The Aluminum Association (TAA), based in Arlington, VA is searching for a Director of Technology and Market Development. Established in 1933, TAA is the trade association for the North American aluminum industry and has an $11M budget. The Aluminum Association is the industry’s leading voice in Washington, D.C., providing global standards, industry statistics, trade policy and expert knowledge to member companies and policy makers nationwide. Highly engaged in public policy and technical forums, the Association is committed to advancing aluminum as the sustainable metal of choice around the world.

With general guidance from the VP, Market Growth & Development, the Director of Technology and Market Development drives the adoption of aluminum in the industry’s major markets. The Director identifies key audiences and packages existing and new industry initiatives to leverage aluminum’s key characteristics, shaping a narrative about the metal to move markets. The Director oversees the Association’s Standards programs, including two direct reports who manage those programs.   

Responsibilities 

• Serving as the chief technology advisor to the aluminum industry, develop and implement the technology and standards strategy for the Association.
• Identify potential threats to aluminum’s competitive position, while targeting opportunities for aluminum in new and existing markets.
• Develop and maintain partnerships with industry groups, academic organizations, and government agencies to further technological innovation in the aluminum industry. 
• Represent the US Aluminum Industry in domestic and international technology forums, events, and institutions. 
• Manage the team responsible for the development and maintenance of industry standards and disseminate to the industry as appropriate.
• Prepare, and/or oversee, the writing and editing of technical and application articles and publications.
• Serve as chief industry resource responding to technical and general queries from customers, government agencies, the media and the public concerning aluminum standards and applications.
• Serve as staff executive for the organizational committees as assigned, usually with agendas organized around technological, production, or market expansion activities.
• Develop and manages the approved budget for all Standards and Technology related activities.
• Manage projects and services from external vendors and consultants as needed.
• Assume additional responsibilities as appropriate or as requested.

Required Skills and Qualifications 

• Undergraduate degree (BS) in Engineering, Metallurgy or related discipline.  MS degree preferred
• 12-15 years’ experience related to the technical management of aluminum production processes and applications.
• Ability to maintain competence in emerging trends and technologies.
• Demonstrated ability to communicate in writing for articles in technical journals or seminar papers, etc.
• Demonstrated ability to prepare and make presentations to domestic and international industry and standards bodies, customer and allied groups, the Board of Directors and other staff committees, as required.
• Flexibility to work extended hours, when required, to coordinate evening or weekend meetings.
• Ability to travel 15-20 days per year. 

What Can the Aluminum Association Offer to the Right Candidate?

The Aluminum Association is a collaborative organization with a high degree of communication, trust, and mutual respect among employees. Your colleagues are professional and committed to their work; they are respectful and work well together as a team.

This is a highly visible position that will allow you to interact with senior industry professionals, including members at our spring and annual meeting.

We have a light and modern workplace within a very nice building in Crystal City, close to metro, VRE, bus stops, and a range of restaurants and eateries. Amazon’s new offices will be in our neighborhood.

We offer a competitive salary and benefits package, including medical and dental insurance, short-term and long-term disability, flexible spending account, paid parking, 401k, 12 paid days off for holidays, 5 days of paid time off for sick and medical care, 12 days’ vacation in year one with added vacation days with years of service and more.

How to Apply for the Position:

Simply email your resume to jobs@aluminum.org with “Director of Technology and Market Development” as the subject of the email. Please include your resume as a Word or PDF attachment to the email and paste your cover letter in the body of your email with your salary requirements.

All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, gender, gender identity or expression, sexual orientation, national origin, genetics, disability, age, veteran status, or any other basis protected by law. This position may require pre-employment screening potentially including a criminal background check, verification of academic credentials, licenses, certifications, and/or verification of work history.