Manager, Aviation Events

JOB SUMMARY 

The Manager of Aviation Events will be responsible for providing strategic direction and oversight for AOPA's high-profile/high-level meetings and events, while also leading the marketing initiatives of the events team. This role involves continuously evaluating the effectiveness of event programs and collaborating with AOPA stakeholders to develop innovative and efficient strategies for achieving departmental goals. The Aviation Events Manager will oversee all critical event components and manage the full scope of marketing efforts, including copywriting, proofreading, and signage.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS: 

Manage the execution of high-profile/high-level meetings and events, including but not limited to:  

Overseeing the planning, coordination, and execution of high-profile/high-level events, ensuring all logistical aspects run smoothly.  

Developing and managing event budgets, ensuring costs are controlled and aligned with AOPA’s financial goals.  

Coordinating all operational elements of the event, including venue selection, transportation, catering, audiovisual needs, and accommodations for guests.  

Ensuring a seamless and exceptional experience for attendees, including personalized services and attention to detail throughout the event.  

Designing event schedules and agendas, working with various departments to ensure all content is relevant and engaging for the audience.  

Identifying potential risks and ensuring appropriate contingency plans are in place for all aspects of the event.  

Manage event marketing efforts:  

Collaborating with the Marketing team to develop event marketing plans that align with overall business goals, brand positioning, and target audience.  

Working with internal teams to ensure consistent and compelling event branding across all marketing materials, including event websites, invitations, and signage.  

Coordinating with the Marketing team to support the development of engaging content that promotes events and maintains audience interest to include copy writing and/or editorial direction.  

Ensuring that all written content on signage is clear, accurate, and error-free, and maintaining consistency in language, tone, and messaging across all signage.  

Overseeing the setup and installation of physical signage at events, ensuring that signs are positioned in the correct locations and are clearly visible to attendees.  

Support the execution of all Outreach Events, including but not limited to:  

Travel with the Outreach Team to fly-ins and other events; share in on-site event leadership, production, and management at the shows.  

Work with the Aviation event specialist on permitting and contracting.  

Assist the Director of Outreach and Events with external/ departmental events.  

Plan, coordinate, and execute other social programming as needed.  

Work with local city/CBV’s to steward local relationships and investment in AOPA events.  

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

Education:  

Bachelor’s degree or professional experience equivalent to earning a 4-year degree from an accredited institution

Knowledge, skills, and abilities:  

5 + years’ experience with event and/or project management

Specific experience with VIP events and handling VIP’s

Experience with event marketing

Experience in proofing and copy writing

Extensive experience tracking and maintaining budgets

Experience conducting internet-based research

Experience using Excel, Word, and Outlook

Ability to thrive in a fast-paced environment

Excellent verbal and written communication skills

Ability to work nights and weekends and travel (at least 50 days per year)

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS: 

Bachelor’s degree  

CMP certification preferred

WORKING CONDITIONS: 

This position predominantly works in an office setting.     

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break. Working hours may change when traveling for business purposes. 

Generally, a climate-controlled environment with occasional exposure to outdoor weather conditions when attending aviation-related events, including exposure to higher altitudes and confined spaces, if in a general aviation aircraft. 

This position requires some travel, possibly up to 20% of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is conducted by aircraft (both general aviation and commercial), as well as by road or public transit.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS: 

The physical demands of the position are typical of a standard office environment. While performing the duties of this job, the employee will regularly be required to: 

Sit for extended periods while working at a computer or attending meetings.  Use hands and fingers to operate a computer keyboard, mouse, and other office equipment.  

Communicate effectively via email, phone, chat, video, and in-person, which requires clear speech, hearing, and vision.  

Occasionally lift or move items weighing up to 15 pounds, such as boxes of materials or equipment.  

Occasionally, stand, walk, and reach with hands and arms during the course of normal office activities.  

The physical demands described here are representative of those that an employee must meet to perform the essential functions of this job successfully. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions. 

ADDITIONAL INFORMATION:  

This position is located at AOPA’s headquarters in Frederick, MD.  Remote optional: Fridays

The salary range for this position is: $66,000 - $70,000, depending on education and experience. 

BENEFIT INFORMATION: 

Flight Training (earn your Private Pilot License for free) & Annual Flight Proficiency Program (so you can keep flying and remain proficient) 

Medical, Dental, and Vision insurance is available for employees and their dependents on the 1st of the month following their start date 

Flexible Spending Plans 

Health Savings Plan with employer contribution (for eligible participants) 

401(k) Retirement Plan with a company match, and annual discretionary supplemental employer contribution 

Company paid Short and Long-term Disability Insurance 

Company paid Life Insurance and AD&D insurance with the option to buy up  

Paid Time Off (PTO): 17 days accrued during the first year (accruals increase based on tenure) 

Paid Holidays: 12 holidays 

Personal days: 3 (prorated based on hire date) 

Volunteer day: 1 (prorated based on hire date)  

Work From Home Fridays 

Paid Parental Leave  

AOPA Membership 

Employee Assistance Program 

Wellness Program (earn medical insurance premium discounts) 

Gym Reimbursement Program 

Supplemental insurance options (critical illness, accident, hospital indemnity) 

Tuition Reimbursement Program  

Discount on AOPA swag 

Business casual dress code 

Free coffee, tea, hot cocoa