Airport Planning & Development, Assistant Director- Terminal and Concourses Area

City of Atlanta; Atlanta (GA); On-site; USD 107,000 - 130,000; Full time

Job summary

City of Atlanta's Aviation Department seeks an Assistant Director to lead a team of project managers, engineers, and administrative staff responsible for planning, design, construction, and maintenance of airport facilities. The role oversees multi-million dollar programs and coordinates with airlines, consultants, and federal agencies.

The position emphasizes strategic leadership, budget and schedule management, and effective communication of risks and solutions to executives; a background in

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or related area (Equivalent professional experience may be considered on exception).
• 8-10 years of work experience in medium/large hub airport construction or similar area with supervisory experience.

Responsibilities

• Implement Terminal and Concourse Development projects from planning through facility commissioning.
• Interact with airlines, consultants, and federal agencies (FAA, TSA, etc.).
• Participate in consultant and construction contractor selection.
• Monitor budgets and schedules; resolve disputes; prepare change orders.
• Communicate project challenges and solutions to Department executives.
• Manage staff and mentor junior staff.

Skills

Project management

Team leadership

Written and verbal communication

Budgeting and scheduling

Education

Bachelor’s degree in Engineering or Aviation Management

Master's degree (preferred)

Tools

PowerPoint

Job description

Job Description

Salary range: $107,271-$130,000

Posting expires: November 16, 2026

General Description And Classification Standards

The proponent will effectively manage a staff comprised of Department of Aviation and consultant project management, construction, and administrative personnel, whose primary objective is to design, build, and maintain airport facilities in a safe and efficient manner. The Department’s capital program has work divided into numerous areas, or types, of work.

The Assistant Director position will be contributing to a team responsible for implementing projects under the direction of the Area Director for a given area of work. Typical project value ranges between $1-50 million. The individual provides day-to-day guidance to staff members on project-related issues as well as addresses administrative management functions (i.e., approvals for travel requests, leave requests, etc.).

These are NOT routine promotional level positions and the specific justification for classification at this level must be documented.

Supervision Received

This position requires work to be completed with minimum supervision. Direction received is a function of the task, with direction focusing on strategic objectives as well as project detail and is typically collaborative in nature.

Responsibilities

Essential Duties & Responsibilities

These are typical responsibilities for this position and should not be construed as exclusive or all inclusive. May perform other duties as assigned.

This position supports and reports to a Department of Aviation’s Area Director within Planning and Development, as well as Department senior staff. The proponent will have demonstrated experience in carrying out the following primary essential duties and responsibilities to include:

• Implementing Terminal and Concourse Development projects from planning through facility commissioning
• Interacting and teaming with affected stakeholders, such as other Department of Aviation business units; airlines serving the airport and their liaison representatives; consultants supporting Planning and Development; federal agencies such as the FAA, TSA, and others
• Being involved in consultant and construction contractor selection
• Closely monitoring planning, design, contractor, and consultant budgets and schedules; resolving disputes between the airport sponsor and a contractor; and preparing change orders
• Effectively communicate project challenges and solutions to Department executives
• Manage staff as well as develop and mentor younger staff members.

Decision Making

The proponent will be overseeing numerous, multi-million dollar projects. The types of decisions typically made are related to identifying appropriate task order scope of work; developing and maintaining schedules and budgets; and developing technical rationale as to why a project may require a change. Additionally, the proponent will be called upon to prioritize projects and defend the prioritization.

Leadership Provided

The individual will provide guidance to both subordinates and superiors and is expected to feel comfortable interacting with both groups.

Knowledge, Skills & Abilities

This is a partial listing of necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities required to perform the job successfully. It is not an exhaustive list.

The proponent is expected to exhibit detailed knowledge, skills, and abilities of the following:

• Typical project management and design processes involved in the planning, design, and construction of a project, ideally at medium and large hub airports
• The ability to manage Airport related designers and guide them in preparation of designs and specifications resulting in projects that come in on schedule and budget
• The ability to read and interpret airport-related design drawings and specifications
• The skills to develop teams to deliver successful projects
• The ability to “think out of the box” to arrive at a creative solution when required
• The ability to use discretion and make quick decisions when necessary
• The ability and desire to communicate both good and bad project news to superiors
• The skill to clearly communicate (both in written and verbal forms) with all stakeholders
• The ability to research topics or issues in preparation to meeting with senior Department staff
• The ability to prepare clear presentations with PowerPoint and well-written briefings
• The ability to ask questions when confronted with an unfamiliar design or project management situation

Qualifications

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or related area (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis).
• 8-10 years of work experience in medium and large hub airport construction or similar area with some experience as a supervisor, team leader, etc.

Preferred Education & Experience

• Master's degree in Engineering, Aviation Management, or related area (Equivalent professional experience may be considered for substitution for the required degree on an exception basis).
• 10 years of work experience in medium and large hub airport design and construction or similar area with some experience as a supervisor, team leader, etc.

Licensures and Certifications

• Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.)
• Project Management Professional (PMP) credentials.

Essential Capabilities And Work Environment

Required physical, lifting, and sensory capabilities are requirements to perform the job successfully. Typical environmental conditions associated with job.

The typical work environment is in a Department of Aviation office. However, the proponent is expected to visit projects in the field under all weather conditions. The proponent is also expected to visit project sites at night or on weekends as work and project circumstances dictate. The proponent is also required to work day or night shifts at the airport’s Emergency Operations Center (EOC) when extenuating circumstances dictate such work. These shifts may require staying at the EOC for consecutive days.

It is the policy of the City of Atlanta (“COA”) that qualified individuals with disabilities are not discriminated against because of their disabilities regarding job application procedures, hiring, and other terms and conditions of employment. It is further the policy of the COA to provide reasonable accommodations to qualified individuals with disabilities in all aspects of the employment process. The COA is prepared to modify or adjust the job application process or the job or work environment to make reasonable accommodations to the known physical or mental limitations of the applicant or employee to enable the applicant or employee to be considered for the position he or she desires, to perform the essential functions of the position in question, or to enjoy equal benefits and privileges of employment as are enjoyed by other similarly situated employees without disabilities, unless the accommodation will impose an undue hardship. If reasonable accommodation is needed, please contact the Human Resources Director for your department.

The City of Atlanta is an Equal Opportunity Employer and does not unlawfully discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, age, disability, sex, sexual orientation, ender identity, marital status, veteran’s status or national origin, or any other basis prohibited by federal, state, or local law. We value and encourage diversity in our workforce.