Principal, Strategy and Programs Partner

DFW International Airport•Grapevine, TX

11d•Hybrid

About The Position

Under the general direction of the Vice President, Transportation Business Unit, serves as a principal strategic partner within the Revenue Management & Customer Experience Division (RMCE), leading high-value, cross-functional initiatives and ensuring alignment of department and division strategies with airport strategic priorities. Provides expert analysis, facilitates continuous improvement, and serves as a key liaison across divisions and external partners to support effective execution.

Requirements

Bachelor’s degree in Business, Finance, Aviation Management, Engineering, Data/Process Management, or a related field.
Eight (8) plus years of progressively responsible experience in strategic analysis, project management, process improvement, stakeholder coordination, or complex cross-functional initiatives.
Any equivalent combination of education and/or experience may be substituted for the above.
Knowledge of change management methodology and ability to apply structured processes to ensure adoption and sustainability of initiatives.
Skill and expertise in strategic analysis, project portfolio management, business process improvement, and cross-functional coordination.
Skill in influencing stakeholders and communicating complex concepts to diverse audiences, including senior executives.
Ability to build and maintain effective relationships inside and outside the organization, including with tenants, concessionaires, regulatory agencies, and industry partners.
Ability to prepare clear, concise written and oral communications, including strategic briefings and high-impact executive presentations.
Ability to evaluate data, identify trends, develop business cases, and recommend strategic direction.
Ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously with minimal oversight, ensuring accuracy, timeliness, and strategic alignment.
Ability to mentor employees, promote collaboration, and foster development of future and current projects leads across the organization.
Must obtain a Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Airport Identification/Access Badge (badge) in accordance with Department of Homeland Security Transportation Security Administration (TSA) requirements in Chapter 49 of the Code of Federal Regulations Part 1500 et al., and DFW Airport’s Airport Security Program within thirty (30) days and maintain qualification for a SIDA badge upon each badge renewal.
Ability to obtain Department of Homeland Security Customs and Border Protection (CBP) security access clearance within thirty (30) days from date of employment and maintain qualification for CBP security access clearance upon each CBP security access renewal.

Nice To Haves

Knowledge of Airport operations, industry trends, regulatory considerations, and customer experience principles (preferred).

Responsibilities

Serves as the RMCE liaison to internal departments, external agencies, tenants, and industry and customer groups to support alignment of strategies with airport-wide objectives.
Leads cross-functional strategic projects ensuring coordinated execution, clear timelines, meeting defined deliverables, and measurable outcomes.
Evaluates programs, develops insights, and recommends strategies that support growth, operational efficiency, and improved customer experience.
Assesses business processes, identifies improvement opportunities, and facilitates structured change management to support adoption across divisions.
Monitors global airports’ best practices, emerging technologies, market trends, and competitive strategies, translating findings into actionable recommendations for leadership.
Prepares and delivers presentations, strategic briefings, and reports for executive leadership, Board staff, and cross-divisional teams regarding initiatives, program impacts, and strategic recommendations.
Advises cross-functional working groups and participates in enterprise committees to support airport-wide strategic goals and capital, operational, or customer experience programs.
Provides mentorship, coaching, and guidance to future and current project leaders and staff across the organization; offers direct feedback to managers regarding employee development and project performance as appropriate.
Coordinates with Finance, Procurement, Technology Services, and other divisions on project documentation, financial modeling inputs, business cases, and strategic planning materials supporting department and division initiatives.
Provides input into annual budget development, including forecasting for strategic projects, emerging programs, and process improvement initiatives.
Performs other related duties as assigned.