Vice President, Regulatory Affairs

CBIZ Talent Solutions; Washington (District of Columbia); Hybrid; USD 140,000 - 180,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Health insurance

Transit benefits

Gym access

Hybrid work

Job summary

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) seeks a Vice President, Regulatory Affairs to lead regulatory advocacy for general and business aviation. You will collaborate with aviation officials, monitor FAA, DOT, TSA rules, and guide policy development, compliance programs, and member services.

Reporting to the COO, this senior role requires 10+ years in regulatory affairs, strong writing and public speaking skills, and the ability to travel.

Qualifications

• 10+ years in regulatory affairs or a related aviation field.
• Deep understanding of U.S. aviation regulatory environment (FAA, DOT, TSA).
• Proven ability to develop policy positions and advocate before authorities.

Responsibilities

• Develop and lead regulatory strategies and advocacy for NATA members.
• Advise CEO/COO on regulatory and policy issues.
• Represent NATA in meetings with FAA, TSA, DOT and other agencies.
• Engage members and stakeholders to understand regulatory concerns.
• Lead committees and coordinate cross-department efforts on regulatory matters.
• Ensure compliance guidance and training resources for members.

Skills

Regulatory affairs

Advocacy

Policy development

Stakeholder engagement

Leadership

Writing

Public speaking

Travel

Education

Bachelor's degree in law

Bachelor's degree in public policy

Aviation management degree

Job description

The National Air Transportation Association (NATA) is seeking a highly motivated Vice President, Regulatory Affairs who has the background, knowledge, and professional integrity to collaborate with aviation industry officials to meet the needs of members. This professional should have a deep understanding of the regulatory environment of FAA, DOT, and TSA.

The Organization

Founded in 1940, NATA has been the leading national trade association representing the business interests of general aviation service companies on legislative and regulatory matters at the Federal, and more recently, on the state level for more than eight decades. NATA also provides education, services, and benefits to members to help ensure their long-term economic success.

Beyond its interaction with governmental entities, NATA membership offers a number of important safety and business products and services including its highly regarded Safety 1st Training Program. The NATA Safety 1st Training Program has led the industry in ground handling training for more than 30 years, training thousands of aviation professionals around the world. NATA Partner+ program provides members access to individualized business solutions. From providing support for key strategic initiatives to helping NATA deliver enhanced service, these partners make an important contribution to the success of both the association and the aviation business community.

NATA’s nearly 3,700 member companies provide a broad range of aeronautical services to the aviation community, including general aviation airports, aircraft sales and acquisitions, fixed base operators (FBOs) and fuel distributors, aircraft ground support, passenger and crew services, aircraft parking and storage, on-demand air charter, aircraft rental, flight training, aircraft maintenance and overhaul facilities, parts sales, and business aircraft and fractional ownership fleet management.

Governed by a 14-member board of directors, NATA operates with a 20-person staff and $4M annual budget. For more information, visit https://nata.aero/about/.

The Position

Reporting to the Chief Operating Officer (COO), the Vice President of Regulatory Affairs is a senior executive role responsible for leading NATA's business aviation regulatory advocacy efforts. This role requires regulatory experience, competency, professional integrity, and a deep understanding of the general and business aviation industry's regulatory landscape. It involves direct engagement with government agencies, industry stakeholders, and NATA members. The VP of Regulatory Affairs will develop strategies to influence national, state, and local policy, ensure compliance, and advocate for the interests of NATA's membership.

Key Responsibilities

Regulatory Strategy Development

• Lead the development and implementation of NATA’s regulatory strategies.
• Monitor and analyze federal, state, and local regulatory developments affecting the general and business aviation industry.
• Advise the CEO and COO on regulatory and policy issues.

Advocacy and Representation

• Represent NATA in meetings with regulatory agencies, including the FAA, TSA, EPA, FCC, DOT, DHS, and other relevant bodies.
• Collaborate with other NATA departments in advocating for the interests of NATA members before Congress, state legislatures, and other governmental bodies.
• Serve as a liaison between NATA and industry coalitions, alliances, and other aviation-related organizations.

Policy Development

• Lead the development of NATA’s policy positions on key regulatory issues affecting NATA members.
• Prepare and present testimony, position papers, and formal comments on proposed regulations and, as appropriate, legislation.

Stakeholder Engagement

• Engage with NATA members to understand their regulatory concerns and needs.
• Facilitate communication between NATA members and regulatory bodies.
• Organize and lead committees, working groups, and task forces related to regulatory issues.

Regulatory Compliance and Support

• Provide guidance to NATA members on compliance with existing and new regulations, including avoiding and preventing illegal air charter activity.
• Develop resources, training, communications, business plans, and educational programs to assist members with regulatory compliance, including avoiding and preventing illegal air charter activity.
• Address member inquiries related to regulatory and, as appropriate, legislative matters.

Team Leadership and Membership Support

• Coordinate with other NATA departments to ensure a cohesive approach to regulatory issues.
• Monitor the regulatory affairs budget and ensure effective allocation of resources.
• Assist and take a leadership role with NATA membership department with the identification and recruitment of new members in air charter, FBO, MRO, airport, or other membership categories.

Experience and Attributes

Successful candidates for this position will bring a variety of experiences and attributes including:

• Extensive experience (10+ years) in regulatory affairs, advocacy, or a related field within the aviation industry.
• Deep understanding of the U.S. aviation regulatory environment, including DOT, FAA, TSA, FCC, and other relevant agencies.
• Proven experience in policy development, advocacy, and stakeholder engagement, specifically involving Part 135 operators, FBO Operations, MRO operations, airports, flight schools, AAM companies, environmental regulation (aviation).
• Strong leadership skills with the ability to work collaboratively across departments.
• Excellent writing, communication, negotiation, and public speaking skills.
• Ability to travel as needed for meetings, conferences, and industry events.
• Experience working for a regulatory agency such as the DOT, FAA, DHS, and TSA preferred.
• Bachelor’s degree in law, public policy, aviation management, or a related field; Advanced degree preferred.

Salary will be commensurate with experience within the range of $140-180K.

The National Air Transportation Association offers a comprehensive benefits package, including 100% coverage (employee and family) of health, dental, and vision insurance. We match 50% of employee 401(k) contributions, up to 3% of compensation, and we provide a discretionary (profit-sharing) contribution equal to 3% of compensation. We also offer transit benefits, and our office is located directly across from a Metro rail station and one block away from a Metro bus stop with access to multiple lines. Our office building provides access to a gym. This hybrid position located in Washington, D.C., requires frequent in-person advocacy meetings and occasional travel to industry conferences and events.

Equal Opportunity Employment

In principle and in practice, NATA values and seeks participation from across the aviation business community. NATA promotes involvement and expanded access to leadership opportunity regardless of race, ethnicity, gender, religion, age, sexual orientation, nationality, cultural identity, disability, appearance, geographic location, professional level, political views or affiliations.

In order to provide equal employment and advancement opportunities to all individuals, employment decisions at NATA will be based on merit, qualifications, and abilities. NATA does not discriminate in employment opportunities or practices on the basis of race, color, religion, sex, national origin, age, disability, sexual orientation, citizenship status, or past, present or future membership in a U.S. Uniformed Service, or any other characteristic protected by law.

About CBIZ’s Nonprofit & Social Sector Group

CBIZ’s Nonprofit & Social Sector Group is working with the National Air Transportation Association to support the search. Our group is a mission-driven professional services firm seeking to do more for nonprofits and socially conscious organizations. Learn more about our work here: Not-for-Profit & Education | CBIZ.