Managing Director, Aviation via Korn Ferry Executive Search

Port of Seattle

  • Seattle, WA
  • Permanent
  • Full-time
  • 14 days ago
**To apply for this position, you must submit your resume directly through Korn Ferry Executive Search.Please contact Michael Bell at or Johnny Schumacher at to express your interest and submit your resume, with reference to the Port of Seattle's Aviation Managing Director opening in the subject title of your email.We encourage early submissions as first consideration will be given to candidates who express interest by October 15, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.Please note: Application and resume submitted through this system will NOT be considered.The Aviation Managing Director at Seattle-Tacoma International Airport (SEA) is responsible for the safe, reliable, and efficient operation of the airport. The position focuses on customer service and service enhancements, commercial development to maximizes revenue and profit from the airport’s asset base, ongoing capital investment and maintenance, outreach with key constituent groups, security, emergency response and preparedness program, and operational compliance with state and federal regulations.This is an at-will position that is a direct report to the Port’s Executive Director.
  • Aviation Executive Leadership and Management: Responsible for the operation, growth, and development of SEA in alignment with the Port’s mission, vision, and strategic goals. Provide leadership and management to a large-scale operating division with over $1.1 billion in operating revenues. Create a shared purpose, vision, and direction for diverse operations of the Aviation Division at the Port, including all activities necessary to support and operate SEA. Develops and implements comprehensive strategies and budget for SEA that drive continued business success while advancing sustainability, economic vitality, and equity. Strategic initiatives: Work with the Executive Director of the Port of Seattle to refine the mission, goals and priorities of the Airport. Identify, lead, and manage strategic initiatives for the Airport. Work with the Commissioners and executive leaders at the Port to gain approval of and ensure implementation of major airport and Port-wide strategic initiatives.
  • Budget and financial management: Develop and manage the annual budget for the Aviation Division, ensuring transparency and accuracy in applicable financial processes and procedures. Negotiate and oversee important commercial arrangements with air carriers, and suppliers, and ensure they are mutually beneficial. Negotiate and administer the airline-airport lease agreement, which impacts all aspects of airport operations.
  • Safety and compliance: Ensure that the Airport operates safely and efficiently, complying with all federal, state and local regulations, policies and contractual obligations, while applying modern best practices in airport management. Provide direction and oversight of airport emergencies, heightened security situations and irregular weather operations.
  • External relations: Serve as an ambassador for the airport and the Port in the community but also regionally, nationally and internationally, representing the organization to current and potential airline customers, government executives at various levels, the tourism and convention industries, the business community, suppliers, contractors, partners, local community groups and the public at large.
  • Leadership, management, and workforce planning: Establish the Airport’s organizational structure and workforce plan. Lead the Airport senior management team. Provide overall leadership to all airport employees, promoting and maintaining strong employee engagement.
  • Growth strategy: Guide the development of the Sustainable Airport Master Plan to ensure the sustainability and growth of the airport. Oversee ongoing capital improvement projects at the airports, ensuring that these projects are executed on-time and on-budget so that the airport can accommodate current and anticipated significant growth.
  • Airline and Stakeholder relations: Drive and oversee the development of air service at the Airport through strategically-focused approaches and innovative marketing efforts targeted at specific air carriers. Oversee relationship with airlines and stakeholders serving SEA. Work with senior executives of airlines providing (or able to provide) domestic and international air service to SEA in order to maintain and/or gain new such service.
  • Commitment to Equity: Commits to apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work. At the Port of Seattle, equity is a daily responsibility and a foundational expectation for all Port jobs.
Qualifications**To apply for this position, you must submit your resume directly through Korn Ferry Executive Search.Please contact Michael Bell at or Johnny Schumacher at to express your interest and submit your resume, with reference to the Port of Seattle's Aviation Managing Director opening in the subject title of your email.We encourage early submissions as first consideration will be given to candidates who express interest by October 15, 2025. The position will remain open until filled.Please note: Application and resume submitted through this system will NOT be considered.
  • Experienced - 10 Years experience in managing commercial service airport and/or aviation operations; to include 5 years senior leadership experience managing multi-disciplinary airport departments, and interaction with regulators, and elected officials or board members.
  • Desired - Bachelor's degree in business administration, public policy and/or aviation management.

Port of Seattle