Senior Vice President (SVP) and General Counsel

The SVP and General Counsel position at AOPA is an ideal opportunity for the experienced aviation attorney who also has significant experience working with or in the FAA, DOT, NTSB, or other government agency related to aviation and transportation. The incumbent reports directly to the President and CEO and provides legal advice and guidance to the association on a broad range of matters. This role also serves as a partner to other departments throughout AOPA to support, manage, and oversee legal needs and exposures while also working toward achieving AOPA's objectives and goals. The SVP and GC is also responsible for overseeing AOPA's Pilot Protection Services program, a key revenue-generating segment of the organization's operations. 

The incumbent serving in this role must be adept and effective at working with all levels in the organization, from our front-line team to the Board of Trustees, and equally effective at building, nurturing, and sustaining key relationships beneficial to AOPA's mission. 

Interested candidates: Please review the entire job posting. A resume and cover letter are required. Please ensure your resume demonstrates the required job qualifications. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:

Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees for each entity.  Oversee corporate governance, including preparing minutes, drafting resolutions, updating bylaws and articles of incorporation, and maintaining corporate records. (15%)

Provide the CEO and business units with legal and policy-focused advice on a broad range of issues affecting the association, including contracts, intellectual property, marketing, and privacy laws. (30%)

Oversee the Pilot Protection Services Plan, including in-house attorneys, medical staff, and the nationwide network of panel attorneys. Leverage PPS knowledge for policy and mission purposes. (15%)

Conduct complex legal research on issues impacting the Foundation, the association, and its affiliates, and AOPA members. Develop and implement strategies to address opportunities and challenges. (5%)

Review all major Foundation, association, and corporate affiliate contracts. (2%)

Oversee intellectual property portfolio of trademarks, copyrights, and patents, and take action when potential infringement is discovered. (1%)

Prepare and review legal filings in connection with litigation, petitions for exemption, Part 13 and 16 complaints. (10%)

Support advocacy efforts through review of legislative and regulatory proposals, research, and support for airport issues. (10%)

Coordinate with outside counsel regarding litigation and specialty topics and issues. (2%)

Establish and maintain relationships with regulators and agencies, including NTSB, FAA, DOT, CBP, and DHS. (5%)

Coach, mentor, and develop staff members, and provide performance feedback. (5%)

**Although this job description aims to capture the majority of the position duties, other duties may be assigned based on business and departmental needs.

REQUIRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

A JD from an accredited law school with current qualification and admittance to practice in appropriate jurisdictions and Federal courts.

A minimum of twelve years of aviation and government legal experience.

Must possess the ability to juggle multiple priorities in a fast-paced environment, be self-motivated, able to prioritize and work under pressure, and be detail-oriented with excellent follow-through.

Demonstrated ability to work closely and effectively with others in a range of roles, both internally and externally.

Superb verbal and written communication and negotiation skills, excellent analytical and problem-solving skills, the ability to think strategically and tactically, and demonstrate excellent business judgment.

Ability to respond quickly to emergencies and complex issues as they arise with a results-oriented attitude that seeks to achieve the aims of the association while managing legal exposures.

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:

Private Pilot License with advanced ratings

Non-profit legal experience

WORKING CONDITIONS:

This position works in an office setting.

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break; however, the nature of this position may require evening and weekend work.

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 travel, up to 20% of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit. 

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:

The physical demands of this 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, 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 must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodation will be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

WORKING CONDITIONS:  

This position works in an office setting, located at AOPA headquarters in Frederick, MD. 

Typical working hours are 8:30 am – 5 pm, Monday through Friday, with a one-hour lunch break, however the nature of this position may require evening and weekend work. 

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, up to 20% of the time, to various general aviation or industry-related events. Travel is by aircraft (general aviation and commercial) and by road or public transit.   

PHYSICAL DEMANDS:  

The physical demands of this 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, 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 must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. 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.   

The salary range for this position is: $300,000 - $400,000, depending on education and experience, plus a maximum bonus potential 30%. 

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 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 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