Vice President, Aviation Operations and Regulatory Affairs

The Regional Airline Association (RAA) seeks an experienced and motivated aviation leader who is committed to making a difference each day as our Vice President, Aviation Operations and Regulatory Affairs. The Vice President will be a vital member of the RAA executive team and reports to the CEO with secondary reporting to the Senior Vice President, Safety and Regulatory Affairs.

RAA exists to support safe, healthy and strong regional airlines, capable of connecting communities of all sizes. The VP must actively listen, anticipate challenges, provide strategic advice, weigh options and advocate with courage and integrity for strong and safe outcomes.

Essential Functions of the Position:

• Advocates for a safe and healthy regional airline industry with a high level of diplomacy.
• Supports and helps to develop the strategy and vision of RAA’s Operations and Regulatory Affairs; contributes to the development and implementation of RAA’s strategic objectives.
• Identifies regulatory developments related to flight operations, pilot training, air traffic and other technical matters; analyzes proposals for anticipated impact on members and designs and implements response.
• Tracks, Interprets, and responds appropriately and with advocacy to current or proposed aviation rules, compliance expertise, or other relevant regulatory analysis.
• Works cooperatively with RAA members and other industry stakeholders to form consensus positions.
• Gives technical advice to RAA team and members on matters ranging from pilot training and qualifications and use of flight simulation training devices to air traffic management and flight technology and more.
• Effectively communicates information to RAA team and members, the FAA and other stakeholders; contributes to development of RAA positions, Congressional testimony, regulatory comments, and other policy communications.
• Serves as subject matter expert on aviation task forces and working groups, including agency rulemaking and regulatory negotiating committees.
• Serves as Liaison between RAA and FAA Air Traffic Organization (ATO), NextGen and related organizations.
• Provides leadership and support to the Regional Operations Council and the Flight Technology, Flight Training, Maintenance, and Inflight Committees.
• Develops operations-related content for RAA-sponsored programs and events.

This Role May be Right for You If:

• You believe in your work. The right difference-maker will come to work each day with an opportunity to make a meaningful contribution to our mission of promoting aviation safety and keeping smaller communities connected.
• You want to tackle a challenge. Regional airlines are poised to grow, and navigate obstacles ranging from growing their workforce to ensuring access to airspace. Our team is equipped to help our members and meet this moment.
• You want to achieve. RAA fosters a culture of Leadership at All Levels. Each team member is expected to generate ideas and make decisions from a place of ownership.
• You are a team player and are committed to a strong and diverse industry. We value and actively work to support diversity and inclusion within our own ranks and across aviation broadly.

Requirements

• Thorough understanding of aviation safety standards, safe operating practices and 14 CFR Chapter I (Federal Aviation Regulations). Extensive familiarity with 14 CFR Part 135 and 121 airline operations.

• Eight (8) or more years of experience in regulatory interpretation and a history of advocacy in airline or association-based role.
• Transport pilot with line experience and flight operations managerial experience with an air carrier operating under part 121 or part 135 of FAR 119 is ideal; candidates with equivalent technical expertise will be considered.
• Impeccable oral and written communication; able to effectively and persuasively present information to top management, regulatory agencies, public groups, and the RAA Board of Directors.
• Able to expand upon the association’s significant professional relationships with both government and industry representatives and develop and manage new relationships.
• High proficiency with Microsoft Office products, particularly Excel and PowerPoint, and the ability to collect, analyze and present data

• Strong project management skills; strategic, tactical, self-motivated, determined, outcome-oriented.
• Diplomatic; able to challenge established or entrenched ideas and advocate for mission-driven objectives.
• Able to work quickly and effectively, make fast and well-reasoned recommendations despite ambiguity, anticipate and adapt to evolving member needs.
• Professional, organized, responsive and enthusiastic.
• Candidate must reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area. 
• Moderate (approximately 20%) travel required.

Benefits

As a member of the RAA team, you will have the opportunity to contribute to and enjoy a supportive work environment, and make a difference in an organization where your role is mission-critical and valued. RAA is an equal opportunity employer and is committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees. 

Salary range: USD $160,000 - $185,000 annualized salary plus additional, discretionary bonus opportunity. Individual compensation packages are based on various factors unique to each candidate, including skillset, experience, qualifications and other job-related factors.  

Benefits: RAA is highly focused on employee quality of life and offers a choice of employer-sponsored medical, dental and vision plans; and provides employees with life & AD&D, short-term disability, and long-term disability insurances at no cost. RAA offers a 401K plan with employer match and a discretionary profit sharing program. RAA offers 12 weeks paid parental leave to qualified employees and Paid Time Off begins at 22 days per calendar year and increases with longevity. RAA additionally offers 14 paid holidays and paid leave for community service and voting.