AVP of Planning & Environmental

Ontario International Airport; Ontario (CA); On-site; USD 185,000 - 215,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Medical, dental, vision

401A retirement plan

Employer-paid benefits

Job summary

Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA) seeks an AVP of Planning & Environmental to lead long-range planning, environmental compliance, and capital development. You will drive strategies for growth, coordinate with FAA and regulators, and oversee the CIP and BOLD initiatives.

The role requires senior leadership experience in aviation planning, environmental planning, and stakeholder engagement to advance OIAA’s strategic priorities and sustainability objectives.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in airport/urban planning or related field is required.
• Minimum of ten years in airport/aviation planning, environmental or infrastructure planning.
• At least three years of progressively responsible leadership experience.
• Experience leading complex airport planning, master planning or major development initiatives.
• Experience working with FAA and other regulatory agencies is highly desirable.

Responsibilities

• Provide comprehensive oversight for airport planning and environmental functions aligned with long-term goals.
• Collaborate with the VP and cross-functional teams to translate objectives into development strategies.
• Lead development and execution of airport planning initiatives including CIP and the BOLD program.
• Oversee environmental planning and compliance with regulations and agency approvals.
• Set planning priorities, manage consultants, and build relationships with stakeholders.

Skills

Airport Planning

Environmental Planning

Analytical Skills

Leadership

Education

Bachelor’s degree

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

COMPENSATION

$185,000 - $215,000 annual salary + a generous benefits package to include medical, dental, vision and 10% employer paid 401A through VOYA Financial.

*Hiring Salary Range: $185,000 - $200,000 annual salary

(starting salary will be within this range based upon qualifications)

SUMMARY

The Assistant Vice President, Planning and Environmental (AVP, P&E) is a senior leader at the Ontario International Airport Authority (OIAA), reporting to the Vice President of Capital Development. The AVP, P&E provides strategic oversight for OIAA’s long-range planning and environmental functions, driving long-term development strategies, capital investment programs, and regulatory compliance to help shape the framework for ONT’s continued growth and transformation.

This role leads the planning and environmental framework supporting ONT’s growth, overseeing airport planning, environmental planning, a006Ed sustainability activities that support OIAA’s capital program and major infrastructure initiatives. The position leads the planning and development activities associated with the Capital Improvement Program (CIP) and ensures alignment between development plans and operational priorities, and long-range development initiative BOLD (Building Our Legacy and Destiny)

Collaborating with the Vice President and OIAA divisions, the AVP, P&E translates strategic objectives and stakeholder needs into actionable development plans. As a senior advisor, the position addresses airport development, regulatory requirements, and land use. The position provides executive-level direction on complex and often interdependent development issues, identifies opportunities and risks, and advances solutions that support ONT’s evolving role as a major regional transportation asset.

The AVP, P&E also sets planning priorities, manages consultants, and builds relationships with airlines, tenants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders, ensuring that ONT’s future development is strategic, environmentally responsible, and aligned with OIAA’s long-term vision.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Important and essential duties may include, but are not limited to, the following:

• Strategic Leadership:

  Provide comprehensive oversight for the airport's planning and environmental functions, ensuring alignment with OIAA’s long-term goals and operational requirements. Establish and communicate the strategic vision for planning and environmental initiatives. Ensure airport development strategies and capital planning efforts are informed by sound planning principles, environmental stewardship, regulatory requirements, operational considerations, and long-term financial objectives.

  Partner with the Vice President and cross-functional teams to translate strategic objectives into actionable development strategies. Lead discussions with stakeholders to gather insights and adapt strategies to meet evolving needs.

  Lead and direct the development, implementation and execution of airport planning initiatives, including long-range development plans, facility studies, and aviation planning efforts, including the BOLD Program. Regularly assess and update plans to reflect changing operational landscapes.

  Oversee environmental planning and compliance activities associated with airport development, ensuring adherence to all relevant federal, state, and local regulations. Coordinate environmental studies, permitting, and agency approvals to facilitate development projects.

• Stakeholder Engagement:

  Coordinates closely with other OIAA Divisions and Departments, including Finance, Operations, Revenue Management, Airline Affairs, Administration, Procurement, and other OIAA functions to ensure effective integration of planning and environmental requirements into capital projects. Foster strong relationships with airlines, tenants, regulatory agencies, governmental entities, and community stakeholders. Represent OIAA in public forums and cultivate partnerships that support airport development initiatives.

  Manage the integration of planning activities with the Capital Improvement Program (CIP), ensuring consistency with long-term development plans and organizational priorities. Coordinate multidisciplinary teams to advance capital projects effectively.

  Identify potential planning, environmental, regulatory, operational, and stakeholder risks associated with development initiatives. Develop and implement strategies to mitigate these risks and ensure project success.

• Sustainability Leadership:

  Lead initiatives related to sustainability, climate resilience, and environmental stewardship. Advocate for practices that support OIAA’s long-term environmental and operational objectives.

• Metrics and Analysis:

  Develop and maintain planning metrics, forecasts, and risk assessments. Utilize analytical tools to support informed decision-making regarding capital investments and development strategies. Provides technical and strategic input into capital project prioritization, project programming, scope development, cost considerations, phasing, implementation strategies, and development sequencing

PROFILE OF THE IDEAL CANDIDATE

Significant senior leadership experience in managing complex airport planning, environmental, or infrastructure programs within aviation, transportation, or similarly complex and highly regulated environments. A track record of developing and executing long-range strategies that drive organizational growth.

• Expertise in Airport Planning:

  Demonstrated ability to develop and execute long-range airport planning and development strategies that support organizational growth, operational requirements, financial objectives, and stakeholder expectations. Deep understanding of airport planning principles, including master planning, aviation demand forecasting, environmental review, and capital program integration. Familiarity with FAA regulations and industry best practices.

• Complex Environmental Planning:

  Demonstrated experience leading intricate environmental planning and regulatory compliance activities associated with major infrastructure or airport development projects. Knowledge of environmental laws and sustainability practices.

• Analytical and Strategic Decision-Making:

  Highly skilled in analytical decision-making, project prioritization, and multidisciplinary problem-solving. Ability to translate complex technical issues into actionable recommendations for executive leadership and stakeholders.

  Strong ability to build collaborative relationships with FAA and other regulatory agencies, airlines, local governments, and community stakeholders.

  Proven experience in managing diverse expectations and fostering consensus.

  Experience managing multiple high-priority initiatives in dynamic environments while maintaining strategic focus and accountability. Ability to oversee consultancy teams and ensure quality deliverables.

• Communication and Presentation Skills:

  Exceptional communication and facilitation skills, with the ability to present complex planning and environmental matters to executive and public audiences effectively. Strong negotiation skills and emotional intelligence to navigate diverse stakeholder interests.

• Commitment to Sustainability:

  A strong advocate for sustainable airport development and innovation, with a demonstrated commitment to continuous improvement and operational excellence.

• Educational Background:

  A Bachelor’s degree in Airport or Urban Planning, Environmental Science, Aviation Management, Civil Engineering or a related field is required, with a Master’s degree and professional certifications preferred.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Airport Planning, Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Civil Engineering, Airport Planning, Aviation Management, Architecture, Public Administration, or a related field is required.
• Minimum of ten (10) years of progressively responsible experience in airport planning, aviation planning, environmental planning, infrastructure development, transportation planning, land use planning, or a closely related field.
• Minimum of three (3) years of progressively responsible management or leadership experience overseeing multidisciplinary planning, environmental, infrastructure, or development functions.
• Demonstrated experience leading complex airport planning, master planning, environmental review, infrastructure planning, or major development initiatives is required.
• Experience working with the FAA and other federal, state, and local regulatory or governmental agencies on airport development, planning, environmental, or infrastructure matters is highly desirable.
• Experience working within or alongside a public agency, airport authority, transportation agency, or similarly complex and highly regulated organization is highly desirable.
• Demonstrated experience managing planning and environmental consultants, technical studies, regulatory processes, and multidisciplinary project teams is preferred.
• Master’s degree in Urban Planning, City and Regional Planning, Environmental Planning, Environmental Science, Engineering, Public Administration, Aviation Management, or a related field is preferred.
• Professional credentials such as American Institute of Certified Planners (AICP), Professional Engineer (PE), Certified Environmental Professional, or other relevant professional certification are highly desirable.