Director of Executive Aviation

About the role

The Director of Executive Aviation is responsible for the end-to-end operational and financial performance of the Executive Aviation Program, which is used almost exclusively by the most senior executives of the New York Life Insurance Company and members of its Board of Directors.

Responsibilities

• Holistically manage the Executive Aviation Program to ensure financial and operational efficiency, in part by proactively anticipating potential issues before they impact travelers or program performance.
• Serve as the company’s subject matter expert on the Executive Aviation Program, advising leadership on program performance, options, best practices, and opportunities for improvement.
• Monitor industry trends, technology advancements, and best practices in corporate aviation and travel, and recommend and implement process improvements to enhance efficiency and optimize traveler satisfaction.
• Manage aircraft vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring vendor service and performance meet or exceed contractual terms and/or corporate standards.
• Maintain vendor performance and contractual obligations, address issues, and identify opportunities for improved value.
• Serve as an effective advocate for the company and appropriately challenge vendors, as necessary.
• Coordinate domestic and international travel, including flights, accommodations, ground transportation, catering, and other logistics, while prioritizing traveler comfort, preferences, and cost-effectiveness.
• Optimize the financial and operational usage of the aircraft across vendor contracts when planning and booking flights.
• Monitor program expenses, identifying opportunities for cost optimization.
• Ensure compliance with contractual and company requirements.
• Anticipate potential travel disruptions, providing alternative options to ensure seamless travel experiences.
• Interpret and apply company and contractual requirements, ensuring adherence to safety, security, and expense guidelines. Address non-compliance by providing travelers with guidance and support to ensure understanding and policy alignment.
• Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor for aircraft and travel-related needs and inquiries.
• Provide real-time support and assistance, ensuring timely resolution of urgent traveler concerns, especially during high-stakes situations.
• Aid in the resolution of travel disruptions by exploring alternative itineraries or services and communicating directly with senior executives and Board members promptly and effectively to provide updates on travel and program changes.
• Systematically gather feedback post-travel to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement.
• Develop aircraft usage forecasts by vendor and aircraft to support planning and expense projections.
• Provide monthly reporting showing aircraft usage by traveler, aircraft, and vendor; variance against forecasted usage; and unused hours by aircraft and vendor.
• Provide year-end reporting to support the administration and oversight of the Executive Aviation Program, executive perquisites, and related income tax impacts of each.
• Track program expenditures, compile reports on aircraft activity, and analyze trends to support strategic decision-making.
• Provide actionable insights regarding cost-saving measures and opportunities to enhance the corporate aircraft experience.

Requirements

• 8+ years of experience in corporate travel consulting or corporate aircraft / aviation program management, with a focus on senior executive travel in a large organization.
• Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Aviation Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience) preferred.
• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to manage complex travel needs under pressure. Must be available to provide support outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in alignment with executive and Board travel schedules.
• Strong understanding of corporate aircraft programs, vendor contracts, travel policies, expense management, and compliance requirements.
• Strong financial and analytical skills, including forecasting, variance analysis, and usage optimization. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft Excel.
• Excellent verbal and written communication skills.
• Strong problem-solving abilities and attention to detail.
• Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team.

Preferred Skills

• Proven track record of managing executive and Board-level travel with a high level of discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Experience managing private or corporate aircraft programs, including vendor and contract management.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Strong negotiation skills to help secure advantageous vendor and aircraft contracts.

Benefits

• Pay Transparency: Salary Range: $119,000-$175,000 Overtime eligible: Exempt Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes Sales bonus eligible: No
• Company Overview: At New York Life, our 180-year legacy of purpose and integrity fuels our future. As we evolve into a more technology-, data-, and AI-enabled organization, we remain grounded in the values that drive lasting impact. Our diverse business portfolio creates opportunities to make a difference across industries and communities—inviting bold thinking, collaborative problem-solving, and purpose-driven innovation. Here, you’ll find the rare balance of long-standing stability and forward momentum, supported by an inclusive team that honors tradition while embracing progress. As a Fortune 100 mutual company, we offer a place to grow your skills, contribute to meaningful work, and deliver solutions that matter. Our Benefits: We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work.
• Our Commitment to Inclusion: At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities.