POSITION SPECIFICATION SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SAFETY, SECURITY AND OPERATIONS AIRLINES FOR AMERICA ORGANIZATION A4A Mission Vigorously advocate for America s commercial airlines as models of safety, security, customer service and environmental responsibility; and as the providers of the unique and indispensable network that connects our country and drives our nation s economy and global competitiveness. About A4A The fundamental purpose of Airlines for America is to foster a business and regulatory environment that ensures safe and secure air transportation and enables U.S. airlines to flourish, stimulating economic growth locally, nationally and internationally. By working with its members in the technical, legal and political arenas, A4A leads industry efforts to fashion crucial aviation policy and supports measures that enhance aviation safety, security and wellbeing. A4A and its members continue to play a vital role in shaping the future of air transportation. A4A is recognized by Congress, state governments, the Department of Transportation, the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Homeland Security, the Transportation Security Administration, the press and the public for its professional and accomplished representation of the industry. As A4A members chart their futures in an ever-changing market, A4A provides valuable expertise, guidance and assistance. A4A airline members and their affiliates transport more than 90 percent of all passengers and cargo in the United States. A4A represents the industry on major aviation issues before Congress, federal agencies, state legislatures, and other governmental bodies. It continues to promote safety by coordinating industry and government safety programs, and it serves as a focal point for industry efforts to standardize practices and enhance the efficiency of the air transport system. The role and importance of A4A cannot be underestimated. The impact of the civil aviation industry in the U.S. has been measured at 5 percent of the Gross Domestic Product and $1 Trillion in economic activity annually, and the industry is directly and indirectly responsible for 11 million jobs across the country. A4A's structure is similar to most airlines and provides an interface between the carriers and the various government and private sector organizations. Key departments within the association deal with federal and state advocacy, public relations, operations and safety,
security, engineering, maintenance and materiel, airport operations, air traffic management, cargo, electronic data interchange, facilitation, international affairs, legal affairs, and passenger services. Working with these established functions are a variety of A4A councils and committees, composed of subject matter experts from member airlines, formed to address industry issues. The current A4A membership features most of the principal carriers and integrated logistics/air cargo providers in the U.S.: Alaska Airlines, American Airlines, Atlas Air/Polar Air Cargo, Delta Air Lines, Fed Ex, Hawaiian Airlines, JetBlue Airways, Southwest Airlines, United Airlines, and United Parcel Service. Associate Members: Air Canada The annual operating budget of A4A is in the $32 million range. The organization employs approximately 76 professional and support staff in addition to 11 employees supporting A4A Business Units. A4A is governed by a board of directors composed of the Chief Executive Officers of each member carrier. A4A is headquartered on the 11th and 12th floors of 1301 Pennsylvania Avenue, NW, in downtown Washington, D.C. More information on A4A and its services can be found at the organization's web site www.airlines.org.
POSITION SUMMARY The number one priority of U.S. airlines is the safety of its passengers and employees, while managing multiple external factors to provide the best possible travel experience for customers. The challenges of running safe and efficient airline operations are matched by the complexity; in the airports and the skies, and in the regulatory environment in which we operate. Effectively managing current and future operational issues strategically, for tactical advantage or to prevent harm, best serving A4A members, their customers and employees, is the focus of this position and the functions it leads. This important executive position requires a strong leader with personal credibility who brings a broad spectrum of operational experience, expertise and strategic planning to A4A member and staff leadership teams. This executive will work closely with A4A members subject matter experts to advise, evaluate and set standards, procedures and approaches that maximize safety and customer service while eliminating unnecessary cost. This leader will be responsible for successfully influencing outcomes by representing and defending the collective interests of the A4A membership on airline issues; and by building strong relationships with critical regulatory bodies, such as the Federal Aviation Administration, the Department of Transportation and the Department of Homeland Security. Effective communications regarding operational issues with key constituents is also a critical part of this role; as a credible spokesperson for A4A in external opportunities from congressional hearings to media interviews. This role oversees six key functional areas within the airline portfolio at A4A, all of which are core to member airlines - (i) Air and Ground Safety, (ii) Security, (iii) Flight Operations, (iv) Air Traffic Management (including A4A staff at the FAA system command center), (v) Engineering and Maintenance and (vi) Cargo Services. The incumbent is also responsible for mandates across these six functions, including: Advocating for the U.S. commercial airline industry and its strong record of operational excellence and safety to the public at large and other key influence groups. Representing A4A and member interests in key venues: National media (print, radio and television) Trade press Congressional testimony International aviation forums Trade forums And others as necessary The Senior Vice President reports to the President and Chief Executive Officer and directly oversees a Vice President and Managing Director.
RELATIONSHIPS Reports to: Directly supervises: Key Relationships: President and Chief Executive Officer Significant interaction with the A4A Senior Leadership Team (Chief Executive Officer and other Senior Vice Presidents) Contributes to Quarterly Board Meetings Vice President, Operations and Safety Managing Director, Security Operations Global Government Affairs Legislative & Regulatory Policy Office of Economics Office of the General Counsel Office of Communications Chief Financial and Operating Officer Safety Council Flight Safety Committee Ground Safety Committee Cabin Operations Committee Air Traffic Management Council Airline Ops Committee Engineering, Maintenance and Materiel Council Airworthiness Committee Security Council Cargo Council Key External Relationships: Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) U.S. Department of Transportation (DOT) National Air Traffic Controllers Association (NATCA) National Transportation Safety Board (NTSB) Transportation Security Administration (TSA) International Civil Aviation Organization (ICAO) International Air Transport Association (lata) Aerospace Industries Association (AlA) Air Line Pilots Association, International (ALPA) RTCA Other Aviation Industry Associations
MAJOR RESPONSIBILITIES Working closely with the A4A Senior Leadership Team, develop the long-term plan for A4A airline operational functions in support of the strategic plan. Regularly surface important airline operations-related policy matters confronting the industry and devise strategic solutions to advance the program goals of A4A. Given the dynamic nature of the industry, the Senior Vice President Safety, Security and Operations must be able to implement a strategic direction. Establish and maintain productive relationships with the key representatives of airline members represented on relevant councils and committees to ensure that A4A stays in touch with its membership and that all members have, and feel that they have, access to their association's leadership. Formulate, propose, and secure support and approval for policy positions as related to the most significant airline issues on behalf of the industry. Build and establish affirmative consensus among carriers on present and future operations-related industry policies and positions. As appropriate, engage the industry membership in productive debate on such issues. Work closely with Global Government Affairs, Legislative and Regulatory Policy and Communications to represent, advance, and defend the industry's policy positions on issues before the federal government so as to achieve the policy objectives established by the Board and the A4A Senior Leadership Team. Effectively represent A4A and its member airlines before all relevant external parties, including the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, state and local governments, airport operators, suppliers and other important constituents and be an effective spokesperson to the media and the public. Serve as an effective advocate for the industry and defend its excellent track record for safety and efficiency. Engage in and address situation-specific airline issues that may affect one airline, a group of carriers, or the industry overall. Conceive, design, implement, and support industry-wide programs to improve operating efficiency. Cultivate and manage productive relations with representatives of government, major regulatory bodies, and related industry associations, with a particular focus on the key stakeholders at the Federal Aviation Administration. Maintain fairness and impartiality among carriers in order to preserve and protect the best interests and continuing viability and effectiveness of the Association. Report regularly to the President and Chief Executive Officer, and as-required to the Board of Directors on activities and results in the Safety, Security and Operations division, seeking counsel and decisions on key matters. Working closely with the relevant A4A Council and Committee liaisons and at times with the Chairperson, coordinate the activities of the Safety-, Security-, and Operations-related standing and ad hoc committees, councils, working groups, and taskforces of A4A.
Work with the Chief Financial and Operating Officer to establish the expense budget for the Safety, Security and Operations division and manage against that budget within the fiscal parameters established by the Board. Assure that Safety, Security and Operations takes maximum advantage of the public advocacy components of A4A to ensure that its resources are best aligned and allocated against its primary mandates and meet member needs. Supervise, select, evaluate, lead and motivate the professional staff within the Safety, Security and Operations function in accordance with the policies and instructions of Senior Leadership and the Board. NEAR-TERM ACCOMPLISHMENTS Develop a strong, trust-based relationship with airline member representatives and A4A senior leadership. Establish himself/herself with the relevant member committees and councils and develop productive relationships with the current and future leaders of those groups. Visit with the key representatives of member organizations, at their offices, so as to develop a professional relationship, understand their issues, and demonstrate A4A's desire to reach out. Establish productive rapport with the key leaders and representatives in regulatory agencies, government, and other associations. Develop a solid understanding of the key safety-, security-, and operations-related policy issues facing the industry and A4A, and develop a priority action plan as appropriate. Gain the support and commitment of current direct reports and staff and launch any required activities to evolve the team as appropriate.
CANDIDATE SPECIFICATION SENIOR VICE PRESIDENT SAFETY, SECURITY AND OPERATIONS AIRLINES FOR AMERICA Broad-based airline operations leadership experience in key airline operating functions in flight operations, flight safety, or system operations control. Serious consideration will be given to high-potential individuals who bring experience in one primary operating function but who have equally been exposed to other operating disciplines by virtue of their roles or through taskforces and special projects. Major airline experience as a captain of a transport-category aircraft and experience in airline management, preferably as a chief pilot or director of operations is highly desired. Alternatively, solid experience as a senior leader in a major airline operations center will be considered. Experience dealing effectively with various federal regulatory agencies, most particularly the Federal Aviation Administration. Have a sound understanding of the regulatory process and a good reputation with the FAA and in Washington in general. Well known and respected by the FAA. Prior exposure to industry-wide committees, task-forces, and special projects in the area of operations and safety. Well respected for his/her airline technical and operating knowledge and ability to conceive and secure alignment around technical policy positions that are sound and economically reasonable. Experienced in the research, formulation, and articulation of broad-based industry policies and related initiatives. Has brought a diverse group of parties together around a group of common issues, needs, and solutions. A well-respected leader who has demonstrated his/her ability to excel in a multiconstituent setting requiring drive and initiative but also tact and diplomacy. Has a strong professional network in the airline operations and safety arena and can draw upon that network as necessary. Ideally brings experience in both the private and public sectors. Possesses a strong track record of successful media and public speaking engagements. Conveys his/her organization's views articulately and with style. An undergraduate degree in aviation, engineering, business, or economics, and, ideally, a post-graduate degree. The ideal candidate would possess a strong educational grounding in both aviation/engineering and the aviation regulatory environment.
IDEAL PERSONAL PROFILE AND SKILLS A strong consensus builder and influencer. Able to secure common ground and ensure alignment in various contexts, both among the membership and across other organizations in Washington. Builds collaborative and productive relationships with others both inside and outside the organization. A "natural networker". An articulate spokesperson and representative for the industry. Able to address a wide variety of audiences. Quick-thinking and displays mental agility under pressure. Good leadership skills as related to leading a diverse group of highly knowledgeable experts. A strong focus on results and an ability to get things done. Takes charge, with a "can do" attitude, leads by example and strives for excellence and total quality in all endeavors. Has well developed ambassadorial skills given the nature of the role and the need to represent the industry at senior levels with many external constituencies. Candidate is politically savvy and able to deal fairly, diplomatically and discreetly with members, other related organizations and government representatives. Strong business and commercial acumen. INTERESTED CANDIDATES CONTACT A4A HUMAN RESOURCES Resumes may be sent to HR@airlines.org with subject line SVP.