We’re the New Terminal One (NTO) at John F. Kennedy International Airport, a bold and exciting project to develop a world class, international terminal that can serve as a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the greater United States. The $9 billion first phase is the largest single asset project financing in US history.

It will be built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1, Terminal 2, and the former Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK’s south side. Construction will take place in phases, with the first phase, including the new arrivals and departures hall and first set of new gates, expected to open in 2026.

NTO will set a new standard for design and service and aspires to obtain a global Top 5 Skytrax rating as one of the finest ten airport terminals in the world.

The New Terminal One will be:

• a 23-gate, state-of-the-art, international-only terminal
• Sustainably designed and future focused
• Featuring expansive, naturally lit public spaces
• Cutting edge technology and an array of amenities
• Designed to enhance the customer experience
• Compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world.

Who you are: Chief Legal Officer (CLO)

We are expanding the legal leadership team to include a highly experienced and dynamic Chief Legal Officer (CLO). This role will serve as a pivotal member of our executive leadership team that oversees the construction, development, and operations of the New Terminal One, which is among the largest transportation initiatives underway in North America and is the largest ever single private financing. The role will serve as the primary legal advisor to the business to support optimum commercial and legal outcomes, ensure appropriate corporate governance, and manage keys risks to ensure that all business activities are conducted within legal and regulatory requirements.

What we are looking for:

The ideal candidate will be an experienced legal executive who has previously served in a General Counsel role. They will have significant project finance exposure, be solutions-oriented, and comfortable operating in the complex space of large-scale public private partnerships.

The candidate must encompass a broad scope of expertise and experience to support management of commercial issues, litigation, major procurement, and other legal matters related to construction, development and financing of infrastructure, retail, and technology. The candidate must have experience in negotiating outcomes with a government or pseudo-government counterparty.

Exposure to the governance requirements of publicly listed companies is strongly preferred, including the management of the corporate risk function and interface with boards of directors. The ideal candidate will have operated in an international business environment involving diverse or foreign-based investors or other stakeholders.

The candidate must have a track record of managing both internal and external teams and resources and be abreast of the latest employment law and practices.

What you will be doing:

• As a member of the executive team, participate in the overall management of the company, and be comfortable with an outward facing role, including driving company culture and mentoring employees across all functional areas and levels within the company.
• Serve as an experienced source of guidance and counselling to the business, bringing judgement and intellectual rigor to offer both legal and business advice on major strategic decisions and transactions.
• Provide strategic legal guidance on all company matters including compliance, corporate affairs, commercial and contract law, governance, and risk management.
• Provide highly effective risk management leadership. Oversee internal governance policies, anticipate the impact(s) of external factors, and build actionable risk management plans.
• Take the lead in managing and resolving conflicts, interpreting contracts, handling government-related legal matters, and oversee comprehensive risk management strategies.
• Offer expert advice on diverse legal issues such as tax laws, aviation law, project finance, construction, major infrastructure projects, property, and government relations.
• Oversee internal and sponsor resources and manage external legal counsel and act as the main contact for all legal issues related to the company.
• Negotiate and lead business transactions, advising on potential risks and opportunities associated with business partnerships and service providers.
• Handle investigations, disputes, litigation, and maintain legal records.
• Ensure that the company adheres to all legal and contractual obligations, and implement appropriate policies and practices to safeguard the organization.
• Set the organization’s legal agenda, identify and address critical issues for the company, and anticipate and plan for “over-the-horizon” risks that may impact the organization in the future.
• Provide legal support for major project finance transactions.

Our expectations:

• A current, in good standing license to practice law as an attorney under the laws of any state and the ability to waive into the New York Bar.
• Juris Doctor (JD) degree from an American Bar Association-accredited law school.
• At least twenty (20) years of professional experience, including demonstrated success leading a law practice within a law firm, corporate legal department, or other government service.
• Strong leadership skills and experience managing legal teams – ability to attract, recruit and retain top talent, motivate and delegate effectively, celebrate diversity and manage performance.
• Demonstrated experience in conceptualizing and promoting a vision or strategy sufficient to achieve goals and to motivate others to change.
• Strong experience directing corporate litigation strategy to manage risk and achieve business outcomes.
• Experience in project finance, risk management, corporate governance, and compliance principles.
• Background in public-private partnerships, especially with large public authorities, is highly beneficial.
• Knowledge in aviation, construction, or real estate law is a plus.
• Demonstrated skill in conceptualizing, scheduling, and managing large projects/programs sufficient to prioritize, plan, and assign teams to large projects/programs based on business strategies or customer needs, and then monitor progress against organizational goals and budgetary constraints.
• Experience effectively managing multiple outside counsel firms and other contractual support.
• Demonstrated skill and experience in analyzing and interpreting quantitative data and qualitative information sufficient to draw conclusions and make business decisions.
• Ability to persevere in the face of challenges and exhibit resolve/relentless commitment to higher standards.
• Experience adapting nimbly and leading others through complex situations – comfort with ambiguity and uncertainty.
• Excellent capacity in relationship building (natural connector), conflict management, negotiation, maintaining confidentiality, capacity for critical thinking and integrity in decision-making.

Where will you work: 

We are located in Building 111 in Jamacia Queens. As NTO progresses towards its operational phase, your role will transition to the vibrant and dynamic environment of JFK International Airport.

What do we offer:

• Medical
• Dental
• Vision
• HSA/FSA
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• 401k matching
• Comprehensive online training program
• Discount and Perks through partner programs

Our values and commitment:

New Terminal One at JFK is a consortium of labor, operating and financial partners. NTO will be built by union labor, and we are committed to local inclusion and labor participation with a focus on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including ambitious goals for creating opportunities for local, minority and women-owned business enterprises (MWBE), and service-disabled veteran-owned businesses (SDVOB).

We do not discriminate in employment on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy and gender identity), national origin, political affiliation, sexual orientation, marital status, disability, genetic information, age, membership in an employee organization, retaliation, parental status, military service, or other non-merit factor. We celebrate diversity and are committed to creating an inclusive environment for all employees.

We respect and seek to empower each individual and support the diverse cultures, perspectives, skills and experiences within our workforce.