Director of Aviation (Kansas City, Missouri)

The City of Kansas City, Missouri’s Department of Aviation is seeking qualified candidates to apply for The Director of Aviation.

The Kansas City Aviation Department owns and operates Kansas City International Airport and Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport. The Aviation Department’s mission is to provide outstanding airport services in a safe and cost-effective manner for the benefit of citizens, visitors, airlines and customers. The department is an enterprise fund department of the City of Kansas City, Missouri, and is supported wholly by airport user charges. No general tax fund revenues are used for the administration, promotion, operation or maintenance of the airports in the system.

The Director of Aviation performs highly responsible professional, administrative, and supervisory work planning, organizing, and directing the operation, construction, and maintenance of the Kansas City International Airport and Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport; oversees air terminal facilities, runways, and surrounding grounds at both airports and for the leasing of airport property; plans, directs, and supervises staff to ensure compliance with highest industry standards and prescribed rules and regulations governing the operation of the airport; represents the airport to the public and airport tenants and visitors. The Director leads a staff of 500+.The Director will work interfacing with major companies in the private sector, establish policies on financial systems, and property and facility management in accordance with the policies in place by the City Manager and City Council. The Director deals with specialized Airport/Terminal problems as they relate to the region, community, tenants, and other government agencies.

• Analyzes air carrier and general aviation operation needs and provides facilities and services commensurate with passenger and user demand and in conformance with Federal and State laws and regulations.
• Provides management for parking and land-lease facilities for private and corporate aircraft, fixed-base operators, and other airfield tenants.
• Directs preparation and administration of annual budget; monitors programs to ensure compatible cash flow; administers leases and permits for airport property.
• Directs short- and long-term planning.
• Formulates plans, assigns, directs, and supervises all of the activities and personnel of the airport and administers safe operation, construction, maintenance, and protection of operational areas at both airports.
• Makes periodic inspections of airport facilities to determine maintenance requirements and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Maintains close liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) which governs aviation safety and airport grants and with other federal, state, and local representatives on airport matters.
• Supervises staff of management, professional, technical, trades, labor, and clerical employees.
• Directs the negotiations of leases for building rentals, ground space, and concessions for approval;
• Conducts correspondence with tenants pertaining to maintenance of facilities, questions about leases, and other matters, interprets lease agreements.
• Consults with administrative personnel, contractors, engineers, and airport tenants, on proposed construction, repair, and new installations and makes recommendations for modifications or additions to existing installations or facilities and plans long-term development.
• Directs and coordinates law enforcement activities in accordance with airport ordinances and federal, state, and City laws and regulations.
• Supervises accounting of airport revenues and expenditures.
• Directs and participates in the development and administration of the departmental budget and prepares reports and recommendations concerning budgetary, staffing requirements, proposed policies, and projects.
• Manages airport properties and develops long-range recommendations regarding proposed development and property utilization.
• Directs the preparation of applications for federal and state grants and administers and evaluates grant programs.
• Plans, organizes, and directs the operations of a commercial airport through subordinate managers or supervisors, reviews recommendations and actions of subordinates, and solves department problems.
• Interviews, selects, and develops both management and professional staff involved in airport administration, operations, marketing, property management, and aviation planning. 
• Directs land acquisition programs for takeoff and approach zones to alleviate noise and potential safety problems, ensures proper management of Federal and State grants which provide funding.
• Maintains good working relationships with fixed-base operators, airline personnel, government agencies, airport organizations, legislators, and community/airport participants.
• Evaluates existing and proposed legislation and contacts legislative representatives regarding laws applicable to the airport, aviation and community.
• Directs planning and implementation of airport/terminal operation to ensure compliance with existing environmental standards and government regulations.
• Directs airport security activities and the Airport/Terminal’s noise monitoring program.
• Reviews status of runways, taxiways, and other facilities, and directs implementation, construction, and maintenance where required.
• Establishes goals and objectives for the airport/terminal and its divisions and monitors their achievement.

Preferred Education and Experience:

Bachelor’s degree in airport management, business administration, management, public administration, aviation or a related field and 5 years of professional experience in the management and operations of civil aviation facilities with the proven ability to lead and mentor staff; accredited certification through the American Association of Airport Executives is preferred; or an equivalent combination of education, training, and/or experience.  

About Kansas City:

Kansas City, Missouri is a growing, world-class community of just over 500,000 residents that serves as the central hub for a thriving bi-state, 18-county metropolitan area of 2.5 million residents. The City is governed by a 13-member City Council and Mayor that appoint a City Manager to oversee a municipal organization with over 4,000 employees, 16 departments, and a total annual operating and capital budget exceeding $1 billion. A diverse and culturally rich community located at the confluence of the Kansas and Missouri Rivers, Kansas City is known for its long traditions as the home of spectacular BBQ, jazz, beautiful boulevards, fountains, and parks. Kansas City boasts celebrated cultural traditions including jazz; theater, and history, including the Negro Leagues Baseball Museum. Kansas City is also the proud home of professional sports teams including the Chiefs, Royals and Sporting KC, and has served as host of several NCAA tournaments over recent years. The City of Kansas City is generally recognized as one of the most livable cities in America and looks forward to showcasing our city on the national and world stage as host of the 2023 NFL Draft and the 2026 World Cup. The City of Kansas City, MO seeks to attract and retain a qualified and progressive workforce to provide high-quality services to Kansas City, MO residents and visitors.

About our airports:

• Kansas City International Airport

The new Kansas City International Airport terminal reflects what Kansas City is all about – modern, hospitable and designed to get you to your destination quickly, conveniently and safely. It’s also a destination worth exploring, with upscale dining, local and national shops, premium lounges, world-class public art, inclusive facilities, and all the modern-day conveniences you deserve. Add to that low delay times, convenient parking and an ever-expanding list of nonstop flights throughout North America, and it’s easy to see what makes this such a special place.

• Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport

Nationally ranked for quality service and features, the Kansas City Wheeler Downtown Airport is the fourth-busiest airport in Missouri, accommodating up to 700 aircraft operations per day – everything from single-engine propeller aircraft to sleek corporate jets – on its two runways. Just a quick, five-minute drive from downtown Kansas City, the airport is the birthplace of aviation in KC and now serves as a thriving, 24/7, general and business aviation facility, offering maintenance, fueling, full-service concierge services and so much more.

Salary Range: $12,389-$19,147/month
Main Office Location: 601 Brasilia, Kansas City, MO
Application Deadline Date: Open Until Filled