Director Airport Affairs

Department:

Airport Affairs

Our Company Promise

We are committed to provide our Employees a stable work environment with equal opportunity for learning and personal growth. Creativity and innovation are encouraged for improving the effectiveness of Southwest Airlines. Above all, Employees will be provided the same concern, respect, and caring attitude within the organization that they are expected to share externally with every Southwest Customer.

Job Description:

As the Director of Airport Affairs at Southwest Airlines, you’ll lead the Team responsible for acquiring airport properties, negotiating leases, and supporting key governmental affairs initiatives. You’ll manage both on-airport and off-airport property acquisitions to ensure Southwest has the facilities needed to operate efficiently. In this role, you’ll build and maintain strong relationships with airport leaders—including CEOs, Directors of Aviation and their executive teams—as well as governing bodies such as airport boards and advisory committees. Your Leadership ensures we secure the right spaces, foster strong partnerships, and keep our operations running smoothly across the network.

Additional details

• The culture of Southwest Airlines means we value the camaraderie, collaboration, and innovation that occurs when we come together and interact face-to-face at our vibrant Corporate Campus. Due to the nature of this role, you would be required to work from our Dallas, TX Headquarters facility during business hours.   
• U.S. citizenship or current authorization to work in the U.S. required and no current or future work authorization sponsorship available.

We’re committed to fair hiring practices and to making employment decisions without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, gender expression, national origin, age, military or veteran status, disability, genetic information, or other legally protected characteristics. 

Model the Southwest Way

• Guide and lead team members using SWA talent management practices to coach, develop, and engage employees
• Adhere to Company values and competencies to foster a culture of inclusion, recognition, and support of a safe work environment
• Invest in leadership and self-growth through participating in continuous learning and development

Responsibilities

• Obtain airport properties for Southwest Airlines
• Negotiate airport use and lease agreements; analysis of lease documents and financial analysis of airport costs; represent Southwest Airlines on airport affairs committees
• Review airport budgets and rental rates
• Participate directly in monitoring, controlling, and auditing airport expenses
• Support the Vice President of Governmental Affairs in coordination of governmental affairs matters; maintain Airport Affairs records and perform analysis as requested
• Lead Airport Affairs staff
• Assure responsibility for acquisition of off-airport sites required for company operations
• Work closely with commercial and operational department Leaders to ensure adequate space is available to meet the plan, and define potential airport infrastructure limitations which may impede the operation
• Develop strategy to position Company to secure the desired location of operations space, in conjunction with operational and commercial leadership
• Support Southwest Operational Leaders by leveraging airport executive relationships to assist with improvements in flight schedule efficiencies, and airport operating systems/protocols, especially as it pertains to irregular operations
• May perform other job duties as directed by Employee's Leaders

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Strong knowledge and understanding of strategic objectives of Southwest Airlines
• Strong knowledge of legal and financial principles related to negotiating
• Skilled in organization and written and verbal communication skills
• Strong computer skills
• Ability to interface effectively with all levels of management
• Ability to work with others as part of a team
• Ability to effectively manage multiple tasks and to maintain confidentiality of strategic information

Education

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

Experience

• Demonstrated experience in directly or indirectly leading team(s)
• Advanced level Business Acumen in functional area
• Seasoned and specialized knowledge in:
  • Airport operations, airport properties and airport finance
  • Real estate negotiations

Licensing/Certification

• N/A

Physical Abilities

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space