Port of Seattle's Aviation Managing Director job opening.

Korn Ferry Executive Search is receiving the applications.

We encourage early submissions as first consideration will be given to candidates who express interest by October 15, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.

Please note: Application and resume submitted through this system will NOT be considered.

The Aviation Managing Director at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the airport. The position focuses on customer service and service enhancements, commercial development to maximizes revenue and profit from the airport’s asset base, ongoing capital investment and maintenance, outreach with key constituent groups, security, emergency response and preparedness program, and operational compliance with state and federal regulations.

This is an at-will position that is a direct report to the Port’s Executive Director.

Aviation Executive Leadership and Management: Responsible for the operation, growth, and development of SEA in alignment with the Port’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Provide leadership and management to a large-scale operating division with over $1.1 billion in operating revenues. Create a shared purpose, vision, and direction for diverse operations of the Aviation Division at the Port, including all activities necessary to support and operate SEA. Develops and implements comprehensive strategies and budget for SEA that drive continued business success while advancing sustainability, economic vitality, and equity. Strategic initiatives: Work with the Executive Director of the Port of Seattle to refine the mission, goals and priorities of the Airport. Identify, lead, and manage strategic initiatives for the Airport. Work with the Commissioners and executive leaders at the Port to gain approval of and ensure implementation of major airport and Port-wide strategic initiatives.
Budget and financial management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the Aviation Division, ensuring transparency and accuracy in applicable financial processes and procedures. Negotiate and oversee important commercial arrangements with air carriers, and suppliers, and ensure they are mutually beneficial. Negotiate and administer the airline-airport lease agreement, which impacts all aspects of airport operations.
Safety and compliance: Ensure that the Airport operates safely and efficiently, complying with all federal, state and local regulations, policies and contractual obligations, while applying modern best practices in airport management. Provide direction and oversight of airport emergencies, heightened security situations and irregular weather operations.
External relations: Serve as an ambassador for the airport and the Port in the community but also regionally, nationally and internationally, representing the organization to current and potential airline customers, government executives at various levels, the tourism and convention industries, the business community, suppliers, contractors, partners, local community groups and the public at large.
Leadership, management, and workforce planning: Establish the Airport’s organizational structure and workforce plan. Lead the Airport senior management team. Provide overall leadership to all airport employees, promoting and maintaining strong employee engagement.
Growth strategy: Guide the development of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan to ensure the sustainability and growth of the airport. Oversee ongoing capital improvement projects at the airports, ensuring that these projects are executed on-time and on-budget so that the airport can accommodate current and anticipated significant growth.
Airline and Stakeholder relations: Drive and oversee the development of air service at the Airport through strategically-focused approaches and innovative marketing efforts targeted at specific air carriers. Oversee relationship with airlines and stakeholders serving SEA. Work with senior executives of airlines providing (or able to provide) domestic and international air service to SEA in order to maintain and/or gain new such service.
Commitment to Equity: Commits to apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port jobs. #ZR

Who You Are

To apply for this position, you must submit your resume directly through Korn Ferry Executive Search.

Experienced - 10 Years experience in managing commercial service airport and/or aviation operations; to include 5 years senior leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary airport departments, and interaction with regulators, and elected officials or board members.
Desired - Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy and/or aviation management.

What Else You Need To Know

Work Schedule – Your normal work schedule will be Monday – Friday, 8:00 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. (40 hours per week). Slightly more flexible start and end times are available in this role.
Work Environment – This work will take place in a hybrid/in-office setting at Management’s discretion.
Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle. If a position is eligible to telework, work performed while teleworking must be performed in Washington State.
Security Requirements – As the successful candidate, you will/must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI). Your employment will be contingent upon obtaining a Port of Seattle ID badge upon clearance. You will also be required to obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.

Why You'll Love It Here

The Port of Seattle offers an extensive benefits package that rewards our staff for their valuable contributions towards the Port‘s mission. In addition to the summary below, benefit details for non-represented positions can be found on the Port of Seattle‘s website. If the position is represented by a union, please refer to the “Collective Bargaining Agreement” or contact the appropriate Union Representative for specific information related to benefits and eligibility.

Healthcare – Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength. We are actively working across the organization to create a culture where all employees – regardless of race, gender, and other identities – succeed and reach their fullest potential.
Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.

Why the Port of Seattle:

Every role at the Port of Seattle is vital to our thriving community. We are a leader in moving people and cargo across the country and around the world. With facilities and property ranging in scope from a half-acre park to one of the largest airports and container terminals on the West Coast, we maximize the public assets in our portfolio with an eye toward best uses and environmental sustainability. Find out more here.

Our vision is to create a Port that mirrors – throughout its breadth of operations and services and within its leadership – the diversity of our communities, instill principles of equity into its culture, and ensures a fair and intentional distribution of opportunities to expand economic develop and quality of life for all in our region. Find out more about how our values RAISE us up and our commitment to equity.

Minimum Salary

284,683.00

Maximum Salary

384,323.00