Strategic Airport Leader & Operations Chief

Lindentx; Mesquite (TX); Hybrid; USD 120,000 - 190,000; Full time

Job summary

The City of Mesquite is seeking an Airport Director to provide executive leadership for all airport operations, ensuring safety, efficiency, and compliance with FAA, DHS, TSA and related regulations; manage budgeting, maintenance, and capital projects; and coordinate with City management and partners.

A bachelor’s degree in aviation/airport management or related field is required, with four years in airport operations and two years supervisory experience.

Qualifications

• Bachelor’s degree in aviation/airport management or related field.
• Four years in airport operations with supervisory experience.
• Desirable familiarity with TxDOT Aviation or FAA State Block Grant Program.
• A.A.E., C.M., ACE or pilot certification preferred.
• Valid driver’s license.

Responsibilities

• Provide executive leadership for all airport operations.
• Oversee budgeting, financial planning, and capital funding.
• Direct maintenance, safety, and security programs.
• Coordinate with FAA, DHS, TSA and other agencies.
• Develop airport strategies, marketing, and customer service.
• Represent the airport before City Council and partners.
• Lead staffing, hiring, performance reviews, and scheduling.

Skills

Leadership

Budget management

Regulatory compliance

Stakeholder engagement

Education

Bachelor's degree in aviation/airport management or related field

Job description

Salary: $150,000/annual min to $175,000/annual max (Depending on qualifications)

GENERAL SUMMARY

Provide executive leadership and direction for all aspects of airport operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant services. Responsibilities include strategic planning, fiscal management, maintenance and capital improvement planning, future airport expansion, and oversight of daily operations. The Airport Director ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal aviation laws and regulations, fosters effective stakeholder relationships, and manages terminal operations for both commercial and general aviation activities.

SUPERVISION

General supervision is provided by the Assistant City Manager.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. All behaviors comply with the Code of Conduct and Rules of Behavior outlined in Chapter 8 of the General Government Policies and Procedures Manual.
2. Adhere to assigned work schedule as outlined in city and department attendance policies and procedures.
3. Supervises, manages, and evaluates employees and makes hiring decisions, discipline and/or termination of employees; prioritizes and assigns work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; completes employee performance reviews; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries; and acts as liaison between employees and management.
4. Develops, administers, and monitors the department budget, including oversight of financial planning, resource allocation, operational expenditures, airport revenues, leases, rates and charges, property/development, and capital funding strategy.Coordinates grant administration as part of budget responsibilities.
5. Directs the forecast of funds needed for staffing, equipment, materials, and supplies; monitors and approves expenditures; and implements adjustments as necessary, in coordination with overall department budget responsibilities.
6. Manage and participate in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, and priorities for assigned programs including customer service, maintenance of airport equipment and aircraft, and grounds security; recommend, within Departmental policy, appropriate service and staffing levels; recommend and administer policies and procedures.
7. Continuously monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; assess and monitor workload, administrative and support systems, and internal reporting relationships; identify opportunities for improvement and review with the City Manager; implement improvements.
8. Develop and implement strategies to maintain airport customer bases; design marketing outreach efforts; solicit customer suggestions.
9. Represents the airport before City Council, advisory boards, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, business partners, and the public; prepares and delivers reports, presentations, and recommendations.
10. Develop and implement airport capital improvement plans; coordinate all capital improvement plans with FAA; prepare federal grant requests for airport capital improvements; coordinate major expansion projects with contract engineers and City engineering staff.
11. Develop effective liaisons with airport tenant businesses to foster business growth; market the airport to enhance business potential and ensure a positive business climate for the airport.
12. Monitor air traffic control tower operations; act as the City’s representative with the Federal Aviation Administration and selected Federal Contract Tower Program vendor; coordinate and integrate tower operations at the airport. Directs and oversees all airport operations to ensure compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient operating environment.
    

OTHER DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

1. Serve as liaison for the Mesquite-Metro Airport with other City departments, divisions and outside agencies; negotiate and resolve significant and controversial issues.
2. Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to airport programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate.
3. Provide staff support on a variety of boards and commissions; attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of aviation.
4. Respond to and resolve difficult and sensitive customer inquiries and complaints.
5. Perform other duties as assigned.

MINIMUM JOB REQUIREMENTS

EDUCATION

Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in aviation/airport management, business administration, public administration, planning, engineering, transportation, or a related discipline.

EXPERIENCE

Four years of increasingly responsible experience overseeing airport operations, including two years of supervisory or administrative responsibility.

Familiarity with TxDOT Aviation or experience with another FAA State Block Grant Program is highly desirable.

LICENSES AND CERTIFICATES

Possession of A.A.E., C.M., ACE, pilot certification is preferred.

Possession of a valid driver's license.

WORK SCHEDULE

Monday - Friday 8AM-5PM, with weekends and after hours as needed.