Description

JOA # 26-03                                                                                                                              DATE: 01/29/2026
TITLE: Managing Director, Safety                                                                                         
GRADE: EXEMPT     
VISION/DEPARTMENT: Operations & Safety/Safety  
REPORTS TO: Vice President Operations and Safety 

DUTIES & RESPONSIBILITIES:

• Interact with A4A members, FAA, NTSB and other industry stakeholders to formulate industry consensus positions on complex safety issues. 
• Provide support and strategic direction to the Safety Council and subordinate entities, while effectively managing A4A’s relationship with airline members and key external constituents.  
• Participate in and prepare industry comments for a wide variety of safety topics and federal rulemaking activities. 
• Provide industry leadership to the U.S. Aviation Safety Team (USAST), Commercial Aviation Safety Team (CAST), Aviation Safety Information Analysis and Sharing (ASIAS) and other industry safety groups as appropriate.
• Support industry positions on occupational safety developments.
• Collect and analyze data to identify areas for proactive risk management.
• Assist members in maintaining positive safety cultures and developing standard operating procedures to address changing regulatory requirements.
• Effectively represent A4A’s interests and support A4A Strategic Plan to industry safety organizations and government regulators including but not limited to FAA, NTSB, OSHA, CDC and PHMSA.
• Provide support to senior management staff as required.
• Manage Safety department staff and budget as required. 
• Overnight domestic travel required.

Requirements

QUALIFICATIONS

• Ten years’ experience with a major airline with experience in two or more of the following areas desirable: Engineering, Maintenance, Operations, Safety, Security, Emergency Response or Air Traffic Management.
• Bachelor’s/Master’s degree in aviation-related field including studies in accident investigation and/or human behavioral studies desirable. 
• Successful candidate must demonstrate extraordinary leadership, strong communication skills and ability to deliver impactful messages to a variety of audiences. 
• Demonstrated industry-leading experience and excellence in Safety Management Systems, data collection, analysis and proactive use of findings to manage risk.
• Proven ability to create, lead, motivate and energize diverse teams.
• Track record of meeting deadlines, fulfilling commitments and effectively managing complex projects to successful completion. 
• Proven ability to interact effectively with executive level staff from government and private sector and help guide consensus decisions.
• Experience with OSHA Standards and Dangerous Goods a plus. 
• Strong computer skills, including Microsoft Office, are required.

WORK ENVIRONMENT: 
If approved by your department supervisors, A4A employees have the option to work from home on Friday. All employees are expected to work in the office Mondays through Thursdays.  

SALARY INFORMATION:
The annual salary range for this position is $180,000 to $210,000. Typically, new hires are brought into the organization at a salary between the minimum and midpoint for the role, depending on experience, qualifications and internal equity.

COMPETITIVE BENEFITS: 
Choice of medical plans plus free life, dental, and vision coverage. 401(k) with matching contributions, airline travel privileges, a tuition reimbursement plan and 12 weeks of fully paid parental leave.

HOW TO APPLY:
Interested applicants should send a cover letter, resume and salary requirements to hr@airlines.org, attention JOA# 26-03.

Equal Employment Opportunity