Airport- Director of General Aviation

Horry County Government; Conway (SC); On-site; USD 120,000 - 180,000; Full time

Job summary

A local government agency in South Carolina is seeking a Director of General Aviation to provide strategic leadership for GA airports and county-operated FBOs. The role emphasizes planning, business development, and compliance with regulatory standards while overseeing performance and customer service. Applicants should have a bachelor's degree in aviation management or a related field, along with significant management experience in airport operations. This position ensures safety, service quality, and financial sustainability across all operations.

Qualifications

• 5+ years of leadership or management experience in aviation or related field.
• Experience in strategic planning and operational leadership.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to respond to on-call and emergency situations as required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Must pass a ten (10) year TSA background check with no disqualifying findings.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license or ability to obtain one upon relocation, and successful completion of pre-employment drug screening.

Responsibilities

• Provide strategic direction for GA and FBO operations.
• Develop goals and initiatives to improve service quality.
• Identify revenue growth opportunities and ensure regulatory compliance.
• Oversee County-operated FBOs to ensure high standards of safety, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor GA industry trends and competitive markets; implement best practices and innovative service models.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including FAA, TSA, and applicable fueling and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, auditors, tenants, and GA stakeholders.
• Oversee GA facilities, airside assets, and customer service infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable operations.
• Support capital planning, facility improvements, and aviation-related development initiatives.
• Assist with preparation and management of GA-related operating and capital budgets.
• Provide leadership and performance oversight for GA management, supervisory, and support personnel.
• Foster a strong safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior leadership and governing bodies as required.
• Maintain availability for emergency response and operational support as needed.
• Attend industry conferences and professional meetings as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Skills

Strategic planning

Business development

Customer experience

Financial performance

Regulatory compliance

Communication skills

Emergency response

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation management or related field

Tools

Microsoft Office Suite

Airport management systems

Job description

The Director of General Aviation provides strategic leadership and executive oversight for the General Aviation (GA) airports and County-operated fixed-base operations (FBOs) of the Horry County Department of Airports (HCDA). This position is responsible for the overall performance, competitiveness, safety, and long-term development of GA facilities and services at Myrtle Beach International Airport, Grand Strand Airport, and Conway-Horry County Airport.

The role emphasizes strategic planning, business development, customer experience, financial performance, and regulatory compliance, rather than day-to-day flight line or fueling supervision.

Duties for this Position

• Provide strategic direction and leadership for HCDA’s General Aviation and FBO operations.
• Develop and implement goals, policies, and initiatives to improve service quality, operational efficiency, and market competitiveness.
• Identify opportunities for revenue growth, cost control, and long-term financial sustainability.
• Oversee County-operated FBOs to ensure high standards of safety, customer service, and regulatory compliance.
• Monitor GA industry trends and competitive markets; implement best practices and innovative service models.
• Ensure compliance with applicable federal, state, and local regulations, including FAA, TSA, and applicable fueling and safety standards.
• Serve as the primary liaison with regulatory agencies, auditors, tenants, and GA stakeholders.
• Oversee GA facilities, airside assets, and customer service infrastructure to ensure safe and reliable operations.
• Support capital planning, facility improvements, and aviation-related development initiatives.
• Assist with preparation and management of GA-related operating and capital budgets.
• Provide leadership and performance oversight for GA management, supervisory, and support personnel.
• Foster a strong safety culture and commitment to continuous improvement.
• Prepare reports and briefings for senior leadership and governing bodies as required.
• Maintain availability for emergency response and operational support as needed.
• Attend industry conferences and professional meetings as appropriate.
• Perform other duties as assigned.

Additional Information

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, business administration, public administration, or a closely related field; or any equivalent combination of education and training.
• Minimum of five (5) years of progressive leadership or management experience in aviation, airport operations, FBO management, or a related field.
• Demonstrated experience in strategic planning, business or operational leadership, and stakeholder engagement.
• Strong written and verbal communication skills with a customer-focused approach.
• Ability to respond to on-call and emergency situations as required.
• Ability to maintain confidentiality of sensitive and proprietary information.
• Must pass a ten (10) year TSA background check with no disqualifying findings.
• Valid South Carolina driver’s license or ability to obtain one upon relocation, and successful completion of pre-employment drug screening.

Preferred Knowledge, Skills and Abilities

• Ten (10) years of experience in General Aviation, FBO operations, airport management, or a closely related field.
• Working knowledge of GA regulatory and safety standards, including FAA, TSA, ATA Part 103, NFPA 407, and related industry requirements.
• Strong financial, analytical, and business development skills.
• Proven ability to enhance customer experience and improve operational and financial performance.
• Proficiency with Microsoft Office Suite and airport or business management systems.