(#oiLEAfw1) 2027 Leadership Fellow Program

Port Authority of NY & NJ; New York (NY); Hybrid; USD 80,000 - 87,000; Full time

Job summary

The Leadership Fellow Program at the Port Authority of New York & New Jersey is a two-year rotational program for graduates expected to complete a graduate degree between December 2026 and June 2027. Fellows rotate through four functions, gaining a broad view of the agency’s operations while contributing to key initiatives.

As full-time, permanent staff, Fellows receive salary and benefits and participate in leadership development, mentorship, and formal trainings, with a pathway to future

Qualifications

• Graduate degree is targeted for December 2026 to June 2027.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written and oral communication.
• Strong customer service.
• Political acumen.
• One year of work experience (including internships) in public service, transportation, government, or related area.
• Interest in public transportation.

Responsibilities

• Support or lead short-term and long-term projects within each rotation. Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions, deliver outcomes, and track progress.
• Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support strategic initiatives.
• Build strong relationships with managers, mentors, and peers across departments.
• Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
• Deliver presentations and updates to leadership throughout the program.
• Identify operational or strategic challenges and contribute ideas for improvement.
• Apply creative thinking to business challenges across different functions.
• Assist with enterprise-wide initiatives such as diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee engagement; or community outreach.
• Assist with planning events.
• Assist with facility operations.

Skills

Public service passion

Analytical thinking

Strong communication

Collaboration

Adaptability

Education

Graduate degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban/City/Regional Planning, Transportation, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Sustainability, Communications, Political Science, Data Science, Operations, or related field

Job description

About the Role

The Leadership Fellow Program is a two-year rotational program at The Port Authority of New York & New Jersey open to students who are receiving a graduate degree between December 2026 and June 2027. Over the span of two years, Leadership Fellows have an opportunity to rotate through four different business functions: staff/support department, line department, finance, and facility operations. Through structured rotational assignments, Fellows gain a broad understanding of the agency’s structure, goals, and strategic direction while actively contributing to departmental initiatives. Beyond the responsibilities in each rotation, Fellows also engage in continuous learning and leadership development through training sessions, mentorship, and feedback. The breadth and depth of experiences within the program are critical in preparing Fellows to become future leaders of The Port Authority.

Leadership Fellows are full-time, permanent employees and receive a yearly salary and benefits. After successful completion of the program, Leadership Fellows are considered for key positions throughout The Port Authority. As of 2026, there are over 100 program alumni working at the agency across departments like: Aviation; Comptroller; Continuous Improvement; Engineering; Diversity, Equity & Inclusion; Financial Planning; Human Resources; Operations Services; Management & Budget; PATH; Planning & Regional Development; Port; Procurement; Project Management; Security Operations & Programs; Sustainability; Tunnels Bridges & Terminals; World Trade Center; and more. After graduating from the program, Fellows go on to work in areas such as: business performance/planning; customer experience; finance; facility operations; policy; process improvement; project/program management; sustainability; data analytics; procurement; technology; and more.
The 2027 cohort is expected to start in the beginning of July.

Responsibilities

• While there’s no typical day for a Leadership Fellow because rotations vary, there are some core responsibilities:
  • Support or lead short-term and long-term projects within each rotation.Collaborate with cross-functional teams to develop solutions, delivery outcomes, and track progress.
    
  • Collect, analyze, and interpret data to support strategic initiatives.
  • Build strong relationships with managers, mentors, and peers across departments.
  • Communicate effectively with internal and external stakeholders at all levels.
  • Deliver presentations and updates to leadership throughout the program.
  • Identify operational or strategic challenges and contribute ideas for improvement.
  • Apply creative thinking to business challenges across different functions.
  • Assist with enterprise-wide initiatives such as: diversity, equity, and inclusion; employee engagement; or community outreach.
  • Assist with planning events.
  • Assist with facility operations.

Rotations

• Each rotation is approximately six months.
• Fellows are responsible for leading at least one project from inception to implementation. On the job learning is a key component of each rotation, complemented by learning from peers and senior leaders.
• Recent rotations have included work in areas like: JFK redevelopment; Port Authority Bus Terminal redevelopment; resilience and sustainability; data analytics; business development; industry relations; project management; process improvement; finance; customer experience; facility operations; planning and innovation; technology; and much more.

Minimum Qualifications

• Students receiving a graduate degree between December 2026 and June 2027.
• Passion for public service.
• Openness to rotating through different business functions, including ones that might not necessarily align with your professional background.

Desired Qualifications

• Graduate degree in Public Administration, Public Policy, Urban/City/Regional Planning, Transportation, Business Administration, Finance, Economics, Sustainability, Communications, Political Science, Data Science, Operations, or a related field.
• Excellent problem solving, analytical, quantitative, and interpersonal skills.
• Strong written/oral communication.
• Strong customer service.
• Political acumen.
• One year of work experience (can include internships) in public service, transportation, government, or a related area.
• Interest in public transportation.

Compensation, Benefits & On-Site Requirements:

In accordance with Port Authority policy, this position permits employees to work remotely a maximum of one day per week. In person collaboration is essential to how the Port Authority conducts business, and regular in-office days or team collaboration days may be required on business needs.

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey anticipates that the actual salary offered to a successful candidate will depend on aspects such as experience, knowledge, skills, abilities, and internal factors.

The expected compensation range for this role is:Minimum: $79,612 Maximum: $86,580

The Port Authority of New York and New Jersey offers a competitive benefits package and a professional environment that supports development and recognizes achievement.

Click here for more information about benefits, our culture, and career development opportunities.