Economic Development Department - Airports Lease Administration - Program Manager - 1109 (UNC)

City of San Diego Green Business Network; San Diego (CA); Hybrid; USD 150,000 - 184,000; Full time

Benefits offered by this job

Defined retirement plans

Health and wellness plans

Paid holidays

Leave entitlements

Tuition reimbursement

Free transit pass

Job summary

The City of San Diego’s Economic Development Department (EDD) is seeking a Program Manager to lead the Airports Lease Administration Team for Montgomery‑Gibbs Executive and Brown Field airports. Overseeing ~300 real estate agreements, you will direct leasing activities, ensure compliance with City, State, and FAA regulations, and guide complex negotiations.

You will supervise three staff, develop policies, and drive high‑level real estate transactions while fostering staff growth in a dynamic

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate, business management, airport management or related field; five years of progressively responsible experience.
• Experience negotiating, interpreting and administering complex aeronautical and commercial lease agreements, licences and other real estate agreements.
• Proven experience leading multi-disciplinary teams and managing complex workloads with deadlines.
• Ability to communicate effectively with City management and the public; strong presentation skills.
• Knowledge of public sector real estate principles, laws and processes; commitment to public service.

Responsibilities

• Lead EDD’s Airports Division Lease Administration Team.
• Oversee Real Estate Portfolio (≈300 agreements).
• Negotiate complex real estate transactions.
• Supervise and develop staff.
• Plan and direct highly complex real estate projects.
• Develop and implement Lease Administration policies and procedures.

Skills

Lease negotiations

Team leadership

Public sector real estate

Communication

Problem solving

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder management

IT proficiency

Education

Bachelor’s degree in business administration/real estate/airport management

Tools

Microsoft Word

Excel

PowerPoint

Teams

Zoom

Job description

Job Title: Economic Development Department - Airports Lease Administration - Program Manager (1109) (UNC)

Salary: $167,003.00 Annually

Location: City of San Diego, CA

Job Type: Unclassified

Job Number: 1109

Business Area: 2111 - Airport Management

Personnel Area: 2440 - Airport Management

Opening Date: 11/03/2026

Closing Date: 11/18/2026 11:59 PM Pacific

Description

The Economic Development Department’s Airports Division is hiring a Program Manager to lead the Airports Lease Administration Team at the City’s two general aviation airports: Montgomery‑Gibbs Executive Airport and Brown Field Airport. The team provides comprehensive real estate and property management services for approximately 1,420 acres across both airports. It also negotiates private development agreements and manages a portfolio of approximately 300 aeronautical and non‑aeronautical real estate agreements.

This management‑level position reports to the Chief of Airports and oversees a team of three staff members. The Program Manager is responsible for directing all leasing activities at both City airports and ensuring compliance with City and State requirements, as well as Federal Aviation Administration regulations. The position also leads complex real estate negotiations, supervises and develops staff, and plans and directs highly complex real estate transactions requiring advanced professional knowledge and expertise. In addition, the Program Manager provides leadership and direction while developing and implementing policies and procedures.

This position is eligible for hybrid work arrangement. This posting may be used to fill multiple vacancies within the Department.

Key Areas Of Responsibility

• Management of EDD’s Airports Division Lease Administration Team.
• Oversight of Real Estate Portfolio (Approximately 300 agreements).
• Negotiating complex real estate transactions.
• Supervising and developing staff.
• Planning and directing difficult, highly complex special projects.
• Developing Lease Administration policies and procedures.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in business administration, real estate, business management, airport management or a related field, and
• Five (5) years of progressively responsible experience, preferably in local government real estate administration; Or any combination of education and experience that demonstrates these qualifications may be qualifying.

Required Knowledge, Skills And Abilities

Any combination of education, training, and experience that demonstrates the required knowledge, skills, and abilities may be qualifying.

• Experience negotiating, interpreting and administering complex aeronautical and commercial lease agreements, licences, permits and other real estate agreements;
• Proven experience leading multi‑disciplinary teams and managing complex workloads while establishing priorities, driving accountability and meeting critical deadlines;
• Ability to communicate effectively with different audiences, including various levels of City management and members of the public;
• Experience in a fast‑paced, deadline‑driven work environment;
• Strong problem‑solving skills, with the ability to proactively identify and support creative and viable business solutions;
• Knowledge of public sector real estate principles, laws and government processes;
• A commitment to public service, fiscal responsibility and innovation in government;
• Collaborative skill in working with other city departments, businesses, the public, and other government agencies;
• Ability to balance competing interests in a regulatory and political environment;
• Strong interpersonal skills, written and verbal communication, and presentation skills;
• Technologically proficient, including proficiency with Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Teams and Zoom.
• Active and genuine commitment to managing diversity in the workplace and encouraging high performing teams;
• Strong interpersonal leadership skills, with the ability to successfully interact with a wide variety of stakeholders;
• Ability to work both independently and as part of a team in a dynamic environment, with tight time constraints, addressing the needs of multiple stakeholders; and,
• Demonstrated exceptional ability to manage and motivate people and teams.

Desirable Qualifications

The ideal candidate will possess the following qualifications:

• Accreditation or Certification by the American Association of Airport Executives, or willingness to pursue;
• Leasing or management experience at a public airport.

Department

The Economic Development Department (EDD) leads the City of San Diego’s efforts in real estate services, airport operations, cultural affairs, business and community engagement, and strategic partnerships to foster a thriving, inclusive economy. Guided by the City’s Economic Development Strategy, EDD focuses on four key goals: supporting workers and families, supporting small and local businesses, bolstering trade and innovation, and strengthening neighborhoods. EDD manages a diverse real estate portfolio that includes public facilities, parks, cultural landmarks like Balboa Park and Mission Bay, and more than 800 income‑generating lease agreements.

The Department also oversees Montgomery‑Gibbs Executive and Brown Field Municipal Airports, which support over 1,500 jobs and $199 million in annual economic activity.

The Real Estate and Lease Administration Division handles acquisitions, lease administration, valuations, and strategic partnerships, while the Airports Division ensures safe airport operations and collaborates with the FAA on infrastructure planning. Community and Business Engagement support economic growth through small business programs, federal grant administration (CDBG, HOME, ESG), and creative workforce development, arts funding, public art, and the implementation of the City’s 10‑year Creative City cultural plan.

The Business Operations and Support Services Division supports all financial, operational, and grant functions across the department, ensuring effective service delivery that enhances quality of life throughout San Diego.

The City

With more than 1.4 million residents, the City of San Diego is the eighth largest city in the United States and the second largest in California. The City of San Diego’s strong economy, diverse population, great educational institutions, unsurpassed quality of life, and world‑renowned location make it the ideal place to work, live, and play. With its great weather, miles of sandy beaches, and major attractions, San Diego has something to offer for everyone.

The City’s Mission, as stated in the Strategic Plan is “Every day we serve our communities to make San Diego not just a fine city, but a great City.” The City’s Vision is "Opportunity in every neighborhood, excellent service for every San Diegan".

As one of the region’s largest employers, the City of San Diego employs nearly 13,000 highly dedicated employees and has a combined Fiscal Year 2027 operating and capital budget of approximately $6.42 billion. Additional information about the City of San Diego can be found on the City’s website.

Benefits

• Defined retirement plan, including pension reciprocity, dependent on an employee’s eligibility status (new hire, rehire, etc.).
• A wide variety of cafeteria‑style health and wellness plans or in‑lieu cash waiver.
• 11 paid City holidays per calendar year and 1 floating holiday per fiscal year.
• Approximately 176 hours of paid annual leave for an employee’s first 15 years of service, and approximately 216 hours for 16+ years of service.
• Up to 24 hours of paid discretionary leave per fiscal year.
• Up to 320 hours of paid Parental Leave per childbirth or placement of a child.
• Up to 40 hours of paid Bereavement Leave per fiscal year.
• Tuition reimbursement up to $2,000 per fiscal year, and complimentary LinkedIn Learning professional development opportunities.
• Free transit pass (including MTS Trolley, MTS Bus, and all Rapid and Rapid Express bus services).
• Access to premier City golf courses at a discounted rate.
• Reduced‑rate fitness center memberships.
• City‑paid life insurance.

Pre‑Employment Requirements and Screening Process

Employment offers are conditional, pending the results of all screening processes applicable to the position. All the processes required by the City of San Diego must be successfully completed before employment begins. Please refer to the City’s pre‑employment requirements and screening process webpage for additional information. Nothing in this job posting constitutes or should be construed as part of an express or implied contract for employment with the City of San Diego.

Resumes will be screened according to the qualifications outlined above and the most qualified candidates will be invited to interview.

The City of San Diego has an active Equal Opportunity/ADA Program for employment and vigorously supports diversity in the workplace.

Employer

City of San Diego

1200 3rd Ave., Suite 300, MS 51P

San Diego, California, 92101

Phone [phone]

[phone]

Website http://www.sandiego.gov/empopp/