Job Description

Role Summary

The Managing Director, Airport Affairs sets the long-term strategy and oversees the financial performance of airport affairs and real estate development activities at Alaska Airlines and Horizon Air. As a people leader, this role establishes strategic goals and direction for a team of leaders to support network growth and meet airport space and related real estate business requirements by coordinating internal and external airport real estate development efforts, negotiating the lease and operating agreements, and developing and maintaining strong professional relationships with airlines, the airport, and relevant governmental leaders.

Key Duties

Negotiates airport use and lease agreements while maintaining a deep understanding of the airport rates and charges models in effect or under consideration.

Drives airport capital programs by assessing the commercial and operational needs of Air Group and leading development agreements for large scale airport improvement projects.

Represents the company in all third-party real estate transactions relating to airport properties.

Oversees and leads the optimization of property assets at airports, working with business partners to ensure company facilities are properly managed and provide optimum value.

Contributes to developing company hub strategies based on real estate needs and constraints and implements key strategies for development of real estate assets as well as financial risk mitigation.

Partners with key business stakeholders in the company, including network and capacity planning, marketing, airport operations, and governmental relations.

Recommends and advocates for compliance with relevant space metrics relative to company brand standards and the conduct of safe operations and prudent business requirements.

Maintains productive working relationships with airport staff, other airlines, local and federal agencies, and relevant airline associations.

Drives the review, execution, and implementation of contractual agreements with internal and external stakeholders.

Develops reports, analyses, strategies and concepts for projects, initiatives, and business opportunities at airports as required.

Leads, counsels, and provides professional direction for direct report employees supporting real estate division operations.

Partners with the Airport Development Design and Construction team to navigate business requirements and agreements with airports for Alaska construction projects.

Job-Specific Experience, Education & Skills

Required

10 years of experience in lease and contract negotiation, drafting, and administration.

5 years of people leadership experience.

Bachelor’s degree

Ability to perform financial analysis, interpret architectural concept drawings, and understand operational requirements.

Demonstrated ability to quickly scope real estate situations, develop an accurate understanding of risks, and develop plans responsive to those risks.

Proven ability to leverage business acumen and analytic capability to position the organization as a critical business partner.

Strong interpersonal skills, with the ability to create collaborative relationships that drive outcomes in the best interest of the company, with others in the organization, and with key external business and government partners.

Proven change management skills and a thirst for applying research and best practices to existing business problems.

Ability to work with other departments, airlines, and airport representatives to reach business and capital project objectives on complex, long-term projects.

Demonstrated ability to prioritize and manage multiple tasks and objectives.

Ability to manage, lead and mentor employees.

Ability to manage, supervise, and motivate outside vendors to achieve company results.

A high energy, positive, and executive-level presence along with top-notch written and verbal communication, public speaking, influence, and motivational skills.

Must be a self-starter, motivated, able to work independently both in and out of the office.

High school diploma or equivalent required

Minimum age of 18

Must be authorized to work in the U.S.

Preferred

A Master’s Degree or Master of Business Administration is preferred.

Leadership experience in Airport Affairs.

Experience with airport rates and charges.

Experience leading large hub airport relations on behalf of an airline.

Budget preparation experience.