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 the 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 coalitions and consensus positions.
• Gives technical advice to the 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 the RAA team and members, the FAA, and other stakeholders; contributes to the development of RAA positions, Congressional testimony, regulatory comments, and other policy communications.
• Provides Subject Matter Expertise 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 member service for the Regional Operations Council and the Flight Technology, Flight Training, Maintenance, and Inflight Committees.
• Develops content and coordinates activities for RAA-sponsored events, including the Leaders Conference and Summer Seminars.

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 yet face 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 want to contribute to building strong team spirit and encourage others to succeed.
• You want to work within – and are committed to striving for – diversity. We work hard to embrace diversity and inclusion within our own ranks and across aviation broadly.

• 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.
• 10 or more years of experience in regulatory interpretation and a history of advocacy in an airline or association-based role.
• Transport pilots with line experience and Flight operations managerial experience are strongly preferred
• A former Pilot in Command (PIC) for an air carrier operating under part 121 or part 135 of FAR 119 is ideal.
• 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, and 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, and anticipate and adapt to evolving member needs.
• Professional, organized, responsive, and enthusiastic.
• Candidate must reside in the Washington, DC metropolitan area.
• Moderate (up to 30%) travel is required.