Assistant Aviation Director (Chief Development Officer)

Phoenix Police Department; Phoenix (AZ); On-site; USD 177,000 - 231,000; Full time

Job summary

Join a forward-thinking city department as the Assistant Aviation Director, overseeing the strategic development of Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. This role demands a collaborative leader with a strong background in airport management and regulatory compliance. You will guide a team in executing a $3.7 billion capital improvement program while ensuring innovation and efficiency. With a focus on community engagement and operational excellence, this position offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of one of the busiest airports in the U.S. Enjoy a comprehensive benefits package and the chance to make a significant impact in a vibrant city.

Benefits

Traditional pension

401(a) and 457 plans

Generous medical plans

Tuition reimbursement up to $6,500

Paid parental leave

Wellness incentive up to $720 annually

Paid time off including holidays and vacation

Car allowance of $6,000 annually

Cell phone allowance of $1,440 annually

Employer paid long-term disability

Qualifications

• 5+ years in airport management with supervisory experience.
• Understanding of airport finance and business planning.

Responsibilities

• Oversee planning and development of airport facilities.
• Direct activities of Deputy Aviation Directors.

Skills

Airport Management

Strategic Planning

Regulatory Compliance

Project Management

Team Leadership

Education

Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management

Master's Degree (Preferred)

Job description

The City of Phoenix Aviation Department is seeking an experienced executive to join the leadership team at "America's Friendliest Airport," Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Successful candidates will guide the strategic development of Sky Harbor and two dynamic general aviation airports in one of the fastest growing cities in the country. Interested individuals should thrive in a fast-paced, high-performance environment where a focus on innovation and creativity is prized. There is currently one Assistant Aviation Director vacancy.

The Assistant Aviation Director (Chief Development Officer) oversees the professional teams responsible for the effective planning and development of the airport system, its portfolio of properties, and the efficient design and construction of facilities while ensuring compliance with applicable environmental regulations. Duties include directing activities of Deputy Aviation Directors in administrative and technical operating areas of the department, including information technology and digital strategy; planning and environmental compliance; and development, design, and construction for the department's more than $3.7 billion capital improvement program. More information about the capital program is available at https : / / www.skyharbor.com / about-phx / comprehensive-asset-management-plan / . Actual assignments may vary based on the strengths the successful candidate brings to the position.

About the Department : The Aviation Department is an enterprise fund department within the City of Phoenix that provides strategic oversight, operation, and administration of three airports : Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport (primary commercial hub), Phoenix Deer Valley Airport (general aviation reliever), and Phoenix Goodyear Airport (general aviation reliever). Named America's best large airport by the Wall Street Journal in 2023, Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport is also known as America's Friendliest Airport. Located in the heart of the southwestern United States, it's one of the busiest airports in the country, serving more than 52 million passengers in 2024. Additionally, the Phoenix Airport System is the largest economic engine in the state of Arizona with an estimated $44.3 billion annual economic impact. Currently, 25 airlines provide nonstop service to 146 destinations across the world.

Learn more about the job, the Aviation Department and living in Phoenix here

IDEAL CANDIDATE

• Possess an engineering or architectural license or certification.
• Possess one or more professional certifications from airport industry associations. Examples include but are not limited to : Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.), Certified Member (C.M.), and International Airport Professional (I.A.P.)
• Possess a demonstrated ability to work cooperatively and strategically with City management, airline partners, airport concessionaires, airport users, federal and state regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.
• Have knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to airport management, operations, and development.
• Possess a comprehensive understanding of the principles of airport finance, business planning, and methods of business management of airports.
• Have experience working within large scale municipal government operations in a Council / Manager context.

SALARY

Pay Range : $177,444.80 - $230,672.00 annually.

Hiring Range : $177,444.80 - $219,689.60 annually.

Pay Range Explanation :

• Pay range is the entire compensation range for the position classification.
• Hiring range is an estimate of where you can receive an offer. The actual salary offer will carefully consider a wide range of factors, including your skills, qualifications, experience, education, licenses, training, and internal equity.
• The City contributes 9% of salary into 457 / 401(a) plans with no matching required. $6,000 / annual car allowance and $1,440 / annual cell phone allowance.

BENEFITS

A comprehensive Executive benefits package is offered which includes :

• Traditional pension with employer and employee contributions, click here for more details : Pension Information
• 401(a) and 457 plans with employer contributions
• Choice of generous medical HMO, PPO, or HSA / HDHP plans
• Medical enrollment includes a monthly $150 City contribution to a Post-Employment Health Plan
• Wellness incentive of up to $720 annually
• Dental, vision, and life insurance options
• Employer paid long-term disability
• Tuition reimbursement program up to $6,500 per year
• Paid time off includes 13.5 paid holidays, 12 vacation days, and 15 sick days and personal leave days
• Paid Parental Leave for eligible employees up to 480 hours (12 weeks) of paid leave for the birth, adoption, or foster care placement of a child during a 12-month period
• Federal Student Loan Forgiveness offered through Savi

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

• At least five years of responsible experience in the management or planning and development of a medium or large hub airport, three of which must have been in a position supervising professional level staff.
• Bachelor's degree in airport management, business administration, civil engineering, or a related field, however, a Master's degree is preferred.
• Other combinations of experience and education which meet the minimum requirements may be substituted.
• In general, City of Phoenix residency is required within 24 months after the date of hire for newly hired executives, however exceptions apply for current employees. For questions, please contact the HR Connection Center at [phone] .
• Assistance for relocation costs and exploratory home search trips may be authorized for the successful candidate, however per IRS rules, relocation costs are considered to be income for tax purposes. https : / / www.irs.gov / newsroom / employer-update
• The City job description can be found here .
• All finalists for positions are subject to a criminal background check applicable to the department or position.
• The following list is not all inclusive but are TSA general factors for disqualification of employment for working at Phoenix Sky Harbor International Airport. Other factors will be assessed that may also lead to disqualification. Qualified candidates should consider these factors when applying. Aviation Employment Disqualifiers .
• Some positions require the use of personal or City vehicles on City business. Individuals must be physically capable of operating the vehicles safely, possess a valid driver's license and have an acceptable driving record. Use of a personal vehicle for City business will be prohibited if the employee is not authorized to drive a City vehicle or if the employee does not have personal insurance coverage.
• For information regarding pre-screening and driving positions, click here .

RECRUITMENT DATES

Recruitment closes April 7, 2025. All materials must be received by 11 : 59 p.m. on this date.

This is a position-based recruitment and will not result in any ongoing eligibility list. This recruitment and any selection processes resulting from this recruitment may be used to fill other related vacancies within the organization now or in the near future.

HOW TO APPLY

Apply online by completing the required information and attaching, as one document , your cover letter and resume. Please include your experience as it relates to the qualifications stated above. Only the highest qualified may be posted to the eligible to hire list. The results of the resume screening process will be sent to your primary email address.

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REFERENCE

Asst Aviation Director, JC : 25180, ID# 56665, 03 / 24 / 25, USM, PO, Benefits : Executive

Building the Phoenix of tomorrow.

DoWorkThatMakesPhoenixWork

City of Phoenix is an equal opportunity employer. AmeriCorps, Peace Corps, and other national service alumni who meet the required qualifications are encouraged to apply.