Job Title: Aviation & Community Engagement Program Manager Location: Arlington, VA (Onsite) Duration: 6 Months (Possible extension) Travel: Approximately 20% out-of-state travel
Job Summary We are seeking an experienced Program Manager to support community engagement initiatives for a drone delivery business. This role will lead public affairs and community engagement events in communities preparing for drone delivery service launches. The ideal candidate will bring experience in aviation, drones/UAS, or FAA-related programs, along with strong event management, public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and vendor coordination skills. The candidate must be comfortable explaining technical information to community members, addressing questions, and communicating customer and community feedback to internal business teams.
Key Responsibilities
Plan, coordinate, and execute public affairs and community engagement events supporting drone delivery service launches.
Manage event logistics, vendors, venues, and coordination with internal teams responsible for event staffing and execution.
Engage community members, public policy stakeholders, and other external partners to build awareness, trust, and support.
Explain drone delivery services and related technical information in an accessible manner and respond to community questions.
Collect, document, and regularly communicate customer and community feedback to relevant business teams.
Develop event plans, processes, and program activities aligned with business and external engagement objectives.
Manage multiple activities, respond to ad hoc requests, and execute high-visibility engagements in a collaborative environment.
Track event outcomes and communicate measurable results and key learnings to stakeholders.
Required Qualifications
Bachelor's degree.
7+ years of relevant professional experience in event planning, program management, public affairs, community engagement, or related fields, including aviation-related experience.
Experience in aviation, drones/UAS, or FAA-related programs.
Demonstrated experience planning and executing large-scale public-facing events, community engagement initiatives, or public affairs programs.
Experience managing vendors, event logistics, and internal cross-functional teams.
Strong public speaking, stakeholder engagement, and relationship-building skills.
Ability to learn technical information quickly and communicate it clearly to nontechnical audiences.
Ability to gather feedback, identify key themes, and communicate insights to business stakeholders.
Strong organizational skills, attention to detail, and the ability to manage ambiguity and competing priorities.
Ability to provide clear examples of individual contributions and quantifiable program or event outcomes.
Preferred Qualifications
Experience supporting drone delivery launches, aviation outreach, or community engagement programs.
Experience working with public policy leaders, government representatives, or community organizations.
Background in campaign management, fundraising, museum programming, marketing, or communications.
Experience supporting regional initiatives across the US West or Canada.
Strong problem-solving skills and the ability to adapt messaging for different audiences.
Applicant Notices & Disclaimers
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At SPECTRAFORCE, we are committed to maintaining a workplace that ensures fair compensation and wage transparency in adherence with all applicable state and local laws.This position's pay range is $70.00/hr - $85.00/hr.
