Airport Executive Director — Lead Operations, Strategy & Growth

South Central Chapter of AAAE; Palm Springs (CA); Hybrid; USD 203,000 - 260,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Palm Springs is seeking an Executive Director for The Palm Springs International Airport. The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive leader of the airport, reporting to the City Manager and overseeing operations, safety, security, financial management, and capital development.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, budget oversight, FAA compliance, lease and contract management, and representing the airport with City Council and external stakeholders.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field.
• Master’s degree preferred for senior leadership role.
• Minimum 10 years of senior leadership experience in a commercial service airport environment.
• At least 5 years of progressively responsible airport management experience.

Responsibilities

• Lead all airport operations, including safety, security, maintenance, and service delivery.
• Direct strategic planning, capital development, and long-term airport growth initiatives.
• Oversee operating, capital, and special fund budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability.
• Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, including Part 139 requirements.
• Develop and implement policies governing airport operations, safety, and security.
• Negotiate and manage leases, contracts, and agreements with airlines and tenants.
• Represent the airport before City Council, Airport Commission, and external stakeholders.
• Coordinate emergency preparedness and response for operational disruptions and crises.

Skills

Senior leadership

Airport operations

Financial management

Regulatory compliance

Capital development

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor’s degree in public administration or business

Master’s degree preferred

Job description

The City of Palm Springs Invites Applications For Executive Director

The City of Palm Springs is seeking an Executive Director for The Palm Springs International Airport (PSP).The Executive Director will serve as the chief executive leader of the airport, reporting directly to the City Manager and operating under broad policy direction. This role provides comprehensive leadership and strategic oversight for all airport functions, including operations, safety, security, financial management, and capital development. The Executive Director ensures the airport operates efficiently, complies with all regulatory requirements, and supports the economic vitality of the region. As the public face of the airport, the position plays a critical role in advancing organizational priorities, fostering stakeholder relationships, and guiding long-term growth and development initiatives.

Key responsibilities include:

· Lead all airport operations, including safety, security, maintenance, and service delivery

· Direct strategic planning, capital development, and long-term airport growth initiatives

· Oversee operating, capital, and special fund budgets, ensuring fiscal accountability

· Ensure compliance with FAA regulations, including Part 139 requirements

· Develop and implement policies governing airport operations, safety, and security

· Negotiate and manage leases, contracts, and agreements with airlines and tenants

· Represent the airport before City Council, Airport Commission, and external stakeholders

· Coordinate emergency preparedness and response for operational disruptions and crises

Preferred Qualifications

· Bachelor’s degree in public administration, business administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred

· Minimum of 10 years of senior leadership experience in a commercial service airport environment

· At least 5 years of progressively responsible airport management and supervisory experience

· Strong knowledge of airport operations, financial management, and regulatory compliance

· Demonstrated experience with capital development, budgeting, and stakeholder engagement

Salary & Benefits

The salary range for this position is $203,142 - $259,876 annually, depending on experience. An additional 5% premium (possession of a qualified Master’s or Professional Certification) is available upon verification and appointment. A negotiable relocation incentive may be available for the selected candidate. The City of Palm Springs provides a competitive benefit program for all employees. For instructions on how to apply, please click here to see the recruitment brochure or visit the Current Projects page at www.adkexecutivesearch.com .