Vice President- Aviation Program Director

Vice President- Aviation Program Director At Jacobs, we’re challenging today to reinvent tomorrow by solving the world’s most critical problems for thriving cities, resilient environments, mission‑critical outcomes, operational advancement, scientific discovery and cutting‑edge manufacturing, turning abstract ideas into realities that transform the world for good. Your impact Jacobs is seeking a Vice President, Aviation Program Director to serve as a senior delivery leader and aviation growth partner within our Cities & Places South practice. This is a seller‑doer role combining active program delivery leadership, strategic business development, and national aviation market positioning. The role is based in Atlanta, Georgia and reports directly to the VP & Director of PMCM/CEI South Operations. The Vice President, Aviation Program Director will serve as a senior aviation program executive in the Southeast, maintaining continuity on existing program commitments while advancing Jacobs’ aviation pursuits at major airports across the region and nationally. This individual will be a direct contributor to Jacobs’ aviation growth strategy, bringing owner‑facing credibility, deep delivery expertise, and a demonstrated ability to lead complex airport capital programs in live operating environments. Key Responsibilities Program Delivery Leadership Provide senior executive oversight across active aviation capital programs, ensuring delivery excellence across safety, schedule, budget, quality, and risk management. Lead delivery strategy, commercial performance, contract administration, and enterprise risk management on major airport programs in active operating environments. Advise airport authority executives, airline stakeholders, and municipal agencies on capital structuring, phasing strategies, and operational readiness. Oversee program controls, financial forecasting, budget roadmaps, and executive reporting to support client decision‑making and bond financing requirements. Manage joint venture operations, governance, invoicing, partner coordination, and business management functions across complex program delivery structures. Lead coordination across design, construction, and specialty delivery teams utilizing DBB, CMAR, GMP, CMc, EPC, and DB delivery models. Aviation Growth & Business Development Lead and support aviation pursuits in the Southeast and nationally, including positioning, capture strategy, teaming, proposal development, and client engagement. Serve as a subject matter expert and strategic advisor on aviation program delivery, modular construction, and ORAT (Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition) for key regional pursuits. Build and maintain trusted relationships with airport authority executives, airlines, regulators, and delivery partners to support recurring and new growth opportunities. Partner with sales, operations, and national aviation market leadership to position Jacobs’ full portfolio of program management, construction management, and digital delivery services. Represent Jacobs at industry forums, client engagements, and aviation community events to strengthen market presence and thought leadership. Team Development & Organizational Leadership Build, develop, and mentor high‑performing delivery teams across program management, construction management, project controls, and commercial management disciplines. Support onboarding, capability development, and retention of aviation professionals across the South region. Contribute to organizational strategy, service line development, and delivery model innovation as a senior leader within the Cities & Places South practice. Here’s what you’ll need 15+ years of progressive experience leading complex aviation capital programs, with demonstrated executive‑level delivery responsibility on major airport projects ($500M+). Proven experience as a program lead, deputy program director, or senior executive on airport capital programs in live operating environments — including active airside interfaces, phased delivery, and multi‑stakeholder coordination. Deep expertise in commercial and contract strategy, including CMAR and GMP delivery, change management, claims avoidance, and lifecycle value management. Demonstrated experience advising airport authority leadership on capital structuring, funding alignment, phasing strategy, and bond financing implications. Strong financial acumen including budgeting, forecasting, EAC management, and executive‑level financial reporting. Experience managing joint venture operations including governance, business management, invoicing, partner coordination, and P&L accountability. Proven ability to build trusted relationships with airport authority executives, airline stakeholders, municipal agencies, regulators, and delivery partners. Experience in or exposure to Operational Readiness, Activation, and Transition (ORAT) planning for new terminal or concourse openings. Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Architecture, Construction Management, Political Science, or a related field; equivalent experience considered. Willingness and ability to travel regularly in support of active programs and aviation pursuits across the Southeast and nationally. Preferred Qualifications Certified Construction Manager (CCM) or Project Management Professional (PMP) preferred. Experience with modular construction strategy and integration within major aviation capital programs. Domestic and/or international airport program experience, including exposure to major hub airport environments. Experience leading or contributing to aviation program pursuits, including capture strategy, teaming, and proposal development. Familiarity with airport program controls platforms and executive dashboard development for capital program oversight. Benefits Our health and welfare benefits are designed to invest in you, and in the things you care about. Your health. Your well‑being. Your security. Your future. Employees have access to medical, dental, vision, and basic life insurance, a 401(k) plan, and the ability to purchase company stock at a discount. Eligible employees may also enroll in a deferred compensation plan or the Executive Deferral Plan. Jacobs has an unlimited U.S. Personalized Paid Time Off (PPTO) policy for full‑time salaried/exempt employees, seven paid holidays, and caregiver leave. And certain roles may be eligible for additional rewards, including merit increases, performance discretionary bonus, and stock. The base salary range for this position is $180,000.00 to $265,000.00. Within the range, individual pay is determined by work location and additional factors, including job‑related skills, experience, and relevant education or training. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, disability or protected veteran status. #J-18808-Ljbffr