreach.

Cultivation of Relationships

The VP cultivates relationships with:

• Senior government officials and representatives in the Department of Defense (DOD).
• Other Executive Branch entities.
• Congressional staff (in coordination with AIA Legislative Affairs).
• Media (in coordination with AIA Communications).

Additional Responsibilities:

• Analyzing significant industry problems and synthesizing concepts and ideas from industry and government contacts.
• Providing insights into future defense developments.
• Building industry consensus among member companies.
• Maintaining liaison with internal and external groups dealing with related issues.
• Overseeing arrangements for council and committee meetings, including agenda development, arranging speakers, and meeting administration.
• Assisting with planning and executing major AIA events.

Qualifications and Experience:

The Vice President for National Security Policy must:

• Be a known and respected practitioner in the defense acquisition community.
• Have a deep understanding of U.S. national security policy.
• Possess relevant professional experience with organizations such as the Department of Defense, defense industry, Congressional defense committees, major policy institutions, other trade associations, the media, or academia.
• Have focused experience with DOD contracting organizations, policy, and practices.
• Be familiar with the U.S and international defense business environment.
• Demonstrate excellent research, writing, and speaking ability with superior attention to detail.
• Have the ability to work within large and diverse groups to build consensus and unity.

While a Bachelor’s degree and Master of Arts degree with a national security concentration are preferred, meaningful work experience is the most important qualification for this position.

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.

Learn more here