Airport Operations & Development Director

City of Fayetteville, Arkansas; Fayetteville (AR); On-site; USD 90,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, is seeking an experienced Airport Director to supervise the operation of Drake Field, a Part 139 aviation facility. This role leads staff, manages budgeting and contracts, and ensures compliance with FAA and state regulations while marketing the airport to attract tenants and users.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, scheduling board meetings, overseeing safety programs, and coordinating with city leadership and regional partners to grow aeronautical

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s Degree and 5+ years managing a revenue-generating operation.
• Experience negotiating leases or contracts and setting rates.
• Experience with regulatory inspection, safety, or compliance.
• Experience scheduling and developing staff to meet service standards.
• Certified Member certification from AAAE within one year.
• Valid driver’s license.
• Criminal background check required.
• Strong oral and written communication.
• Ability to market the airport.
• Public presentation skills.
• Ability to maintain relationships with airport users and regulators.
• Proficient with computers and standard office software.
• Mathematics with fractions, percentages, ratios, etc.

Responsibilities

• Supervise interviewing, hiring, training, and performance appraisals.
• Direct operation, maintenance, and development of Drake Field.
• Develop policies and procedures for efficient airport operation.
• Market the airport and recruit aviation-related tenants.
• Schedule monthly Airport Board meetings and prepare agendas.
• Manage fixed base operator and monitor service quality.
• Schedule staff to meet demand, including events.
• Oversee Airport Master Plan updates.
• Manage fuel inventories and comply with DEQ fuel standards.
• Prepare grant applications and manage FAA/State grants.
• Negotiate leases and contracts with tenants.
• Act as primary contract administrator for city airport contracts.
• Ensure compliance with FAA, state, and local regs.
• Develop and administer capital improvements and grants.

Skills

Staff management

Budgeting

Contract negotiation

Regulatory compliance

Strategic planning

Public speaking

Education

Bachelor’s Degree + 5+ years management

Job description

The City of Fayetteville, Arkansas, is seeking an experienced Airport Director to supervise the operation of Drake Field, a Part 139 aviation facility. This role leads staff, manages budgeting and contracts, and ensures compliance with FAA and state regulations while marketing the airport to attract tenants and users.

Responsibilities include strategic planning, scheduling board meetings, overseeing safety programs, and coordinating with city leadership and regional partners to grow aeronautical