Manager, Content and Communications

Aerospace Industries Association; Arlington (VA); On-site; USD 65,000 - 73,000; Full time

Job summary

The Aerospace Industries Association (AIA) seeks a Manager, Content and Communications in Arlington, VA to lead speechwriting, shape external publications, and translate policy priorities into clear, compelling content for diverse audiences. You will work with leadership and policy teams to maintain a consistent narrative across executive speeches, white papers, and member communications.

Responsibilities include editing long-form content, developing talking points, and guiding digital content

Qualifications

• 2+ years in communications or legislative affairs.
• Fast-paced, collaborative environment experience.
• Preference for public policy or trade association communications knowledge; Capitol Hill a plus.
• Strong writing, editing, and proofreading for long-form content.
• Ability to translate complex policy into accessible language.
• Experience with executive speeches and long-form content is a plus.

Responsibilities

• Lead speechwriting and maintain a centralized speech bank for senior leadership.
• Editor for long-form external products (white papers, reports, policy explainers).
• Draft op-eds, long-form blog posts, CEO bylined articles.
• Maintain talking points, messaging frameworks, and strategic narratives.
• Translate policy priorities into clear content for external audiences.
• Oversee social media content and coordination with digital assets team.
• Support press releases and media materials with the Senior Manager, Media Relations.

Skills

Communications

Legislative affairs

Trade association experience

Organizational skills

Attention to detail

Aerospace/defense knowledge

Excellent writing/editing

Education

Bachelor's degree in communications/English/journalism

Tools

Microsoft Office

Canva

Collaborative editing tools

Job description

The Aerospace Industries Association's (AIA) communications team is a key driver of the organization's advocacy and outreach strategy, sharing the story of how the aerospace and defense industry contributes to America's safety, security, and economic success.

The Manager, Content and Communications is a central storyteller, editor, and content strategist for AIA. This role is responsible for shaping, developing, and maintaining AIA's core written products - from executive speeches and long-form thought leadership to member-facing content and internal communications - ensuring consistency, clarity, and alignment across audiences and platforms.

Working closely with AIA leadership, policy and legislative teams, membership, and internal operations, this position plays a critical role in translating complex policy priorities into compelling, accessible, and strategic content that advances AIA's mission.

The salary range for this role is $65,000 - $73,000.

Core Duties and Responsibilities:

• Lead AIA's speechwriting efforts, including drafting, editing, and maintaining a centralized speech bank for senior leadership.
• Serve as chief editor for AIA's long-form external products, including white papers, reports, policy explainers, and issue briefs developed by AIA's policy teams.
• Draft and edit longer-form written products such as op-eds, long-form blog posts, CEO bylined articles, and other thought leadership content.
• Maintain and regularly update off-the-shelf talking points, messaging frameworks, and strategic narratives for use across the organization.
• Partner with policy and issue-area teams to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling content for external audiences.

Strategic Content Development (30%)

• Lead AIA's speechwriting efforts, including drafting, editing, and maintaining a centralized speech bank for senior leadership.
• Serve as chief editor for AIA's long-form external products, including white papers, reports, policy explainers, and issue briefs developed by AIA's policy teams.
• Draft and edit longer-form written products such as op-eds, long-form blog posts, CEO bylined articles, and other thought leadership content.
• Maintain and regularly update off-the-shelf talking points, messaging frameworks, and strategic narratives for use across the organization.
• Partner with policy and issue-area teams to translate complex subject matter into clear, compelling content for external audiences.

Digital & Platform Content (25%)

• Serve as the day-to-day lead on drafting compelling social media content, including graphics and video as needed.
• Spearhead rapid social media response and ensure AIA stays current to the latest social media trends and strategies.
• Support development and execution of AIA's social media content strategy in coordination with the Manager of Digital Assets.
• Update and maintain website copy to ensure accuracy, clarity, and alignment with AIA priorities and messaging.
• Work with Coordinator, Communications and Legislative Affairs, to support these efforts.

Thought Leadership (15%)

• Identify, develop, and support thought leadership opportunities for AIA leadership and subject matter experts.
• Maintain and manage AIA's editorial calendar, coordinating content priorities across communications, policy, and membership teams.
• Ensure alignment and consistency across written products, speeches, digital content, and media-facing materials.

Member-Facing & Internal Communications (15%)

• Partner with the membership team to support clear, engaging member-facing communications that explain AIA priorities and impact.
• Partner with HR to support an internal messaging strategy that informs, engages, and aligns staff.
• Help ensure consistency between internal, member-facing, and external messaging.

Media & Cross-Team Support (15%)

• Support drafting and editing of press releases and other media materials in coordination with the Senior Manager, Media Relations.
• Provide general communications support to policy and issue divisions, serving as a trusted writing, editing, and strategy resource.
• Work collaboratively across the communications team to advance AIA priorities, align messaging, and strengthen the organization’s voice.

Desired Skills/ Experience:

• Minimum of 2 years of experience in communications, legislative affairs, or trade association experience.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, collaborative environment with multiple stakeholders and competing deadlines
• Understanding of public policy, advocacy, or trade association communications preferred; Capitol Hill experience a strong plus
• Self-starter with strong organizational skills and attention to detail
• Enthusiastic about the aerospace and defense industry
• Proficient in Microsoft Office Suite and collaborative editing tools; graphic design experience, including with Canva, is a plus
• Bachelor-level degree in communications, English, journalism, or related field or equivalent experience
• Exceptional writing, editing, and proofreading skills, with demonstrated experience producing long-form written content
• Strong editorial judgment and ability to translate complex policy issues into accessible languageStrong customer service and interpersonal skills

The physical demands and work environment characteristics described are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform the essential functions.

Equal Opportunity Employer

AIA is proud to be an equal opportunity workplace, committed to providing employment regardless of race, color, ancestry, religion, sex, national origin, sexual orientation, age, citizenship, marital status, disability, gender identity/expression or veteran status, or any other legally protected characteristic.

This job description is not intended to be a complete statement of all duties, which may be assigned by the supervisor according to varying business needs.