About AIAA:

The American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics (AIAA) is the world’s largest aerospace technical society, uniting nearly 30,000 members and 100 corporate members across 91 countries. AIAA drives innovation and collaboration in aviation, space, and defense by fostering connections between industry, academia, and government. To learn more, visit www.aiaa.org.

Position Overview:

AIAA is seeking a dynamic and forward-thinking Senior Director, Research and Development (R&D) to shape the strategic direction and execution of R&D-related content within AIAA products and events. In this pivotal role, you will be the driving force behind all AIAA’s R&D initiatives, ensuring they align with AIAA’s bold vision, ambitious strategy, and the evolving demands of the aerospace and defense community.

Reporting to the SVP, Events, the Senior Director will lead SciTech Forum, AIAA’s premier R&D-related event, and foster relationships that position AIAA as a thought leader in aerospace research and innovation.

Key Responsibilities:

Leadership of SciTech Forum & R&D Events

• Serve as the primary leader and decision-maker for SciTech Forum, ensuring its success and relevance within the industry.
• Develop a long-term vision and growth strategy for SciTech as a premier AIAA content platform.
• Collaborate with marketing, sales, and project management to ensure SciTech meets revenue goals and performance indicators.
• Recruit and guide the SciTech Guiding Coalition, working with industry leaders to shape the event’s themes, focus areas, and speakers.
• Create and execute content strategy, including securing high-profile, industry-leading speakers to enhance SciTech’s influence and impact.
• Drive continuous innovation and improvement across AIAA’s R&D-related events.

Strategic Leadership in R&D

• Develop and execute AIAA’s R&D strategy, ensuring alignment with industry advancements and member needs.
• Create a strategic roadmap with clear milestones for AIAA’s growth and leadership in aerospace R&D.
• Establish and nurture key industry relationships to enhance AIAA’s presence as a leading organization in aerospace research.
• Represent AIAA externally at industry events, conferences, and discussions on aerospace research and policy.

Team & Organizational Leadership

• Lead, manage, and mentor the Senior Manager, Content, ensuring high performance and professional growth.
• Collaborate with AIAA leadership and cross-functional teams to drive innovation across products and services.

Qualifications & Requirements:

• Bachelor’s degree required (engineering, science, or aerospace-related field preferred).
• Advanced education (Master’s, MBA, or executive certificate in business/management) is a plus.
• Minimum 8-10 years of progressive experience in content development, business development, or project management.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, event leadership, and revenue-driven decision-making.
• Strong knowledge and passion for aerospace, science, technology, and defense policy.
• Excellent communication and presentation skills, with the ability to engage senior industry leaders.
• Public speaking experience, with confidence in addressing large live audiences.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite (Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, Teams).
• Moderate travel required to represent AIAA at industry events and conferences.

Why Join AIAA?

AIAA offers a collaborative and dynamic work environment, along with a competitive benefits package, including:

• Comprehensive healthcare coverage (medical, dental, and vision).
• Generous paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, holidays, parental leave, and bereavement.
• 403(b) retirement plan with up to 4% company match.
• Short-term & long-term disability coverage.
• Education benefits and professional development opportunities.
• A hybrid work environment (two in-office days per week, three remote).

AIAA is proud to be an Equal Opportunity Employer. We welcome applicants of all backgrounds and ensure equal consideration regardless of race, color, religion, national origin, sex, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, disability, veteran status, or other protected characteristics. Pre-employment screening, including background checks and credential verification, may be required.

How to Apply:

If you are passionate about shaping the future of aerospace R&D and driving impactful industry events, we encourage you to apply! Submit your application through AIAA’s careers page.

Join us in advancing the aerospace industry through innovation, collaboration, and leadership!

About American Institute of Aeronautics and Astronautics

AIAA’s purpose is to ignite and celebrate aerospace ingenuity and collaboration, and its importance to our way of life. AIAA is the world’s largest technical society dedicated to the global aerospace profession. We are comprised of individual and corporate members from around the world. AIAA carries forth a proud tradition of more than 80 years of aerospace leadership.

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