Airport Director

City of Mesa; Mesa (AZ); On-site; USD 143,000 - 193,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Excellent health insurance options

Life insurance

Paid time off

Paid holidays

Arizona State Retirement System

Professional development opportunities

Job summary

City of Mesa is seeking a strategic Airport Director to lead Falcon Field Airport, focusing on development, operational excellence, and long-term financial sustainability. The role emphasizes leasing oversight, master planning, and public–private partnerships to boost regional aerospace activity and economic growth.

The ideal candidate will have deep aviation expertise, strong leadership, and a proven ability to coordinate with federal and state regulators, tenants, and city departments to

Responsibilities

• Lead Falcon Field Airport strategic planning and master plan development.
• Oversee leases with fixed-base operators and tenants, and manage budget and long-term financial plans.
• Represent the City of Mesa with regulatory agencies and public groups; drive economic development.

Education

Bachelor's degree in airport management, business administration, or a closely related field

Job description

The City of Mesa is seeking a strategic, innovative, and business-minded Airport Director to lead the continued development, operational excellence, and long-term financial sustainability of Falcon Field Airport (FFZ). This is a unique leadership opportunity for an aviation professional who understands the critical role an airport plays as a major economic development asset, regional business partner, and driver of aerospace, aviation, and defense industry growth. This classification has been designated as a non-classified, non-merit system, at-will position.

Position Summary

The Airport Director reports directly to an Assistant City Manager and leads the Falcon Field Management Team; negotiating and administering leases for fixed-base operators and industrial tenants; planning for future airport services through development of an airport master plan; developing short- and long-range departmental goals and objectives; developing and implementing all components of the division strategic plan; promoting economic development and business expansion at the airport and immediate environs per the Falcon Field Employment Center Strategy Plan; stimulating support for airport activities; coordinating department activities with other City departments to ensure effective working relationships; and speaking before public groups on the plans, programs, and goals of the Airport Division.

The Airport Director also oversees air traffic control items and issues, and the preparation and administration of the division budget and twenty-year financial plan; directs a staff of employees engaged in all airport operations; and serves as a liaison between federal and state regulatory agencies.

The ideal candidate is a collaborative, relationship focused leader who builds effective working relationships with staff, tenants, aircraft owners, pilots, fixed-base operators, City colleagues, and the public. They communicate clearly, represent the airport confidently before public groups and regulatory bodies, and bring sound judgment to planning, leasing, and development decisions. The Airport Director upholds the City of Mesa’s shared employee values of Knowledge, Respect, and Integrity and develops a capable, engaged team.

Qualifications

A Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in airport management, business administration, or a closely related field. A minimum of seven years of progressively responsible managerial, supervisory, and administrative experience.

Compensation and Benefits

The compensation and benefits package will be competitive and negotiable depending on the experience and qualifications of the chosen candidate.

• excellent health insurance options
• life insurance
• paid time off
• paid holidays
• participation in the Arizona State Retirement System
• professional development opportunities

The starting salary range for this position is $143,062 – $192,545 annually depending on qualifications.