Associate Director Aviation Advanced Air Mobility and Airspace Safety UN

Albuquerque International Sunport; Albuquerque (NM); On-site; USD 108,000 - 132,000; Full time

Job summary

Albuquerque International Sunport in Albuquerque, NM seeks an Associate Director of Aviation Advanced Air Mobility and Airspace Safety to lead deployment planning for AAM, UAS operations and enhanced airspace safety. This unclassified, at-will role reports to the Aviation Director and shapes city-scale mobility initiatives.

Responsibilities include building strategic plans, coordinating with city, state and federal agencies, and guiding staff through complex programs.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree preferred in business administration, aviation science or management, public administration, or related field.
• Eight (8) years of managerial experience in aviation operations preferred.
• Five (5) years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Preference for accreditations: AAE, C.M., or ACE in Airfield Operations, Security, or Communications.
• Aviation Safety Experience Preferred.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
• Successful completion of security background checks (CBP and FBI).
• May work evening meetings and occasional weekend hours and/or events.

Responsibilities

• Plan and direct strategic plans for department operations, advanced air mobility deployment plans, and UAS/drones; include inspections and policy development.
• Assist in identifying goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned service areas.
• Establish service levels, monitor efficiency, and allocate resources accordingly.
• Develop and administer the city-wide UAS program. Coordinate with city departments.
• Coordinate AAM initiatives with city, state, and federal agencies.
• Plan, supervise and train staff; review methods and procedures; address deficiencies.
• Oversee budget development, staffing plans, and expenditures; justify and adjust as needed.
• Explain and defend department programs; negotiate with officials and outside agencies.
• Represent the Division in meetings with divisions, departments, and external partners.
• Provide staff assistance to Director and Deputy Directors; participate on boards/committees.

Skills

Managerial experience

Supervisory experience

Aviation Safety Experience

A.A.E./C.M./A.C.E. accreditation

Valid Driver's License

COP (City Operator's Permit)

Background check clearance (CBP/FBI)

Education

Bachelor's degree in business administration, aviation science or management, public administration, or related field

Job description

Associate Director Aviation Advanced Air Mobility and Airspace Safety

Salary: $119,662.40 Annually

Location: Albuquerque, NM

Job Type: Full Time

Job Number: 2700406

Department: Aviation

Division: AV-Bldg Maint

Opening Date: 10/19/2026

Closing Date: 11/3/2026 11:59 PM Mountain

Bargaining Unit: NU

Position Summary

Plan, direct, manage and oversee activities for the Aviation Department Operations Division related to advanced air mobility deployment planning, unmanned aerial systems/drone issues, and enhanced airspace safety. Evaluate and develop standards, policies and procedures within the programmatic areas and specialized operational Aviation programs. Coordinate assigned activities with other divisions, departments, outside agencies and stakeholders. Provide highly complex technical and administrative tasks relative to assigned areas of responsibility. Provide highly responsible administrative support to the Director of Aviation and Deputy Directors.

This is an unclassified, at-will position.

Essential Functions

• Plan, direct, coordinate, participate and provide leadership in the development of strategic plans, analysis of policy for department operations, advanced air mobility deployment plans, and unmanned aerial systems (UAS)/drones; and activities including but not limited to inspections of airport activities and functions, administration, regulations, regional and city-wide UAS operations, recommend and administer policies and procedures.
• Assist in identifying, recommending and implementing the long and short term strategic plans, goals, objectives, policies, procedures and priorities for assigned service areas.
• Establish, within departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; allocate resources accordingly.
• Develop, implement, and administer the city wide UAS program in coordination with participating city departments.
• Coordinate the activities, development, and implementation of advanced air mobility initiatives with city, state and federal agencies.
• Plan, direct and coordinate, through subordinate level staff, the assigned areas of responsibility work plans; assign projects and programmatic areas of responsibility; review and evaluate work methods and procedures; meet with key staff to identify and resolve problems.
• Plan, supervise, direct, coordinate, review, evaluate and, train assigned employees in assigned areas of work including, methods, techniques, procedures, policy analysis, policy development, compliance, and analysis methods and procedures.
• Assess and monitor work load, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement; direct and implement changes.
• Coordinate the activities, development, and improvement of the department airports and properties with city, state and federal agencies.
• Serve as Incident Commander for major events and emergencies to include, but not limited to aircraft/UAS emergencies, security incidents, VIP Movements, Special Events and related activities.
• Manage, oversee the review, evaluation and interpretation of operations/emergency preparedness program requirements and make recommendations concerning Federal, State and local legislation impact on local aviation activities for the department.
• May review engineering projects for airport construction and maintenance work for safety/operations compliance
• May oversee capital projects administration of safety and operational compliance including planning, design and construction for operational functions on the department facilities.
• May oversee the management of landside operations including development and planning, parking, leased sites and car rental facilities to insure conformance with safety and operational requirements.
• Oversee the selection, training, motivation and evaluation of assigned area personnel; provide or coordinate staff training; work with employees to correct deficiencies; implement disciplinary/corrective actions.
• Oversee and/or participate in the development and administration of annual budget; participate in the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials and supplies; approve expenditures and implement budgetary adjustments as appropriate and necessary.
• Explain, justify and defend department programs, policies and activities; negotiate and resolve sensitive and controversial issues of assigned areas.
• Represent the assigned Division to other divisions, departments, elected officials and outside agencies; coordinate assigned activities with those of other divisions, departments and outside agencies and organizations.
• Provide staff assistance to the Director and Deputy Directors of Aviation; participate on a variety of boards, commissions, committees, and special teams/working groups; prepare and present staff reports and other necessary correspondence.

Supplemental Functions

• Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of aviation and aviation operations. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive citizen inquiries and complaints.
• Perform related duties and responsibilities as required.
• Respond to emergency situations and weather-related events.
• Coordinate a variety of assigned activities with other public or private entities, divisions, departments and agencies.

Minimum Education, Experience And Additional Requirements

• Education and experience directly related to the minimum requirements below may be interchangeable on a year for year basis.
• Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business administration, aviation science or management, public administration, or related field preferred.
• Eight (8) years of managerial experience in aviation operations preferred.
• To include five (5) years of supervisory experience preferred.
• Preference in the possession of at least one of the following accreditations or certifications: Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) or Certified Member (C.M.) or Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.) in Airfield Operations, Security, or Communications.
• Aviation Safety Experience Preferred.
• Possession of a valid New Mexico Driver's License, or the ability to obtain by date of hire.
• Possession of a City Operator's Permit (COP) within 6 months from date of hire.
• Successful completion of a security background check conducted by U.S. Customs and Border Protection, if applicable. Must successfully pass FBI criminal history background check including fingerprinting.
• May work evening meetings and occasional weekend hours and/or events.

Working Conditions

Environmental

Office, field and airport environment; exposure to computer screens and to inclement weather, fumes, dust and noise. May travel from site to site.

Physical

Essential and supplemental functions may require maintaining physical condition necessary for sitting, standing, or walking for prolonged periods, may be required to operate motor vehicle.

Total Rewards

The City of Albuquerque takes pride in offering our employees one of the most attractive Total Rewards packages in New Mexico. In addition to competitive salaries, the City provides benefit options for health, pharmacy, dental, vision, life, disability, and much more. The City also has pre-tax savings plans for healthcare, childcare, and parking. Employees participate in the state’s public retirement system (PERA), with the City paying up to 75 percent of the employee’s contribution. That’s higher than any other contribution rate in the state of New Mexico!

Paid holidays?

Check

Paid parental leave?

Check

Paid birthdays off?

Check

Vacation and sick leave starting Day 1?

Check and check

Our people matter and we prioritize physical, mental, and financial wellbeing. With resources such as onsite and mobile medical clinics, an employee assistance program that encourages work-life balance, and tuition assistance and professional development pathways, the City is committed to equipping our employees with tools to better their lives and grow their careers while serving their community.