VP of Business Development & Innovation

About Us:

Welcome aboard the Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority team, where our work environment resembles a well-oiled aviation crew. As operators of the Raleigh-Durham International Airport, we connect central and eastern North Carolina to people and places that matter the most, serving 14.5 million passengers in 2023 and supporting over 85,000 local and regional jobs with a $17 billion annual economic impact. Here, accountability and collaboration are our navigational beacons, guiding us through every task with precision and teamwork. Picture yourself as a vital member of our crew, each role crucial to ensuring smooth operations and safe passage for all. Like a pre-flight checklist, we take workplace safety seriously, conducting thorough pre-hire drug, background, and fingerprint checks to ensure a secure environment for every team member. Whether you're stationed indoors, orchestrating behind the scenes, or outdoors, feeling the rush of the runway, you'll find a supportive atmosphere where your contributions make a real difference. We are committed to delivering excellent airport services, state-of-the-art facilities, and unparalleled customer service, earning a Top Five ranking in passenger satisfaction among large North American Airports in a 2023 J.D. Power survey. At RDU, we believe in investing in our people with a comprehensive benefits package for full-time positions, including professional growth and development opportunities. Join us in this high-flying adventure where accountability, collaboration, and safety are the wings that propel us toward success—watch your career soar with RDU!

About You:

You embody core values that will play a pivotal role in connecting our community to places and the people who matter most. Your commitment to continuous learning will drive innovation and growth, while your unwavering integrity ensures that our brand remains trustworthy and reputable. Your respect for colleagues and clients alike fosters a collaborative and positive environment. Your dedication to excellence in every task you undertake will elevate our brand’s standards. Lastly, your team spirit will unite our efforts and amplify our collective success.

About the Role:

Ready to chart the course for the future of airport revenue and innovation? The Raleigh-Durham Airport Authority is seeking a Vice President of Business Development & Innovation to help pilot our Commercial Management Division (CMD) to new heights. As a key partner to the SVP & Chief Revenue Officer, you’ll play a crucial role in navigating both short and long-term strategies that drive revenue growth, embrace industry innovations, and elevate the passenger experience. You’ll help shape the future by identifying untapped opportunities and implementing forward-thinking strategies that align with our business objectives. If you’re ready to be a trailblazer in the ever-evolving world of airports, this is your runway to make a lasting impact.

Compensation:

• Maximum – Based on experience
• Minimum - $141,790

What You’ll Do:

Leadership:

• • Lead high-impact strategic and business initiatives related projects that align with the Authority’s business goals and ensure operational excellence across all CMD initiatives. Lead or participate in commercial analysis, innovation, real estate, market/customer service research, advertising as well as function in a supportive role with respect to, properties, concessions, parking and ground transportation.
    • Develop business cases for new products and services
    • Gather, review, and report out on quantitative and qualitative data
    • Set appropriate performance metrics

Innovation:

• • Lead the identification and evaluation of appropriate business innovations for the Authority.

Project Management:

• • Provide leadership oversight and strategic direction to cross-functional projects in areas including commercial innovation, real estate development, market research, advertising, parking, and concessions. Drive the successful execution of initiatives that have a direct and substantial impact on the Authority’s commercial objectives. Develop detailed project plans, outlining scope, goals, deliverables, and timelines.

Revenue Development:

• • Develop revenue growth strategies that capitalize on emerging market opportunities, innovations and operational enhancements.

Stakeholder Management:

• • Foster and maintain high-level strategic relationships with key stakeholders, including senior executives, external business partners, and industry leaders. Ensure alignment of strategic objectives and drive collaborative efforts that advance the Authority’s commercial and operational success. Communicate effectively with stakeholders to align project goals and ensure their needs and expectations are met.

Employee Management:

• • Provide leadership and mentorship to a revenue analyst lead, ensuring alignment with the organization’s strategic goals and fostering professional growth. 

What You Need: 

Education:

Required

• • • Bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation management or related field OR equivalent related work experience.

Experience:

Required:

• • • A minimum of 7 years of progressive leadership experience in commercial management or revenue development, preferably within an airport or related industry.
    • Proven ability to operate at the executive level, delivering strategic insights and driving business outcomes in complex environments.

Preferred:

• • • Direct working experience in airport management or airport management consulting

Licenses or Certifications:

Required:

• • • Valid NC Driver’s License

Typical Work Hours:

• Monday - Friday
  • Some flexibility is available regarding the work schedule between the hours of 6am – 6pm, possible 4x10 schedule, possible work-from-home Fridays. Work hours outside of traditional schedule may be required occasionally. Final schedule preference will be negotiated with manager during the hiring process.

Location:

• On-site RDU Airport Campus

RDU Benefits:

At the Authority, we appreciate you and care about your health, happiness, and future. Our benefits start on day one, including medical, dental, vision, tuition assistance, employee discounts, and perks like an on-site gym, a dedicated wellness team, and frequent company and team outings. For a full list of benefit offerings, check out the RDU.com Careers Page