Executive Manager - Airport Operations

Floridaairports; Naples (FL); On-site; USD 91,000 - 148,000; Full time

Job summary

Collier County is seeking an Executive Manager - Airport Operations to lead the operation of Marco Island Executive Airport, Immokalee Regional Airport, and Everglades Airpark. You will direct day-to-day operations, develop policies, manage budgets, and coordinate with federal/state agencies.

The role requires strong leadership, business acumen, and ability to build relationships with tenants and regulators while guiding development priorities and capital projects.

Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in airport management, business management, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of related professional experience.
• Fingerprinting required.
• Must obtain and maintain the Certified Member (C.M.) credential within six months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and endorsements for County vehicle operation.

Responsibilities

• Leads staff and manages performance, priorities, and counseling.
• Directs day-to-day airport and Fixed Base Operation activities.
• Develops operating policies, procedures, and emergency plans.
• Prepares documents for the Airport Authority/County Commissioners.
• Administers leases and contracts; negotiates with tenants and monitors compliance.
• Manages annual budgets and capital improvement needs.
• Oversees Five-Year Master Plan and grant programs.
• Builds relationships with FAA, FDOT, and other agencies.
• Coordinates procurement and project solicitations.
• Plans airfield development and oversees construction phases.
• Monitors contracts and project progress; resolves issues as needed.
• Represents airport matters to regulators, tenants, and community groups.

Skills

Staff leadership

Budget management

Contract administration

Regulatory liaison

Education

Bachelor's degree in airport management or related field

Job description

Salary: $91,429.00 - $148,115.00 Annually

Application Deadline: Aug 20, 2026

Job Summary

Collier County strives to be an employer of choice, and many of our employees build long-term careers with us. The salary listed in the job description reflects the full pay range for this position, from entry level through advanced career stages.

NEW EMPLOYEES ARE HIRED AT, OR NEAR THE ENTRY POINT SHOWN, DEPENDING ON QUALIFICATIONS AND RELEVANT EXPERIENCE.

Lead the future of Collier County's general aviation airport system. The Executive Manager - Airport Operations provides strategic and hands‑on leadership for Marco Island Executive Airport, Immokalee Regional Airport, and Everglades Airpark. This position directs the safe and efficient operation, maintenance, and development of the airport system and manages day‑to‑day general aviation airport and Fixed Base Operation activities. The Executive Manager leads staff; administers budgets, grants, leases, contracts, and capital projects; ensures compliance with local, state, and federal requirements; and advises Airport Authority and County leadership on operational and development priorities. Success in this role requires sound judgment, strong leadership, business acumen, and the ability to build productive relationships with tenants, regulators, consultants, contractors, and community partners.

Essential Functions

• Leads, develops, and evaluates assigned staff; establishes priorities, directs work, addresses employee concerns, and completes counseling, disciplinary, and performance management processes.
• Directs day-to-day airport and Fixed Base Operation activities, including airfield operations, runway and taxiway systems, emergency readiness, safety inspections, fuel quality assurance, and required operational reporting.
• Develops, updates, and implements airport operating policies, procedures, and emergency plans consistent with the direction of the Board of County Commissioners and the Airport Authority.
• Researches and prepares recommendations, agenda materials, policies, rules, regulations, directives, programs, agreements, leases, contracts, and other documents for consideration or approval by the Airport Authority/Board of County Commissioners.
• Administers airport leases and contracts; oversees tenant negotiations; and monitors compliance with lease terms, minimum standards, and leasehold development requirements.
• Develops and administers annual operating budgets; monitors expenditures; and assists the Division Director in identifying capital improvement needs and establishing project priorities.
• Prepares and administers the Five-Year Master Plan, annual work programs, and annual reports; develops and implements airport development, grant‑funding, and Foreign Trade Zone programs.
• Builds and manages relationships with FAA, FDOT, environmental and wildlife agencies, and other federal, state, and local partners; ensures compliance with applicable aviation safety, environmental, fuel storage, and fueling regulations.
• Coordinates requests for proposals, bid packages, and other solicitations with the Procurement Division for airport goods and services.
• Plans and coordinates airfield construction, development, and other special projects; reviews engineering plans and works with project teams to maintain safe and efficient airport operations during construction.
• Oversees consultants, contractors, and service providers; monitors contract performance, project schedules, progress reports, change orders, purchase orders, work orders, invoices, and payment requests.
• Manages airport projects during design and coordinates with construction project managers during construction; participates in progress meetings and helps resolve scope, schedule, and operational issues.
• Develops and implements marketing and promotional initiatives to enhance airport services and visibility.
• Serves as liaison to regulatory agencies, tenants, community organizations, and other stakeholders; presents and briefs airport matters to civic groups, the Board of County Commissioners, the Division Director, Department Head, and County Manager.
• Maintains accurate airport files, records, reports, and published operational information.

Additional Functions

Performs other related duties as assigned.

Minimum Qualifications

• Bachelor's degree in airport management, business management, or a closely related field.
• Four (4) years of related professional experience.
• Fingerprinting required.

LICENSES/CERTIFICATES

• Must obtain and maintain the Certified Member (C.M.) credential through the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) – or higher professional designation – within six (6) months of hire.
• Must possess and maintain a valid Florida Driver's License and any endorsement(s) required to operate a County vehicle in accordance with CMA 5805.

Supplemental information

• Salary offers above the minimum of the pay grade may be considered based on qualifications.
• Essential Employees may be required to work during an undeclared emergency and/or declared emergency. On an incident-by-incident basis, the County’s Administrative Office will make the determination as to who will be required to work.
• This job posting is not intended to be all-inclusive list of responsibilities, skills or working conditions associated with the position.

Employer Collier County

Address Human Resources Division
3303 East Tamiami Trail East
Naples, Florida, 34112