Description

The Executive Advisor reports to the Office of the Chief Engineer and is responsible for overseeing and delivering key Engineering Department initiatives while supporting the Chief Engineer’s vision. Acting as a representative of the Office, the Advisor leads special projects, collaborates across the department and agency, drives delivery and stakeholder alignment, and challenges key risks raised by engineering divisions.

Under the direction of the Chief Engineer or Deputy Chief Engineer, the Advisor assists in advancing departmental goals, ensures compliance with agency-wide standards and DEI policies, leads strategic special projects, manages departmental initiatives, facilitates communication, researches and implements process improvements, collaborates on workforce planning, builds relationships across silos, and oversees departmental news and communications.

• Assist Chief Engineer and Deputy Chief Engineer in advancing departmental goals and ensuring compliance with agency standards, mandates, policies, and DEI initiatives.
• Lead and manage special projects, developing project plans, timelines, and budgets.
• Serve as liaison between Chief Engineer’s Office and stakeholders, preparing communications and coordinating staff across divisions.
• Research, propose, and implement internal process improvements to boost efficiency and productivity, especially in technology and innovation.
• Collaborate with leadership on workforce planning, promoting staff growth, talent acquisition, and technical development.
• Build and maintain relationships across the department and agency to navigate organizational silos.
• Manage departmental news and announcements using engineering communication platforms to amplify the Office’s vision.

Requirements

Candidates must hold a bachelor’s degree in public administration, engineering, architecture, or a related field, and possess at least seven years of progressive engineering experience in design, construction, and project management. They should understand the Engineering Department’s core functions, its role in capital and operating programs, and have a proven ability to adopt innovative technologies and data‑driven operations.

Preferred qualifications include a NY or NJ professional engineering or architecture license, experience managing technology or process‑improvement projects, and a track record of creating executive briefings and implementing strategic initiatives. Candidates should thrive in fast‑paced environments, collaborate across all six engineering divisions, foster a digital culture, and demonstrate strong interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, problem‑solving, and multitasking skills.

The hiring process typically begins with an initial phone interview, followed by in‑depth interviews and/or assessments. Conditional offers are subject to a background check.

• Hold a bachelor’s degree in a relevant field and at least seven years of progressive engineering experience in design, construction, and project management.
• Demonstrated knowledge of Engineering Department core functions and experience with capital and operating programs.
• Proven ability to adopt innovative technologies and data‑driven operations to improve engineering service efficiency.
• Licensed to practice Engineering or Architecture in NY or NJ (desired).
• Experience managing technology or process‑improvement projects and creating executive briefings (desired).
• Strong interpersonal, leadership, negotiation, problem‑solving, and decision‑making skills; ability to manage multiple complex projects simultaneously (desired).

Benefits

The Port Authority offers a competitive benefits package, hybrid work options, and a professional environment that supports development. Salary range for this role is $116,194 to $185,900, with remote work permitted up to one day per week, subject to operational needs.

• Competitive benefits package, hybrid work options, salary range $116,194‑$185,900, and up to one remote workday per week.

Training + Development

Interview process

Visa Sponsorship

Security clearance