Director - Airport Affairs

Achieving our goals starts with supporting yours. Grow your career, access top-tier health and wellness benefits, build lasting connections with your team and our customers, and travel the world using our extensive route network. Come join us to create what’s next. Let’s define tomorrow, together. Description Get ready! We’re reimaging the travel experience. Our Corporate Real Estate team is on the front lines of this effort, focused on enabling United’s growth strategy at all our hubs, stations and city locations across the world. From airport affairs and business services to planning and development, this team is responsible for all our leases and major construction and renovation projects, system wide. Job Overview And Responsibilities Responsible for leading the development and implementation of key objectives and strategies as part of United’s corporate real estate portfolio and growth plan. Manage primary relationship with key external stakeholders including but not limited to airport authorities, airlines, applicable government entities and industry organizations. This includes leading airport negotiations on behalf of United to achieve key business outcomes. Lead a team of professionals to drive development of strategic priorities across our airport portfolio and execute implementation of plans against defined objectives and metrics. Support other duties as assigned. Strategy Develop and maintain a strategic plan, goals and key performance indicators that support United corporate real estate portfolio and growth strategyEngage key stakeholders in the development of the plan to gather their input and obtain their commitmentFacilitate execution of the plan with collaboration across United leadership, business units, and external stakeholdersCollaborate across the company to drive development and administration of processes that support strategic objectives and priorities across United’s corporate real estate portfolio, including business case development, planning and negotiation Implementation Manage primary relationships and drive negotiations at strategic hub airports on behalf of United with key stakeholders including but not limited to airports, airlines, and applicable public/ government entitiesBalance proactive and reactive approach to managing key responsibilities, inclusive of developing solutions and driving consensus through collaboration and communicationLeverage knowledge of aviation industry and airport real estate environments to drive implementation of policies and initiatives across the corporate real estate portfolio that focus on cost and risk management, optimal real estate utilization, and enabling growth.Responsible for leading engagement in exception management, conflict resolution and strategic alignment Leadership Effectively lead teams by establishing department and individual goalOversee the department and individual performance and improvement plansCoach, counsel, and assist employees to develop individual career development and training plansLead effective teams using technical knowledge and experience combined with business acumen to provide thoughtful decision making and guidance in strategic implementation of United’s objectives and initiativesDemonstrate solution-oriented approach to problem-solving and a commitment to creating and sustaining a culture of continual improvement and innovationModel integrity, possess self-awareness and fosters an environment of accountabilityProvide transparent communication to department staff, leadership, and stakeholdersRepresent United's programs and leadership at industry and other external eventsMentor and develop a team that is empowered and engaged in the mission of the Airport Affairs Department Qualifications What’s needed to succeed (Minimum Qualifications): Bachelor’s degree in finance, Real Estate, Business Administration, or a related fieldMinimum 10 years airline/aviation real estate and airport-related contract negotiation experience3 years of managerial experience related to the positionExperience in the airline or airport industryStrong negotiation skills, particularly involving airline leases, airport agreements, and real estate contractsExperience managing large-scale capital budgets, including negotiating airport related financial terms and agreements Strong analytical skills, strategic/innovative thinking, and long-term visionAbility to “scan the horizon” and apply risk/benefit approach to emerging issuesStrong communication and presentation skills with experience presenting to senior management and/or external audiences requiredAble to collaborate with and influence internal and external stakeholdersAble to balance various corporate objectivesMust be legally authorized to work in the United States for any employer without sponsorshipSuccessful completion of interview required to meet job qualificationReliable, punctual attendance is an essential function of the position Position may be based in Chicago, IL or Washington Dulles International Airport (IAD)Up to 50% travel is requiredHybrid work schedule requiring a combination of in-office and remote work What will help you propel from the pack (Preferred Qualifications): Master's degreeDemonstrates an understanding of the capabilities and limitations of generative AI tools and effectively leverages them to support research, analysis, content creation, and problem-solvingApplies critical thinking to validate AI-generated outputs while adhering to organizational policies for responsible AI use, data privacy, and security The base pay range for this role is $159,790.00 to $207,998.00. The base salary range/hourly rate listed is dependent on job-related, factors such as experience, education, and skills. This position is also eligible for bonus and/or long-term incentive compensation awards. You may be eligible for the following competitive benefits: medical, dental, vision, life, accident & disability, parental leave, employee assistance program, commuter, paid holidays, paid time off, 401(k) and flight privileges. United Airlines is an Equal Opportunity Employer. We recruit, employ, train, compensate, and promote without regard to race, color, religion, national origin, gender identity, sexual orientation, disability, age, veteran status, or any other protected category under applicable law. We provide reasonable accommodations for applicants and employees with disabilities. To request an accommodation, contact JobAccommodations@united.com