Assistant Director of Airports - Chief Operating Officer

Unclassified - Wichita, KS

Full-time - Mid Level

Wichita, KS

About the position

The Assistant Director of Airports, Chief Operating Officer (COO) is responsible for planning, directing, and coordinating airport operations, public safety, maintenance, business and financial affairs, engineering and construction, master planning and environmental matters, and establishing and enforcing rules and regulations. The COO is also responsible for ensuring effective communications and work relations with federal and state regulatory authorities and with users and lessees of airport services. This role requires a comprehensive understanding of airport operations and the ability to manage various aspects of airport functionality effectively. In this position, the Assistant Director will assist the Director in developing the airport physical master plan and participate in the development of the Airport System capital improvements program. The COO will also help in the development of the strategic business plan, departmental budget, and leasing policies and programs. In the absence of the Director of Airports, the Assistant Director will carry out the Director's duties and provide direction to managers of the departmental divisions as assigned. The role involves developing, evaluating, modifying, and updating emergency plans, the Airport Certification Manual, and the Airport Security Program, including conducting periodic training drills as required. The Assistant Director will estimate current and future operations and maintenance needs of the airports and develop the Airport System master maintenance program. Additionally, the COO will direct airport operations, including police, fire, parking, terminal operations, security, and maintenance, and will oversee the preparation of the operational budget. The Assistant Director will enforce federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing airport use outside the area of authority of the Federal Aviation Regulations and recommend modifications of existing rules when necessary. This position also requires planning, directing, and reviewing building, land, and equipment maintenance and protection, with a special emphasis on public safety. The Assistant Director will act as a liaison between the Airport and the Transportation Security Administration and assist in other management and coordinating capacities, including communications and citizen/tenant inquiries and responses. Furthermore, the role includes assisting the Director in the planning, design, construction, and administration of airport capital projects, as well as developing, negotiating, and implementing tenant use and lease agreements and operating permits.

Responsibilities

• Planning, directing, and coordinating airport operations, public safety, maintenance, business and financial affairs, engineering and construction, master planning and environmental matters.
• Assisting the Director in developing the airport physical master plan and participating in the Airport System capital improvements program.
• Assisting in the development of the strategic business plan, departmental budget, and leasing policies and programs.
• Carrying out the duties of the Director of Airports in his/her absence.
• Providing direction to managers of the departmental divisions as assigned by the Director of Airports.
• Developing, evaluating, modifying, and updating emergency plans, the Airport Certification Manual, and the Airport Security Program, including periodic training drills.
• Estimating current and future operations and maintenance needs of the airports and developing the Airport System master maintenance program.
• Directing airport operations, including police, fire, parking, terminal operations, security, and maintenance.
• Directing preparation of the operational budget.
• Enforcing federal, state, and local rules and regulations governing airport use outside the area of authority of the Federal Aviation Regulations and recommending modifications of existing rules when necessary.
• Planning, directing, and reviewing building, land, and equipment maintenance and protection, with special emphasis on public safety.
• Directing preparation of emergency response plans and disaster preparedness programs.
• Acting as liaison between the Airport and the Transportation Security Administration.
• Assisting in other management and coordinating capacities including communications and citizen/tenant inquiries and responses.
• Assisting the Director in the planning, design, construction, and administration of airport capital projects.
• Assisting the Director in developing, negotiating, and implementing tenant use and lease agreements and operating permits.

Requirements

• Thorough knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulations pertaining to airport certification, air traffic control, operations, and security.
• Thorough knowledge of physical plant, building, equipment, grounds, and runway/airfield pavement maintenance requirements.
• Thorough knowledge of emergency services requirements and procedures, ground transportation operations and regulations, airport parking lot management, aircraft and airport noise abatement principles and practices, and airfield snow removal practices.
• Thorough knowledge of sound business, financial and management practices of airports.
• Thorough knowledge of airport property management and leasing practices.
• Knowledge of airport planning, engineering, and construction practices.
• Ability to analyze and effectively communicate operating conditions and problems and to recommend solutions and improvements.
• Ability to traverse uneven terrain, climb steps or ladders, and tolerate airborne environmental nuisances associated with construction sites.
• Ability to lead projects from cradle to grave while meeting deadlines and achieving organizational goals.
• Ability to read and interpret plans and specifications.
• Knowledgeable in FAA policies and regulations.
• Ability to effectively plan, organize, and supervise the work of others.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with associates, representatives of other organizations, City departments, media, customers, and the public.
• Knowledge of computers and ability to effectively utilize business computer applications and spreadsheets to perform planning and develop work documents/information.
• Ability to communicate clearly and effectively, both orally and in writing.
• Ability to acquire and maintain a valid Kansas driver's license.