2027 Leadership Fellow Program

About the Role

The Leadership Fellow Program is a two-year rotational program at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey open to students receiving a graduate degree between December 2026 and June 2027. Over two years, Leadership Fellows rotate through four different business functions: staff/support department, line department, finance, and facility operations. Through structured rotational assignments, Fellows gain a broad understanding of the agency’s structure, goals, and strategic direction while actively contributing to departmental initiatives.

Beyond the responsibilities in each rotation, Fellows engage in continuous learning and leadership development through training sessions, mentorship, and feedback. The program prepares Fellows to become future leaders of The Port Authority. Leadership Fellows are full-time, permanent employees and receive a yearly salary and benefits. After successful completion of the program, Fellows are considered for key positions throughout the agency.

As of 2026, over 100 program alumni work at the agency across departments such as Aviation, Comptroller, Continuous Improvement, Engineering, Diversity, Equity & Inclusion, Financial Planning, Human Resources, Operations Services, Management & Budget, PATH, Planning & Regional Development, Port, Procurement, Project Management, Security Operations & Programs, Sustainability, Tunnels Bridges & Terminals, and the World Trade Center.

After graduating from the program, Fellows work in areas such as business performance/planning, customer experience, finance, facility operations, policy, process improvement, project/program management, sustainability, data analytics, procurement, and technology. The 2027 cohort is expected to start in early July.

Responsibilities

• Support or lead short-term and long-term projects within each rotation.
• Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions, deliver outcomes, and track progress.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with managers, mentors, and peers across departments.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Deliver presentations and updates to leadership throughout the program.
• Identify operational or strategic challenges and contribute ideas for improvement.
• Apply creative thinking to business challenges across different functions.
• Assist with enterprise-wide initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee engagement; or community outreach.
• Assist with planning events and facility operations.

Rotations

Each rotation lasts approximately six months. Fellows lead at least one project from inception to implementation. On-the-job learning is complemented by guidance from peers and senior leaders. Recent rotations have included work in areas like:

• JFK redevelopment
• Port Authority Bus Terminal redevelopment
• Resilience and sustainability
• Data analytics
• Business development
• Industry relations
• Project management
• Process improvement
• Finance
• Customer experience
• Facility operations
• Planning and innovation
• Technology

Requirements

• Students receiving a graduate degree between December 2026 and June 2027.
• Passion for public service.
• Openness to rotating through different business functions, including those that may not align with your professional background.

Qualifications

Desired Qualifications:

• Graduate degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban/City/Regional Planning, Transportation, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Sustainability, Communications, Political Science, Data Science, Operations, or a related field.
• Excellent problem-solving, analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Strong customer service.
• Political acumen.
• One year of work experience (can include internships) in public service, transportation, government, or a related area.
• Interest in public transportation.

Pay

The expected compensation range for this role is:

• Minimum: $79,612
• Maximum: $86,580

Schedule

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In-person collaboration is essential, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required based on business needs.

Benefits

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

About The Port Authority

Founded in 1921, the Port Authority of New York and New Jersey builds, operates, and maintains critical transportation and trade infrastructure assets. The agency's network of aviation, ground, rail, and seaport facilities supports over 550,000 regional jobs and generates more than $23 billion in annual wages and $80 billion in annual economic activity. The Port Authority also owns and manages the 16-acre World Trade Center site, where the 1,776-foot-tall One World Trade Center is the tallest skyscraper in the Western Hemisphere.