Description
The Vice President, State and Local Government Affairs, serves as a senior leader responsible for developing and executing Airlines for Americas (A4A) advocacy strategy across state and local policy arenas. This role drives engagement with governors, state legislators, municipal leaders and key stakeholders to advance policies that strengthen the U.S. airline industry and promote a safe, competitive and economically vibrant aviation system.
The Vice President will utilize their prior experience in a state or local executive or legislative branch capacity to engage state and local policymakers while fostering bipartisan collaboration to achieve results. Acting as a trusted advisor to A4As senior leadership and member airlines, this individual will lead efforts to influence legislative and regulatory priorities, representing the airline industrys interests in critical policy decisions and ensuring alignment with pro-growth, market-based solutions.
This position requires exceptional political acumen; a deep background in and understanding of state and local government processes; and a proven ability to navigate complex political environments. Strategic leadership and coalition-building skills are essential for success. Expertise in aviation and transportation policy is preferable.
DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES
* Lead the State and Local Affairs Committee (SLAC): Oversee a committee of approximately 30 regional representatives from A4A member airlines, covering all 50 states and U.S. territories.
* Develop and Execute Advocacy Strategies: Direct and implement strategies to address proposed state and local legislation impacting the airline industry.
* Coordinate Member Activities: Serve as the central point of integration for A4A member initiatives, ensuring alignment across teams and driving projects forward efficiently.
* Foster Collaboration: Maintain momentum on cross-functional efforts, keeping initiatives on track and ensuring all stakeholders are engaged and contributing effectively.
* Build State/Local Support for Federal Issues: Develop strategies to strengthen grassroots and state-level backing for key federal priorities.
* Manage State-Based Consultants: Oversee a roster of consultants operating in targeted states to advance A4As legislative and regulatory objectives.
* Engage with Third-Party Organizations: Manage relationships with influential groups including but not limited to the Republican Governors Association (RGA), Democratic Governors Association (DGA) and State Legislative Leaders Foundation (SLLF).
* Collaborate on Political Investments: Work with member carriers to make strategic investments in political, public affairs and independent expenditure efforts.
Requirements
* Bachelors degree required; advanced degree strongly preferred.
* Minimum of 6 years of experience in government relations, legislative affairs or public policy, with significant time spent working directly for state or local elected officials or within a major trade association, corporation or government agency.
* Demonstrated ability to lead teams with diverse backgrounds and perspectives, manage budgets, direct reports and external consultants. Proven experience fostering collaboration and driving results in complex environments.
* Prior experience and active relationships with state or local legislative or executive branch, committees and staff. Ability to effectively liaise between member carriers and A4A subject matter experts, translating complex industry data into digestible formats for policymakers.
* Exceptional strategic and political acumen with the ability to anticipate legislative developments and craft proactive policy responses.
* Excellent communication and presentation skills; ability to convey complex industry positions clearly and persuasively to policymakers and the public.
* Proven success in coalition building, stakeholder engagement and representing industry positions in high-profile settings.
* Experience managing teams and leading cross-functional initiatives.
* Ability to travel domestically and internationally as needed.
* Proficiency in the Microsoft Office suite and familiarity with government relations tracking tools.
WORK ENVIRONMENT
If approved by department supervisors, A4A employees have the option to work from home on Fridays. All employees are expected to work in the office Monday through Thursday.
SALARY INFORMATION
The annual salary range for this position is $300,000 to $500,000. New hires are typically brought in between the minimum and midpoint of the range, depending on experience, qualifications and internal equity.
COMPETITIVE BENEFITS
Choice of medical plans plus free life, dental and vision coverage; 401(k) with matching contributions; airline travel privileges; tuition reimbursement; and 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.
HOW TO APPLY
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to hr@airlines.org, attention JOA# 25-14.
Airlines for America is an Equal Opportunity Employer.
