Assistant Director, Aviation Financial Services, WTC

About the Role

The Assistant Director, Aviation Financial Services is responsible for providing overall financial direction for the Aviation Department.  The successful candidate will operate with a multitude of internal and external stakeholders, including Aviation Department leadership, Port Authority executives, airlines and other development partners/tenants. This position manages bi-annual airport rates and charges consultations at EWR, LGA, and JFK, in addition to other external facing activities.

The successful candidate must balance conflicting priorities, specifically in the areas of customer service, business partner needs, and Agency financial targets to achieve optimal financial results for the department.  This position supervises development and execution of the Aviation Department’s annual Operating Budget of $3.66 billion in revenue and $2.29 billion in expenses and is responsible for ensuring that the Department budget aligns with departmental priorities and Agency goals.  The successful candidate will be responsible for planning and structuring future financial undertakings to ensure the department is positioned to capitalize on business opportunities or minimize loss of business during economic downturn.

The Assistant Director collaborates with the Deputy Director, Aviation Development on the Aviation Department’s capital-funding plan and the Aviation Chief Commercial Officer by developing and reviewing complex financial models associated with commercial deals, and providing commercial negotiations support.

Responsibilities

• Lead Aviation financial staff and drive strategic priorities of the department through that staff, ensuring that their work product is aligned with aviation and agency priorities. Set departmental financial goals and articulate Aviation budget performance on a regular basis to multiple internal and external stakeholders.
• Manage the development of complex financial models to determine financing alternatives, rates of return, lease rates, etc., for projects ranging in complexity from simple leases to multi-billion-dollar terminal developments.
• Direct development of the annual Aviation operating expense and revenue budgets.  Provide guidance on spending levels, ensure that all submittals are complete and timely, and construct justification of incremental spending requests above the agency’s budget growth guidance.
• Direct development of the five-year Operating Budget forecast to support the department’s strategic initiatives and long-range revenue forecast, including developing forecast assumptions in line with agency parameters. 
• Direct development of regular financial reports for each of the Aviation facilities and department senior staff to assist in managing spending to budget levels and aid in resource allocation requests.
• Direct development forecast for department revenues and expenses.  Department revenues are comprised of recoverable agreements, nearly 1000 leases, permits and other agreements and variable revenues.  Provide guidance on methods of forecasting and assumptions.
• Manage development of the annual Aviation Business Plan.  Ensure the document reflects department priorities and strategies and is in line with Agency objectives.
• Ensure comprehensive oversight of capital project revenue including detailed financial reporting to maintain transparency. This includes reviewing revenue streams, expenditures, and financial performance to ensure recoveries are appropriately projected. This involves presenting clear, accurate data on revenue projections, cost allocations, and the impact of capital projects on airline rates and charges.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university. Advanced degree in finance, accounting, business administration, or related field desirable.
• At least seven years of management experience in finance management. Significant exposure to and/or leadership in financial planning and analysis, financial forecasting, financial modeling and reporting, capital planning and budgeting.
• Experience with airport or transportation industry cost recovery methodologies and calculations, including leading airline rates and charges consultations.
• Superior leadership and management abilities where you have developed or implemented a strategic vision through demonstrated record of increasingly responsible positions in the financial management field.

Desired Qualifications

• Direct Aviation Financial Services organization experience 
• Experience advising senior executives and interacting with multiple governmental agencies and officials with potentially significant divergent views.
• Demonstrated experience negotiating with external parties on complex financial transactions.
• Ability to engage the Board and Board Subcommittees around issues, trends, and changes in both the strategic, operating and financial models.
• Demonstrated track record of leading, motivating, mentoring and developing staff at all levels.
• Strong interpersonal skills with demonstrated ability to interact effectively with the workforce at all levels as well as external constituents.
• High level of integrity and dependability with strong sense of urgency and results-oriented work ethic

Selection Process

The application process varies by position, but typically includes an initial phone interview for qualified candidates, followed by a more in-depth interview(s) and/or assessment(s). Selected candidates who are made a conditional job offer will be asked to undergo a background check.

Compensation & Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options for many positions, and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

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