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, in part by 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, and recommend and implement 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, while 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 providing travelers with guidance and support to ensure understanding and 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 no matter when they arise. Provide real-time support and assistance, ensuring timely resolution of urgent traveler concerns, especially during high-stakes situations. Assist with the resolution of travel disruptions by exploring alternative itineraries or services and communicating directly with senior executives and Board members promptly and effectively to provide updates on travel and program changes.
  • Systematically 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, with a focus 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.
• Skills:
• Exceptional customer service skills, with the ability to manage complex travel needs under pressure. Must be 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. Strong proficiency in Microsoft Office, especially Microsoft 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 Skills

• Proven track record of managing executive and Board-level travel with a high level of discretion in handling sensitive information.
• Experience managing private or corporate aircraft programs, including vendor and contract management.
• Experience working in a fast-paced, global environment.
• Strong negotiation skills to help secure advantageous vendor and aircraft contracts.

Pay Transparency

Salary Range: $119,000-$170,000 

Overtime eligible: Exempt 

Discretionary bonus eligible: Yes 

Sales bonus eligible: No 

Actual base salary will be determined based on several factors but not limited to individual’s experience, skills, qualifications, and job location. Additionally, employees are eligible for an annual discretionary bonus. In addition to base salary, employees may also be eligible to participate in an incentive program.

Our Benefits

We provide a full package of benefits for employees – and have unique offerings for a modern workforce, including leave programs, adoption assistance, and student loan repayment programs. Based on feedback from our employees, we continue to refine and add benefits to our offering, so that you can flourish both inside and outside of work. Click here to discover more about our comprehensive benefit options or visit our NYL Benefits Site.

Our Commitment to Inclusion
At New York Life, fostering an inclusive workplace is fundamental to who we are and how we serve our communities. We have a longstanding commitment to creating an environment where individuals can contribute their best and succeed together. This foundation is rooted in our core values of humanity and integrity, ensuring that every employee feels valued and supported. By embracing a broad range of perspectives and experiences, we achieve greater success and fulfill our promise of providing financial security and peace of mind to families across all communities. Click here to learn more about New York Life’s leadership in this space.​

Recognized as one of Fortune’s World’s Most Admired Companies, New York Life is committed to improving local communities through a culture of employee giving and volunteerism, supported by the Foundation. We're proud that due to our mutuality, we operate in the best interests of our policy owners. To learn more about career opportunities at New York Life, please visit the Careers page of www.NewYorkLife.com.

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Job Requisition ID: 94205

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