Airport Director, Strategy Formation-Innovation

General Description and Classification Standards

This role is tasked with fostering a culture of creativity and forward-thinking within the organization. identifying emerging trends, developing strategic innovation initiatives, and driving the implementation of new technologies and processes.

As part of the leadership team, this position reports to the Chief Strategy Officer for the Department of Aviation (DoA) and collaborate with the various functional areas and levels of leadership at the DoA.

Success Metrics:

·         Manage, review, and adjust the DoA Innovation portfolio

·         Identify and evaluate innovation opportunities

·         Allocate resources

·         Monitor progress

·         Communicate and collaborate with stakeholders

·         Measure and track performance

Supervision Received

Direction received from Airport Chief Strategy Officer and is very general and focuses more on long-term and short-term objectives.

Essential Duties & Responsibilities These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

·         Lead the development and execution of the organization's innovation strategy to drive operational effectiveness and efficiency.

·         Identify and analyze new technologies, market trends, and industry insights to inform innovation opportunities.

·         Build and manage a diverse innovation portfolio, including incremental improvements and breakthrough initiative.

·         Facilitate collaboration across departments to ensure the integration of innovative solutions into the organization's operations and services.

·         Establish an innovation framework or process that encourages creative thinking and the generation of new ideas.

·         Oversee the innovation pipeline, ensuring a steady flow of projects from ideation to implementation.

·         Engage with external ecosystems, such as startups, research institutions, and other partners, to source and implement novel solutions.

·         Champion a culture of innovation within the organization by promoting risk-taking and learning from failure.

 

·         Secure funding and resources for innovation projects, including presenting business cases to stakeholders and executive leadership.

·         Measure and report on the impact of innovation initiatives, including performance metrics and ROI.

·         Mentor and develop team members to build a strong, cross-functional team capable of executing the innovation agenda.

·         Stay abreast of legal and regulatory developments that could impact the innovation process or the adoption of new technologies.

Decision Making

Applies organizational policies, exercises good judgment, discretion, and integrity at all times. Decision making is usually informed through a meaningful, collaborative process involving all stakeholders, from the Chief Strategy Officer, Airport General Manager and leadership team, employees, to subject-matter experts and external advisers.

Leadership Provided

May have formal supervisory authority over a project team.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities This is a partial listing of necessary knowledges, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

Must have knowledge in collaborating with cross-functional teams. Demonstrate strong project management and leadership skills with experience in leading complex projects and implementing change. Knowledge of innovation and effective ideation processes. Knowledge of Design Thinking concepts preferred.

Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Ability to succinctly capture and convey management information in writing and presentations. Works in an agile and entrepreneurial manner and exhibits a continuous improvement mindset. Excellent organizational skills and attention to detail. Excellent time management skills with a proven ability to meet deadlines.

 

Ability to deliver sustainable and measurable process improvement projects of high quality and in a timely fashion. Must be self-motivated with ability to work collaboratively and independently. Ability to coordinate complex assignments and multiple team tasks. Ability to utilize relationship building throughout the organization, exercises judgment and discretion, handles complex and difficult situations diplomatically, and represents the organization in a professional manner. Ability to function well in a fast-paced environment. 

 

Minimum Qualifications

Education and Experience