Airport Director

Airport Director

The purpose of this job is to plan, direct and manage the day-to-day operations of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport and serve as the primary staff liaison and professional advisor to the Airport Authority. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, interacting with Authority members and other parties to provide direction, enforcing all FAA rules and regulations, managing airport operations and staffing, negotiating contracts for airport facilities, resolving operation problems, ensuring safety and services are maintained with a high level of accuracy and compliance for the Airport, and performing additional tasks as assigned.

Minimum Training & Experience Required to Perform Essential Job Functions: Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Business Administration, or related discipline and ten years of progressively responsible aviation management or airport operations experience required; or, any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Five years of supervisory experience is required. Must possess a valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: 3 years of FAA Part 139 commercial airport experience preferred. 3 years of experience working at an airport with fixed-base operations preferred. American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member preferred. Master's degree preferred.

Essential Duties, Responsibilities: The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Plans and directs the administration of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport; supervises and evaluates assigned staff; conducts interviews and makes hiring decisions; handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees when necessary, and completes employee performance appraisals. Directs and oversees the planning, development, construction, improvement, maintenance, administration, and operations of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport, including oversight of management staff responsible for daily airport operations; solves operation problems; inspects, reports and acts to remedy operational deficiencies. Provides leadership in establishing and implementing the short- and long-term vision, goals, and priorities of the Airport, under the direction of the Manager's Office and in consultation with the Airport Authority. Serves as primary liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation, and other federal and state aviation agencies regarding airport certification, funding, planning, capital projects, regulatory compliance, and operational matters. Ensures compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations to ensure a safe working environment; oversees the development, maintenance, implementation, and periodic update of the Airport Certification Manual and associated plans, procedures, records, and training requirements. Functions as the primary liaison for Airport Authority, providing technical and administrative assistance, making recommendations on matters affecting airport operations, planning, finances, development, and policy; attends Airport Authority meetings, prepares agendas, and makes presentations. Prepares an annual report of airport operations and accomplishments; develops agenda reports for items submitted for consideration and vote by Mayor & Commission. Develops and reviews grant applications and oversees the administration, monitoring, reporting, reimbursement, and closeout of federal, state, and other airport grants; ensures compliance with grant assurances, funding agreements, and applicable FAA, GDOT, procurement, and financial requirements. Develops and reviews requests for proposals, bid specifications, and other procurement documents; oversees consultant and contractor selection and contract administration in accordance with applicable procurement policies and requirements. Prepares, manages, and monitors enterprise operating and capital budgets, five-year Capital Improvement Programs, airport revenues, rates and charges, and long-term financial forecasts. Directs airport business development and marketing efforts, including opportunities to expand aviation services, attract and retain airport users and businesses, support general and corporate aviation, and evaluate potential commercial airline service. Negotiates, administers, monitors and enforces contracts, leases, operating agreements, and other agreements for the use and operation of airport facilities; maintains tenant relations and makes recommendations through the appropriate approval process. Organizes, coordinates and implements emergency training with public safety departments, emergency management, hospitals, the Red Cross, etc.; conducts and participates in mock disaster exercises. Develops and maintains good working relations with Airport Authority members, pilots, engineers, airport tenants, agencies at the federal and state level, attorneys, and other stakeholders to ensure a safe working environment. Approves all purchases for the airport; writes specifications for airport equipment; approves facility maintenance needs; approves contractor expenditures; conducts bids for supplies and materials. Performs other related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the Athens-Clarke County government and the operations, administration, and functions of the Airport. Knowledge of established management, human resource management/personnel, and financial practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. Knowledge and ability to keep abreast of changes in all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job. Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, airport administration and relevant state laws, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of commercial airline business development. Knowledge of airport fixed base operations and requirements. Knowledge of FAA Part 139 airport rules and regulations. Knowledge of and proficiency with the use of computers and associated software programs. Knowledge of emergency management techniques and budget preparation. Knowledge of interviewing techniques, listening, and communication skills. Knowledge of techniques used in budget management and grant administration. Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor the performance of subordinates against measured established goals. Ability to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of the specific duties of the position, and to develop and implement short and long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, the media, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Athens-Clarke County government as they relate to the Airport. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Airport Authority, Federal Aviation Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation, airport tenants, consultants, contractors, elected officials, employees, and the public. Ability to assemble information and develop written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates, including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations. Ability to communicate both orally and in written form.