Senior Manager Flying Clubs Initiative

Position Summary

The senior manager of AOPA’s flying clubs initiative is responsible for providing strategic direction and program execution in all areas related to AOPA’s effort to grow existing clubs and establish new clubs.  The manager of the flying clubs initiative also works closely with the “You Can Fly” ambassadors to ensure they have the support from headquarters needed to provide valuable assistance to flying clubs.

AOPA’s Flying Club Initiative is a “You Can Fly” program.  This position reports to the senior director of pilot community development in Frederick, MD.

Primary Duties & Responsibilities

1. Lead program development, management and coordination of all aspects of AOPA’s Flying Club Network. Manage existing resources and develop new benefits for members of the Network, to include but not limited to:
   1. All web resources and information
   2. Flying Club Finder
   3. Scheduling software
   4. Resource Library
   5. Legal assistance
2. Develop resources and valuable information to help new clubs get started.  Respond to emails and phone calls on a daily basis from new clubs with questions and requests for assistance.  Track clubs in formation and connect clubs in formation to You Can Fly ambassadors when appropriate.
3. Deploy AOPA’s Club Connector newsletter on a monthly basis.  Work with writers and the marketing department to deploy the newsletter on time each month.
4. Monitor and respond to all emails, phone calls and social media related to the flying clubs initiative on a daily basis.
5. Routinely collect and analyze metrics and data that point directly to AOPA’s impact through these initiatives.  Consistently refine the survey and data collection processes.
6. Plan and execute flying club events at airshows and fly-ins.  Work with the marketing department and other pilot community development staff to promote, execute and manage to budget.
7. Provide and coordinate all AOPA internal relationships necessary to support the program, including but not limited to internal production request coordination, online content management, schedule monitoring, legal assistance and budget tracking.
8. Ensure contractors/consultants are properly managed and deliver on promised content/expertise, timeline and budget.
9. Travel as necessary to attend meetings, host events, and make presentations.
10. Manage expenses and track to the approved annual budget.
11. Work closely with pilot community development staff on other closely related programs such as AOPA’s flight training initiative and the Rusty Pilots program.

Experience/Requirements

• At least five years of related professional experience. Direct experience with flying clubs highly desirable (could be as a member of a club)
• Solid program management experience
• Prior success in developing strong external and internal collaborative relationships    
• Experience managing multiple priorities and projects in a fast paced and dynamic working environment
• Pilot Certificate and current FAA flight medical required - CFI highly desirable
• Strong project and time management skills
• Public speaking experience required along with excellent written and interpersonal communication skills
• Ability to travel 3-4 days per month, sometimes more during airshow/fly-in season
• Highly proficient in Microsoft Word, Excel, and PowerPoint

To apply for this position with Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) please click on Apply Now.

AOPA offers a comprehensive benefits package that reflects how much we care about our employees. Benefits include medical, dental, and vision insurance; retirement; short-term and long-term disability; life and AD&D insurance; flexible spending accounts; tuition reimbursement; a wellness program; flexibility in work hours; and paid holidays.

And ... although not all AOPA employees are pilots, we offer the opportunity for our employees to obtain a private pilot certificate for free. We also provide continued assistance to help employees maintain their flight proficiency.

AOPA is an equal opportunity employer committed to diversity in the workplace.