Senior Vice President (SVP) and General Counsel

JOB SUMMARY:   

Reporting directly to the President and CEO, the General Counsel (GC) serves as the chief legal officer for the Aircraft Owners and Pilots Association (AOPA) and the AOPA Foundation by providing strategic legal guidance, managing risk exposures, and otherwise providing legal representation, advice and guidance on a broad range of matters. The GC partners closely and in collaboration with Association and Foundation leadership in delivering legal services and managing legal exposures to advance mission goals. The GC oversees and manages the Pilot Protection Services (PPS) program, which provides representation for AOPA members on aviation legal and related matters. The GC also serves as Secretary to the Board of Trustees and performs the functions customarily associated with that role. The GC position is based at AOPA’s headquarters in Frederick, Maryland. 

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS:  

Serve as Secretary to the Board of Trustees for the Association and Foundation. Advise the Board and CEO on corporate governance matters, particularly on 501c(3) and 501c(4) matters, prepare Board meeting minutes, draft Board resolutions, update bylaws and articles of incorporation, maintain corporate and Board records, and make appropriate Board filings as required by law. 

Provide the CEO and others with legal and policy focused advice on a broad range of issues affecting the association including contracts, donation gift and acceptance, intellectual property, marketing and privacy laws. The GC position requires a review of all major contracts for legal sufficiency and risk exposure, including drafting of contracts when appropriate. 

Oversee and manage the PPS program, including in-house attorneys, and the nationwide network of panel attorneys. Leverage PPS knowledge for policy and mission purposes and work collaboratively to develop and implement strategies to expand PPS participation. 

Oversee and manage an intellectual property portfolio of trademarks, copyrights, and patents, including making the necessary regulatory filings and taking necessary action when potential infringement is discovered. 

Prepare and review legal filings in connection with litigation, petitions for exemption, FAA Part 13 and 16 complaints. This may require direct representation in Federal courts or before agency regulatory bodies, such as the FAA. Alternatively, it may require coordination with and management of outside counsel regarding litigation and specialty topics or issues. 

Support advocacy efforts through review of legislative and regulatory proposals, research and support for airport issues. As requested, help draft comments on proposed agency regulations 

Establish and maintain relationships with regulators and agencies including NTSB, FAA, DOT, CBP, DHS in connection with legal and PPS matters. Work collaboratively with the appropriate AOPA units to facilitate this. 

Coach, mentor, and develop staff members and provide performance feedback. 

**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 Juris Doctor degree from an accredited law school and active membership in a State bar, admittance to practice in appropriate jurisdictions and Federal courts. 

Substantial legal and executive experience in the public and/or private sector that demonstrate the skill sets and seasoned experience necessary to carry out the requirements of the GC position as summarized above.   

Government legal experience in the aviation sector is strongly preferred as is experience with non-profits and related governance requirements. A pilot’s license is considered a plus but is not required.  

Demonstrated ability to work collaboratively and as a team in a range of roles both internally and externally is required. Position offers extensive opportunities for teamwork both in problem solving and strategic innovation to advance Association and Foundation mission goals. 

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

PREFERRED JOB QUALIFICATIONS:  

Private Pilot License with advanced ratings 

Non-profit legal experience

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 

Salary

• $300,000 - $400,000