Vice President, Director of Aviation

The Vice President, Aviation is responsible for managing NYCEDC’s Aviation assets, fostering economic growth, driving technological innovation, mitigating quality of life concerns, and enhancing the overall transportation ecosystem in New York. This role also carries the title and responsibilities of New York City’s “Director of Aviation” as it relates to its Municipal Air Terminals Lease with the Port Authority of New York & Jersey for LaGuardia and JFK airports. The NYCEDC Aviation portfolio encompasses skyports/heliports (Downtown Skyport and East 34th Street Heliport), airports (LGA and JFK), the East River Skyport/Stuyvesant Cove seaplane base, and administration of the City’s Foreign Trade Zone Program.

Responsibilities

• Develop and implement a vision, strategy, and action plan for NYCEDC’s Aviation assets in alignment with the goals and objectives of NYCEDC, the Asset Management Division, and the Ports, Waterfront, and Transportation Department.
• Cultivate tenant relations to maximize revenue streams, achieve public policy goals, and ensure efficient performance across all aviation assets.
• Oversee and coordinate Airport Board activities with the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey, providing oversight on performance standards, capital plans, air cargo market opportunities, financing opportunities, environmental betterments, consultant studies, traffic and transportation management, industry relationships, and other areas defined in the Municipal Air Terminals Lease.
• Build and maintain relationships with relevant government entities (including the Federal Aviation Administration and the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey) and industry and community groups/boards.
• Coordinate and guide legislation and rulemaking related to the aviation industry and represent NYCEDC/City at official forums or public hearings.
• Oversee the 311 helicopter noise complaint process in coordination with NYC Office of Technology and Innovation; identify and implement continuous improvements.
• Lead research and industry engagement related to emerging technologies such as electric vertical take-off and landing (eVTOL) aircraft, zero-emission seaplanes, drones, and other innovations that can reduce noise and air pollution.
• Collaborate with Asset Management Design & Construction to oversee major maintenance and redevelopment programs focused on optimizing asset utilization and operational efficiency.
• Provide leadership and management oversight of the Aviation team, fostering a collaborative and high-performance work environment.
• Manage the Foreign Trade Zone activities for the City of New York to ensure maximum utilization and benefits for prospective and existing users.
• Perform other duties as assigned by the Asset Management SVP of Ports, Waterfront, and Transportation.

Requirements

• Bachelor’s degree in public/transportation policy, urban planning, economics, engineering, or a related field.
• 7+ years of work experience in public policy, transportation, asset management, strategy consulting, or a relevant field.
• Subject matter expert and strategic thinker with regards to aviation facilities, working with private partners, and how they fit within the economic environment and transportation ecosystem of the city.
• Effective written and verbal communication skills, including public speaking and engagement with external stakeholders.
• NYC residency is required within 180 days of hire.

Preferred Qualifications

• Master’s Degree in a related field.
• Demonstrated experience working with consultants, infrastructure operators/developers, and local communities on large-scale development plans, preferably in NYC.
• Experience in asset/property management, lease administration, and tenant relations.

About Us

New York City Economic Development Corporation is a mission-driven, nonprofit organization that works for a vibrant, inclusive, and globally competitive economy for all New Yorkers. We take a comprehensive approach, through four main strategies: strengthen confidence in NYC as a great place to do business; grow innovative sectors, with a focus on equity; build neighborhoods as places to live, learn, work, and play; and deliver sustainable infrastructure for communities and the city’s future economy.

Benefits

• Generous employer-subsidized health insurance (medical, dental, pharmacy, vision, and hearing plans).
• Flexible spending accounts for healthcare and dependent care.
• Short-term and long-term disability coverage.
• 100% employer-covered life insurance and supplemental life insurance coverage.
• Up to 25 vacation days, floating holidays, and Summer Fridays.
• Parental leave—up to 20 paid weeks.
• Retirement savings programs (company-paid 401(a) defined contribution plan and 457(b) tax-advantaged retirement savings plan).
• Tuition reimbursement program and continuing education/professional development.
• Public Service Loan Forgiveness (PSLF) eligible employer.
• College savings plan and backup childcare.
• Gym membership discounts and a Calm.com membership for mindfulness and mental health support.
• Employee discounts through Plum Benefits and more.

Benefits listed above may vary based on the length and nature of your employment with New York City Economic Development Corporation. These benefits are subject to modification at any time, at the discretion of the organization.