Manager, Air Service Development

Port of Seattle•SeaTac, WA

7d•Hybrid

About The Position

As the Manager, Air Service Development, you will support Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) efforts to expand, maintain, and optimize passenger air service. You will build strong relationships with global airlines, as well as oversee marketing and incentive programs. You will support the team’s efforts in increasing passenger traffic, route diversity and airport revenue to ensure SEA’s success as a global gateway. You will identify new route opportunities and gaps in service through market research, data, analysis and industry trends. You will monitor and evaluate route performance, and develop persuasive, data-driven route proposals to support network planning discussions with airline executives. You will develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with global airline partners, route planners, and other industry stakeholders from a wide variety of cultures. You will collaborate with airline marketing and sales teams to oversee global promotional projects and ensure effective use of Port funds and full compliance with Port/State/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements. You will have a thorough understanding of the global aviation industry and issues that affect the market, including airline business models, corporate and leisure travel, international and federal regulatory developments, and slots. You will transform complex issues and data into clear presentations and policy recommendations for Port leadership and other stakeholders. You will work with regional economic development organizations and other government agencies to support air service growth. You will represent SEA in industry groups/committees and advocate for the Port of Seattle’s preferred positions. You will supervise, coach, mentor, and oversee performance management and talent development of the Air Service Development Analyst.

Requirements

Five (5) years of experience in air service development, airline network planning, commercial strategy, and/or business development.
Two (2) years of supervisory/lead/mentor experience including leading a project or process.
Committed to Equity – Apply equity and exemplify shared values, behaviors, and practices in all aspects of the work.
Intercultural Expertise - Demonstrate an understanding of global dynamics, cultural norms, and international business practices. Can navigate diverse communication styles and perspectives, adjusting approach to build trust and foster meaningful collaboration. Interactions promote inclusion, respect, and a sense of belonging for individuals from all cultural backgrounds.
Relationship-Oriented – Can build and maintain productive relationships with airlines, regional government, economic development organizations, travel and tourism industry representatives, and/or aviation stakeholders.
Analytical – Demonstrate strong analytical skills and data fluency, turning raw information into clear insights that support informed decisions.
Organizational Savviness - Operate effectively within a complex organization with competing priorities. Anticipate issues, manage resources, handle multiple projects, and balance immediate needs with long term goals.
Effective Communicator – Possess advanced communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to garner trust and build strong, credible relationships with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
Thorough understanding of the global aviation industry and issues that affect the market, including airline business models, corporate and leisure travel, international and federal regulatory developments, and slots.
Washington State Residency Requirement – Employees must establish a residence in Washington state within 30 days of their first day of employment and must maintain a residence in Washington State during their employment with the Port of Seattle.
Must pass a Transportation Security Administration (TSA) background check as well as a criminal history background check with the Federal Bureau of Investigation (FBI).
Must obtain a U.S. Customs and Border Patrol (CBP) Customs Seal within 30 days of hire.

Nice To Haves

Experience analyzing aviation market data, passenger demand, airline economics, and route performance to build evidence based business cases for international air service.
A bachelor's degree in aviation, international business, global policy.
An American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Manager (CM) certification.

Responsibilities

Support Seattle-Tacoma International Airport’s (SEA) efforts to expand, maintain, and optimize passenger air service.
Build strong relationships with global airlines.
Oversee marketing and incentive programs.
Increase passenger traffic, route diversity and airport revenue.
Identify new route opportunities and gaps in service through market research, data, analysis and industry trends.
Monitor and evaluate route performance.
Develop persuasive, data-driven route proposals to support network planning discussions with airline executives.
Develop and maintain strong, collaborative relationships with global airline partners, route planners, and other industry stakeholders from a wide variety of cultures.
Collaborate with airline marketing and sales teams to oversee global promotional projects and ensure effective use of Port funds and full compliance with Port/State/Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) requirements.
Transform complex issues and data into clear presentations and policy recommendations for Port leadership and other stakeholders.
Work with regional economic development organizations and other government agencies to support air service growth.
Represent SEA in industry groups/committees and advocate for the Port of Seattle’s preferred positions.
Supervise, coach, mentor, and oversee performance management and talent development of the Air Service Development Analyst.

Benefits

Medical, Dental, and Vision Care with options that work for you and your family.
Paid Vacation – Just about four weeks per year that increases with tenure to rest and rejuvenate.
Paid Sick Leave – At least one hour of sick leave for every 40 hours worked.
Holidays – More than ten days per year to celebrate with family and friends away from work.
Pension/Retirement Plans – A pension and additional savings plans to prepare for your future after the Port.
Getting to Work – From subsidized parking and a low-cost public transit card to alternative work arrangements giving you an opportunity to work hybrid.
Parental Leave – Six weeks of paid leave to spend with new additions to your immediate family.
Development – From tuition reimbursement, training, stretch assignments and internal internships, we support a learning culture.
Equity, Diversity, and Inclusion – The Port of Seattle values diversity as a source of innovation and strength.
Work-Life Balance – We provide the resources to help you create habits to be healthy and balanced.
Mission Driven – We are focused together in promoting economic opportunities and quality of life in the region by advancing trade, travel, commerce, and job creation in an equitable, accountable, and environmentally responsible manner.