Director of Executive Aviation

Location Designation: Hybrid - 3 days per week. The position can be based in our New York City Home Office or Elsewhere. Join Corporate Finance where expertise meets strategic impact. Partner with diverse business units, providing financial insights and guiding sound decision‑making. You'll work collaboratively to ensure data accuracy, implement robust controls and safeguard policy owners’ interests. Become part of a team dedicated to financial stewardship, enabling business performance and paving the way for a secure future for generations to come. Position Overview The Director of Executive Aviation is responsible for the end‑to‑end operational and financial performance of the Executive Aviation Program, which is used almost exclusively by the most senior executives of the New York Life Insurance Company and members of its Board of Directors. Primary responsibilities include managing complex executive travel arrangements, serving as travelers’ primary contact, optimizing aircraft usage across vendor contracts, managing aircraft vendor relationships and contracts, and serving as the company’s subject matter expert on the program. This role requires experience with and extensive knowledge of private aviation travel operations, vendor partnerships, and the travel industry to ensure seamless, secure, and cost‑effective travel experiences that adhere to company and contractual requirements. It further requires periodic traveler support outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in alignment with executive and Board travel schedules. What You’ll Do Program Management Holistically manage the Executive Aviation Program to ensure financial and operational efficiency, proactively anticipating potential issues before they impact travelers or program performance. Serve as the company’s subject matter expert on the Executive Aviation Program, advising leadership on program performance, options, best practices, and opportunities for improvement. Monitor industry trends, technology advancements, and best practices in corporate aviation and travel, recommending and implementing process improvements to enhance efficiency and optimize traveler satisfaction. Vendor and Contract Management Manage aircraft vendor relationships and contracts, ensuring vendor service and performance meet or exceed contractual terms and/or corporate standards. Monitor vendor performance and contractual obligations, addressing issues and identifying opportunities for improved value. Serve as an effective advocate for the company and appropriately challenge vendors, as necessary. Travel Arrangement Coordinate domestic and international travel, including flights, accommodations, ground transportation, catering, and other logistics, prioritizing traveler comfort, preferences, and cost‑effectiveness. Coordinate charter flights, as necessary. Optimize the financial and operational usage of the aircraft across vendor contracts when planning and booking flights. Monitor program expenses, identifying opportunities for cost optimization. Ensure compliance with contractual and company requirements. Anticipate potential travel disruptions, providing alternative options to ensure seamless travel experiences. Interpret and apply company and contractual requirements, ensuring adherence to safety, security, and expense guidelines. Address non‑compliance by guiding travelers to maintain policy alignment. Service and Support Build and maintain strong relationships with key stakeholders, serving as a trusted advisor for aircraft and travel‑related needs and inquiries. Serve as the primary point of contact for escalated aircraft and travel issues, providing real‑time support and ensuring timely resolution of urgent traveler concerns, especially during high‑stakes situations. Gather feedback post‑travel to assess satisfaction and identify areas for improvement. Forecasting, Reporting, and Analysis Develop aircraft usage forecasts by vendor and aircraft to support planning and expense projections. Provide monthly reporting showing aircraft usage by traveler, aircraft, and vendor; variance against forecasted usage; and unused hours by aircraft and vendor. Provide year‑end reporting to support the administration and oversight of the Executive Aviation Program, executive perquisites, and related income tax impacts of each. Track program expenditures, compile reports on aircraft activity, and analyze trends to support strategic decision‑making. Provide actionable insights regarding cost‑saving measures and opportunities to enhance the corporate aircraft experience. What You’ll Bring 8+ years of experience in corporate travel consulting or corporate aircraft / aviation program management, focusing on senior executive travel in a large organization. Bachelor’s degree, preferably in Business, Aviation Management, Hospitality Management, or a related field (or equivalent experience). Preferred. Exceptional customer service skills, managing complex travel needs under pressure and available to provide support outside standard business hours, including evenings, weekends, and holidays, in alignment with executive and Board travel schedules. Strong understanding of corporate aircraft programs, vendor contracts, travel policies, expense management, and compliance requirements. Strong financial and analytical skills, including forecasting, variance analysis, and usage optimization. Proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Excel. Excellent verbal and written communication skills. Strong problem‑solving abilities and attention to detail. Ability to work independently and collaboratively within a team. Preferred: Proven track record of managing executive and Board‑level travel with discretion; experience in private or corporate aircraft programs, vendor and contract management; ability to negotiate advantageous vendor and aircraft contracts; experience in a fast‑paced, global environment. Pay Transparency Salary Range: $119,000–$170,000. Overtime eligible: Exempt. Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes. Sales bonus eligible: No. Base salary will be determined based on factors such as experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Employees are also eligible for an annual discretionary bonus and may participate in an incentive program. Benefits Deferred compensation and employee‑ownership structure, ensuring that participants receive the full benefits that we give to and when they are eligible for their retirement plan. Health, dental, vision, and life insurance plans designed to meet the needs of employees and their families. Paid time off, including vacation, sick leave, and paid holidays. Employee‑assistance programs and wellness resources. Unique offerings for a modern workforce such as adoption assistance, student‑loan repayment plans, and flexible work arrangements. Comprehensive benefit options that allow employees to flourish within and outside of work. #J-18808-Ljbffr