Program Director – Aviation

Hill international•Phoenix, AZ

20h•Onsite

About The Position

Hill International is seeking an experienced Program Director to lead a major aviation terminal development program for a large-hub airport client. This is an executive leadership role accountable for the end-to-end delivery of a multi-billion-dollar capital program, from program definition and pre-construction through phased build-out and opening, while protecting full operational continuity at an active commercial service airport. The Program Director serves as Hill's single point of accountability to senior client leadership, owns program performance across scope, schedule, budget, quality, and safety, and leads a large, integrated program management team spanning Hill staff, consulting partners, embedded client personnel, and design-build contractors. The role demands visible, on-site leadership and a disciplined “no surprises” communication style with the client.

Requirements

Bachelor's degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, or a related discipline.
Minimum 20 years of progressively responsible program and construction management experience, including at least 10 years on large, complex aviation capital programs.
Demonstrated success as Program Director or Deputy Program Director on at least one airport capital program of $1 billion or greater, ideally a terminal development or replacement program delivered in an active operating environment.
Working knowledge of FAA, TSA, and CBP requirements; airport use-and-lease agreements; and aviation funding mechanisms including PFCs, airport revenue bonds, and FAA AIP grants.
Proven experience leading under multiple delivery methods: Progressive Design-Build, CMAR, and Design-Bid-Build with credible, defensible views on when each is appropriate.
Track record of engaging effectively with senior public-agency executives, elected officials, airline executives, and diverse project teams.
Strong written and verbal communication skills, with demonstrated executive presence in front of governing bodies and the public.
Proficiency with Oracle Unifier, Oracle Primavera P6, and SAP or comparable enterprise project management and financial systems.
Must be willing to work full time onsite in Phoenix, AZ

Nice To Haves

Prior leadership on a large-hub airport program in the Western United States.
Direct experience with multi-level terminal design, advanced baggage handling systems, people-mover integration, and sustainable airport design.
Experience leading phased construction programs that protected continuing operations at a hub airport without disruption to airline schedules or passenger experience.
Professional registration (PE, RA, AIA, AICP) and/or PMP, DBIA, or CCM certification.
Master's degree in a relevant discipline.

Responsibilities

Serve as Hill's single point of accountability to client executive leadership for overall program delivery, performance, and client satisfaction.
Establish program objectives, governance structure, and strategic direction in alignment with the client's capital program goals; advise on prioritization, sequencing, and resource allocation.
Build and sustain trusted relationships across all levels of the client organization, airline tenants, regulatory partners, and adjacent stakeholders.
Represent the program to executive leadership, governing boards, elected officials, and the public as requested; deliver clear, candid, data-backed briefings.
Proactively identify and manage program risks and opportunities, escalating issues with recommended solutions early and transparently.
Own the program master schedule and baseline budget, direct integrated cost, schedule, risk, and contingency management systems.
Approve program-level change requests and recommend actions to the client through a disciplined change-control framework.
Advise the client on delivery method strategy across the program, including evaluation and piloting of Progressive Design-Build, CMAR, and traditional Design-Bid-Build approaches where appropriate.
Direct procurement strategy, packaging, and execution for design, construction, and specialty contracts in compliance with public procurement rules.
Drive accurate and timely cost reporting, cash flow forecasting, and KPI reporting to client leadership and executive audiences.
Lead phasing and sequencing strategies that protect uninterrupted airport operations across all active terminals and airside facilities.
Coordinate with airline tenants, the FAA, TSA, CBP, ground transportation systems, concessionaires, and adjacent capital programs to protect operations and revenue.
Drive a zero-harm safety culture and an auditable quality management system across design and construction activities.
Build and maintain the program risk register; proactively identify, quantify, and mitigate technical, commercial, operational, and political risks.
Lead and develop the integrated program management team, including Hill staff, subconsultants, DBE/MBE partners, and embedded client personnel.
Champion DBE/MBE participation goals at a program level, directing reporting, compliance tracking, and outreach strategy in partnership with client stakeholders.
Foster a collaborative, high-performing team culture; provide coaching, mentoring, and professional development support to program staff.
Partner with Hill's aviation leadership on program staffing, succession planning, and the development of next-generation airport program leaders.
Direct implementation and ongoing use of the Program Management Information System (PMIS), leveraging tools such as Oracle Unifier and Oracle Primavera P6 for real-time dashboards, cost reports, and schedule updates.
Ensure program documentation processes including workflows, document control procedures, and records retention while meeting client compliance and auditability standards.
Collaborate with the Project Controls Manager to develop master schedules, cash flow forecasts, and executive-level KPI reporting.