Director of Sustainability

The New Terminal One at John F. Kennedy International Airport is a bold and exciting project to develop a world-class international terminal that will serve as an anchor terminal in the Port Authority's $19 billion transformation of JFK into a global gateway to the New York metropolitan area and the United States. The New Terminal One will set a new standard for design and service, aspiring to obtain a Top 5 Skytrax ranking and be considered one of the finest airport terminals in the world.

The New Terminal One is being built on sites now occupied by Terminal 1 and the former Terminal 2 and Terminal 3, where it will anchor JFK's south side. Construction is taking place in phases. The first phase, including the new arrivals and departures halls and first set of 14 new gates, is expected to open in 2026. At completion, anticipated in 2030, the New Terminal One will be 2.6 million square feet, making it the largest terminal at JFK and nearly the same size as LaGuardia Airport's two new terminals combined.

The New Terminal One will be a 23-gate, state-of-the-art, international-only terminal. Sustainably designed and future-focused, the terminal will feature expansive, naturally lit public spaces, cutting-edge technology, and an array of amenities, all designed to enhance the customer experience and compete with some of the highest-rated airport terminals in the world.

Who we are looking for:

We are looking for a driven Director of Sustainability that will develop, direct, manage, and implement comprehensive strategic policies for the New Terminal One in environmental compliance with government and stakeholder requirements and commitments. This includes ensuring the terminal leads in operating in an environmentally conscious manner and maintaining full compliance with all relevant permit and accrediting and certifying requirements.

What you’ll be doing:

Leadership, Strategic Planning and Implementation:

• Lead sustainability program through terminal delivery and operations and maintenance.
• Direct, develop, and manage the terminal sustainability program including coordinating efforts of terminal operations and all tenants and subtenants.
• Lead key initiatives to support sustainability innovations and implement a roadmap to meet commitments in agreements, certifications, and with stakeholders.
• Identify environmental elements of different phases of terminal delivery and other projects early and integrate planning and environmental strategies to meet terminal strategic plans and lease obligations.
• Review and set budget priorities and business plans for the division, ensuring funds are allocated to top-priority certifications, accreditations, initiatives, and programs.
• Integrate sustainability strategies into all division business planning activities and projects.
• Brief the executive team and the Board on strategic and program-specific matters and represent the terminal on Port Authority airport-wide sustainability initiatives.
• Integrate sustainable development into plans, terminal actions, and capital projects.
• Provide leadership in promoting appropriate environmental behavior in all aspects of the business.
• Serves as subject matter expert and partner to collaborate extensively with senior leadership, other functional teams, and external organizations.

Compliance/Certification

• Provide vision and leadership in environmental management and compliance for terminal maintenance and business operations.
• Develop and direct cross-functional teams to achieve and maintain requirements and compliance.
• Assess and manage environmental risk, ensuring regulatory compliance and excellent environmental management performance by the terminal, operations, aviation, and tenant personnel.
• Lead sustainability improvement in rankings and ratings, and coordinate efforts to any related legislation and regulations.

Reporting

• Develop and publish annual sustainability reports, including managing its disclosures and other related internal and external communications and/or inquiries.
• Lead all sustainability reporting to stakeholders including Port Authority, accrediting and certifying stakeholders, sponsors, and lenders, if applicable.
• Communications: Assist Government Relations, Community Affairs, and Communications Departments in environmental education and awareness efforts and messaging related to airport development.

Qualifications:

• Minimum of 10 years of experience in environmental administration.
• Strong knowledge of environmental regulations and sustainability practices in the aviation industry.
• Excellent project management and leadership skills.
• Ability to analyze data and prepare comprehensive reports.
• Strong communication and interpersonal skills.
• Passion for sustainability and environmental stewardship.
• Bachelor’s degree in environmental science, Sustainability, Aviation Management, or a related field. A master’s degree is preferred.

Where will you work:

This role will be (hybrid) and is currently located in Building 111 at JFK Airport. As NTO progresses towards its operational phase, your role may transition to the terminal, where you will be directly involved in the day-to-day activities of this state-of-the-art international terminal.

This role requires a valid Secure Worker Access Consortium (SWAC) clearance and/or Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) badge, which will be obtained and maintained throughout employment. Successful candidates will be subject to a background check and other security clearance procedures. Candidates who cannot obtain and maintain this credential will not be considered for employment.

What we offer:

• Competitive Medical, dental, and vision insurance
• Health Savings and Reimbursement Accounts HSA/HRA
• Flexible Spending Accounts (FSA)
• Generous Commuter Benefits
• Group Life and Accidental Death and Dismemberment Insurance
• Short and Long-Term Disability Insurance
• Competitive 401k matching
• Discount and other perks through partner programs  

Our values and commitment:
We do not discriminate in employment based on 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.

The New Terminal One consortium of labor, operating, and financial partners is led by Ferrovial, JLC Infrastructure, Ullico, and Carlyle. The New Terminal One is being built by union labor and we are committed to local inclusion and labor participation, focusing on diversity and capacity-building opportunities, including ambitious participation goals of 30% for minority and women-owned enterprises, 10% for local business enterprises and 3% for service-disabled veteran-owned businesses.

To learn more about the New Terminal One at JFK International Airport, visit https://portauthoritybuilds.com/redevelopment/us/en/jfk/planned-projects/terminal-1.html