Vice President Airport Affairs

Job Summary

• Responsible for overseeing all aspects of Airport Affairs in their efforts to acquire airport properties, negotiate airport leases, support governmental affairs activities, acquire off-airport sites required for company operations, and design and construct all facilities system-wide. This includes, but not exclusive of, Use and Lease Agreements, Capital Development, and Facility Acquisitions. The Vice President will also be responsible for guiding the strategic direction of the department's capital plan and budgets, and set vision to seek opportunities to reduce or mitigate airport costs through strategic goals. In addition, this role will oversee the payables function of Airport Affairs. The Vice President is also responsible for coaching teams of leaders on building and maintaining strong internal and external relationships as a means to accomplish these goals. External relationship includes, but not limited to, airport CEO/Director of Aviation and their executive staffs, governing body members such as airport boards and advisory committees.

Additional details:

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.

• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

Southwest Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We continue to look for opportunities to reflect the communities we serve, and welcome applicants with diverse thoughts, backgrounds, and experiences.

Model the Southwest Way

• Guide and lead team members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage employees
• Adhere to Company values and competencies to foster a culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment
• Invest in leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development

• Coach, manage performance, and assist with targeted development efforts for direct reports
• Set strategies and coaches team on how to review and analyze airport budgets, airport capital projects and lease agreements, in order to identify and negotiate reductions in them
• Coach others on how to develop and maintain excellent working relationships with many levels of airport management and governance, and with internal customer departments
• Develop consensus within the company regarding facility needs
• Represent Southwest Airlines effectively in public forums such as industry conferences, local government and community organizations
• Represent Southwest Airlines effectively on airline/airport affairs committees, and be capable of chairing them effectively to serve Southwest's interests
• Maintain department budget, identify and implement cost and productivity improvements continually while maintaining consistent quality to meet business objectives
• Assess impacts to budget, determine costs versus benefits, and prioritize department projects
• Work closely with commercial and operational department Leaders to ensure adequate space is available to meet the plan, and define potential airport infrastructure limitations which may impede the operation
• Develop strategy to position Company to secure the desired location of operations space, in conjunction with operational and commercial leadership
• Support Southwest Operational Leaders by leveraging airport executive relationships to assist with improvements in flight schedule efficiencies, and airport operating systems/protocols, especially as it pertains to irregular operations
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

• Strong skills in organization and communication
• Ability to demonstrate capacity and coach leaders in airport and airline operations, airport finances, contracts and high regard for interpersonal relationships
• Ability to set strategies and coach others to analyze and negotiate a variety of documents and contracts
• Ability to build and maintain critical relationships at multiple levels of organizations including the highest levels (for both internal and external customers.)
• Ability to understand and implement enterprise strategic objectives
• Ability to demonstrate and maintain an extremely high regard for confidential and sensitive information
• Ability to demonstrate familiarity with all phases of construction projects (with special emphasis on airport facility construction) and real estate negotiations

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• Demonstrated experience leading multiple teams or functions through subordinate Leaders
• Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area with understanding of broad business impacts
• Expansive and far reaching knowledge in:
  • Airline and airport properties, corporate real estate, airport affairs and consulting

• N/A

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Extensive air travel with frequent overnight stays required
• Ability to work extended hours as needed, including nights and weekends