Director Airport Affairs

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.

• 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

• 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

• 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

• Required: High School Diploma or GED

• 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

• N/A

• Ability to perform work duties from [limited space work station/desk/office area] for extended periods of time
• Ability to communicate and interact with others in the English language to meet the demands of the job
• Ability to use a computer and other office productivity tools with sufficient speed and accuracy to meet the demands of the job

• Must maintain a well-groomed appearance per Company appearance standards as described in established guidelines
• Must be a U.S. citizen or have authorization to work in the United States as defined by the Immigration Reform Act of 1986
• Must be at least 18 years of age
• Must be able to comply with Company attendance standards as described in established guidelines
• Extensive air travel with frequent overnight stays required
• Ability to work extended hours as needed, including nights and weekends

Pay & Benefits:

• Competitive market salary from $189,450 per year to $210,500 per year* depending on qualifications and experience. For eligible Leadership and individual contributor roles, additional bonus opportunities are available and awarded at the discretion of the company.

Benefits you'll love:

• Fly for free, as a privilege, on any open seat on all Southwest flights (your eligible dependents too)

• Southwest will help fund your 401(k) retirement savings with Company contributions up to 9.3% of your eligible earnings**

• Potential for annual ProfitSharing contribution in the Southwest Retirement Savings Plan- when Southwest profits, you profit***

• Competitive health insurance for you and your eligible dependents (including pets)

• Southwest offers health plan coverage options that start from the very first day of employment. You will have 30 days to select and enroll in your health plan with coverage retroactively available to your first day of employment.

• Explore more Benefits you'll love: https://careers.southwestair.com/benefits

*Pay amount does not guarantee employment for any particular period of time.

**401(k) match contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and applicable IRS limits.

***ProfitSharing contributions are subject to Retirement Savings Plan vesting schedule and are made at the discretion of the Company.