Airport Deputy Director

Pitkin County; Aspen (CO); On-site; USD 140,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

Pitkin County Airport is seeking an Airport Deputy Director to oversee Facilities & Construction, Operations & Security, and ARFF divisions. In the absence of the Director, this leader performs the Director’s duties, ensuring safe, secure, and efficient airport operations for tenants and the public.

The role requires extensive experience in airport management and compliance with federal and state regulations, plus strong budgeting and negotiation skills.

Qualifications

• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in Airport Management and Operations with 3+ years in a supervisory capacity at a FAR Part 139 commercial service airport.
• Expert-level knowledge of FAR Part 139, TSR 1542, AIP grant assurances, facility planning and design/construction.
• Pilot’s license preferred; various accreditation/designations or ability to obtain within 2 years.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supervises division managers and teams; promotes a cooperative culture.
• Ensures compliance with FAR Part 139, TSR 1542, and other regulations; coordinates with FAA, TSA, and Colorado DOT.
• Coordinates with FAA, TSA, and Colorado DOT on regulatory matters affecting operations.
• Implements Director’s initiatives including succession planning, contracts, and data management.
• Negotiates and administers tenant leases and contracts; manages consulting contracts and projects.
• Works to enhance passenger services and ground transportation and business activities.
• Assists in budget development, annual rates, and charges.
• Maintains public relations with citizens and County staff; safeguards confidentiality.

Skills

Staff management

Verbal & written communication

Regulatory compliance

Budget & financial management

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business/airport-related field

Master’s degree preferred

Equivalent airport experience substitute for education

Job description

The Airport Deputy Director leads day-to-day operations at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, overseeing the Facilities & Construction, Operations & Security, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) division managers and their teams. This position ensures the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the airport and its tenants in accordance with airport rules, regulations, and minimum operating standards. In the absence of the Airport Director, this position performs the duties of the Director.

More details about the leadership profile can be found here.

Responsibilities

• Leads and supervises the division managers and their teams; models and promotes a positive, cooperative, and supportive team culture.
• Ensures the Airport meets or exceeds Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139, Transportation Security Regulations (TSR) 1542, and other federal, state, and local regulations through airport staff, law enforcement, tenants, and on-property federal partners; coordinates with the FAA, TSA, and Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics on regulatory matters.
• Coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the State of Colorado Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics regarding regulatory matters impacting the day-to-day operations of the facilities.
• Implements the Airport Director’s initiatives for the Airport including airport team succession planning efforts, contract negotiation, electronic data management, and redevelopment of the facility.
• Participates in negotiating and administering Airport tenant leases and contracts; manages consulting contracts and projects for the divisions overseen.
• Works to enhance and maintain passenger services (air service, ground transportation, and business activities) at the Airport.
• Assists in the development, preparation, and administration of the annual budget including the evaluation and establishment of airport rates and charges.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, airport management, public administration, planning, engineering, or a related field; Master’s degree preferred. Equivalent airport experience may substitute for education (two years of airport experience for each year of education).
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in Airport Management and Operations, with 3 or more of these years in a supervisory capacity at a FAR Part 139 commercial service airport. Additional experience in managing complex capital projects preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge of commercial airport operations and best management practices, including FAR Part 139, TSR 1542, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Assurances, facility planning and design/construction, stakeholder/tenant relations, snow/ice control, and financial management.
• Pilot’s License (past or current) preferred.
• Certified Member (C.M.) accreditation; Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) or International Airport Professional (IAP) designation, or ability to obtain A.A.E. within two years of hire.
• ICS/NIMS Certifications (ICS 100, 200, 300, NIMS 700, 800) preferred or within six months of the date of hire.
• Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in Operations and/or Security, or the ability to obtain within two years of hire.
• Must complete first aid and CPR training within one year of hire.
• Must acquire and maintain a valid Colorado Driver’s License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Knowledge Of

• Professional and technical writing methods and practices.
• Project management principles, practices and methods.
• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.
• Organizational and community planning.
• Public policy processes.

Skill In

• Managing staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities and providing coaching and feedback.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Work Conditions

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and outside on active taxiways and runways, with some exposure to dangerous tools, equipment, machinery, inclement weather conditions, noise and fumes.
• Must be available nights, weekends and holidays for Airport operations and emergencies.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.