Are you a strong leader ready to join the industry leading business & team to the next level? We are looking for General Manager to spearhead all aspects of the business. Forward thinking leaders please apply!!!! OVERVIEW OF THE AAA The Australian Airports Association (AAA) is a peak industry body founded in 1982 representing the interests of more than 330 airports and aerodromes across Australia, from regional landing strips to major international gateway airports. The AAA also has more than 150 corporate members who provide services to the airport sector. The AAA’s vision is to support “A thriving, sustainable aviation sector for our members”.  The AAA achieves this through advancing the interests of members by acting as the national voice for airports on a range of policy and regulatory matters including safety, security, sustainability, competition, and infrastructure development. OVERVIEW OF THE ROLE The General Manager – Major Airports is a new, senior position within the policy and advocacy team, reporting directly to the Chief Executive.  The role will help lead the strategic policy, advocacy and stakeholder relations agenda for Australia’s major airports. The role comes at an important time for the airport sector as it plans the recovery from the COVID pandemic as well meeting the expectations of the new federal government’s aviation policies. The role provides leadership in the development of evidence-based strategic policy as well as project management of key major airport working groups.  It will have responsibility for managing pro-active engagement with major airports on identified issues and work closely with external agencies and consultants to deliver cohesive and engaging public messaging and government submissions. The role requires an experienced and professionally qualified executive with an ability to manage a significantly detailed and varied portfolio of policy, regulatory and advocacy issues impacting the major airports and the broader aviation industry. The General Manager – Major Airports is required to be an excellent communicator who can develop influential, evidence-based arguments as well as manage a range of high priority projects to meet often tight timelines.  The role must engage well with members and stakeholders and be able to confidently represent the interests of the AAA and its major airport members. The role will have a particular focus on competition and regulatory matters as well as preparing for the expected Aviation White Paper. The role will be based in Canberra but require regular domestic travel throughout the year for meetings and other events. KEY RESPONSIBILITIES:

• In consultation with the AAA Board, CEO and Major Airport Group, develop and coordinate the strategic policy, regulatory and advocacy agenda to ensure the interests and needs of major airport members are addressed.
• Oversee the implementation of directives and policies determined by the major airports, including the coordination of industry campaigns and major projects.
• Assist with progressing the organisation’s public affairs and government relations objectives on key policy issues.
• Deliver a range of high-quality tactical outputs including publications, articles, submissions, printed materials, and digital products to assist with the identified policy issues.
• Work with external and internal resources to effectively engage and influence the public dialogue on important industry issues.
• Active monitoring of relevant issues in the media and other public forums to identify opportunities to proactively drive the organisation’s key messages.
• Prepares or co-ordinates the preparation of high-quality submissions, briefing papers and other documentation on key policy issues.
• Responsibility for and oversight of the delivery and project management of industry research and analysis on critical issues facing Australia’s major airports, as well technical guidance material for members.
• Effective management of external resources and consultants to ensure effective and efficient performance.
• Liaising and consulting with external resources, Government and other stakeholders to build effective working relationships.
• Represent the organisation at various events including, but not limited to, Government and stakeholder forums, Parliamentary engagements, internal and external committees and other official events.

SKILLS AND KNOWLEDGE REQUIREMENTS

• A proven strategic focus, with an ability to recognise opportunities and harness information.
• Policy development and advocacy campaign experience, including the ability to lead, motivate, set objectives, and project management.
• Ability to manage multiple projects with experience in areas such as public policy, government relations, and education campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience and coordination of working groups.
• Demonstrated knowledge of policy processes and how government’s operate including inquiry and White Paper processes.
• A track record of strong organisational skills, including planning, budgeting and reporting.
• Able to manage multiple and demanding tasks, prioritising as necessary and working to time-sensitive deadlines.
• Ability to manage relationships with governments, members of parliament, industry and stakeholders within the sector.
• Working knowledge of the aviation industry and the operation of airports and their regulatory environment would be beneficial.

WORK EXPERIENCE AND QUALIFICATIONS:

• Minimum of 10 years’ experience in similar roles, with a proven track record of performance, particularly in the development of influential, evidenced based and cohesive policy positions and advocacy campaigns.
• Demonstrated experience in the management of projects, working groups and coordinated campaigns, with the ability to develop strategic communications and engagement strategies.
• Demonstrated experience in effectively managing high-profile or significant industry issues from a government relations and/or public affairs perspective.
• Appropriate tertiary qualifications or experience in public policy, economics or competition law.
• Previous experience working in an industry association would be preferable but not essential.

To apply, click here and upload your current resume in Microsoft Word format only (.doc or .docx). Applications close COB Tuesday the 27th of September 2022.