Airport Director

City of Sioux City•Sioux City, IA

9d•Onsite

About The Position

Sioux City’s Sioux Gateway Airport (SUX) is seeking an experienced and visionary Airport Director to oversee the administration, operations, development, and strategic planning of the airport. The Airport Director will provide leadership in managing airport facilities, regulatory compliance, financial operations, and community relations while ensuring safe and efficient airport operations. The position directs all airport operations, maintenance, safety, and security programs while ensuring compliance with Federal Aviation Administration regulations and applicable state and local laws. Develops and manages airport budgets, grants, and capital improvement programs. Coordinate with airlines, tenants, government agencies, and community stakeholders. Leads strategic planning initiatives to support airport growth and economic development. Oversees staff recruitment, training, and performance management. Manages airport construction and infrastructure improvement projects. Represents the airport at public meetings, industry conferences, and community events. The Sioux Gateway Airport is governed by the seven-member Airport Board of Trustees, which operates as an administrative body appointed by the Sioux City Council. The Sioux Gateway Airport directly employs a small core administrative and operations staff, though the exact headcount fluctuates slightly based on seasonal laborers and student interns; collectively no more than (20) twenty employees. The operating budget for 2027 fiscal year is $3,159,877. At the City of Sioux City, we value our employees by providing them the peace of mind through our exceptional compensation and benefits package to protect our most valuable asset. We are committed to the well-being of our employees and their families. Our employees enjoy our competitive benefits which include but are not limited to medical and dental coverage, life and cafeteria plan options, retirement plans, and generous paid leave time. We require all department directors to reside within City limits. Bring your collaborative problem-solving and strategic planning skills to the heart of the Midwest. Apply today and lead our next chapter of growth!

Requirements

Possession of a valid driver’s license
AAAE accreditation by the American Association of Airport Executives within 1 year from date of hire.
Must be a certified in 14 CFR 1542 (Code of Federal Regulations) Airport Security Coordinator and will serve as the primary liaison between an airport operator and the Transportation Security Administration.
Must be able to pass a 10-year Criminal History Record Check (CHRC) and all applicable TSA required security reviews.
Graduation from an accredited college of university with a Bachelor’s Degree in Airport/Aviation Management, Public Administration, Business Administration or related field and six (6) years of full-time work experience in Airport Management, Operations, Administration, Planning or Construction including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
OR Graduation from high school or G.E.D. and ten (10) years of full-time work experience in Airport Management, Operations, Administration, Planning or Construction including three (3) years of supervisory experience.
OR Any equivalent combination of experience and training which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.
Demonstrated experience in FAA FAR Part 139 airport work.
Ability to identify and understand the speech of another person
Ability to listen and understand information and ideas presented through spoken words and sentences
Communicating effectively in writing as appropriate for the needs of the audience
Methods and techniques of identifying unsafe operations
Uses logic and reasoning to identify the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems
Ability to analyze complex operational, regulatory, financial, and technical information and make sound, timely decisions
Ability to interpret and apply FAA, TSA, DHS, and other federal and state regulations while anticipating operational needs and solving problems in a dynamic airport environment
Strong skills in strategic planning, budgeting, financial forecasting, grant management, and capital project oversight are essential
Ability to evaluate risks, develop mitigation strategies, and implement safety and security protocols
Ability to lead and develop staff, manage multiple priorities with attention to detail, and remain calm and decisive during emergencies or high-pressure situations
Thorough knowledge of the principles and practices of public and business administration
Extensive knowledge of aviation regulations, airport operations
Knowledge of federal, state, and local rules and regulation governing the use and operation of airports
Ability to coordinate effectively the activities of a large number of employees engaged in varied activities
Thorough knowledge of airport operations, inspection program of airport airside and landside areas for compliance to include all hazards to aviation: FOD, wildlife, AOA incursions, unauthorized vehicles and pedestrian entry, and disabled aircraft; ensuring compliance with FAR Part 139 and other rules
Identifying mitigations and making decisions during emergency conditions and inclement weather operations in accordance with FAR Part 139, TSA Part 1540/1542, and other applicable FAA Advisory Circulars when necessary
Knowledge with interviewing, hiring, assignments, training and development, performance evaluation, and discipline
Knowledge of or experience with specialized runway snowplow and sweeping equipment, backhoes, loaders, dump trucks, sanders, and related equipment, as assigned
Knowledge of methods, techniques and objectives of snow and ice pretreatment and removal
Knowledge of methods, techniques, and objectives of airport facility maintenance and repair including specialized knowledge of FAA operational and maintenance standards and field condition reporting requirements
Knowledge of FAA Part 139 requirements and specialized knowledge of FAA airport maintenance standards, project management, record keeping, training and airfield condition reporting requirements
Knowledge of the National Incident Management System and at a minimum certified in ICS 100, 200, 300 and 400.
Ability to speak clearly so others can understand you
Required effective communication skills
Ability to provide assistance to customers (external and internal)
Ability to read in English and compare similarities and differences between words and series of numbers
Ability to apply common sense understanding to the work process, procedures, programs and services
Ability to provide and follow written and verbal instructions
Maintains professional standards of the airport and City
Projects a professional environment to assure customers that the highest safety standards and methods are in place
Reads and interprets technical manuals, blueprints, and diagrams
Maintains records, logs, training documentation, contracts, FAA technical documents, and other management documentation, including preparing and filing FAA required reports
Maintains a professional demeanor at all times
Communicates effectively in the English language at a level necessary for efficient job performance
Requires the ability to work as a member of a team in order to accomplish tasks
Able to listen actively, convey information with tact and diplomacy, and represent the airport in a positive and professional manner in public meetings, community engagements, and industry settings
Requires the ability to maintain a collaborative and cooperative working relationship with elected and appointed officials, contractors, other City employees, other organizations, and the general public.
Ability to see details at close range (within a few feet of the observer)
Ability to see details at a distance
Ability to move, shelve, and store documents and related materials
Frequently required to stand, walk, sit, stoop, kneel, bend, use hands to handle materials
Reach with hands and arms
Sufficient visual acuity and hearing capacity to perform essential functions and interact with the public is required
Regularly lifts up to 10 pounds and occasionally lifts up to 30 pounds.

Nice To Haves

American Association of Airport (AAAE) Certified Member of AAAE, (C.M.) or Airport Certified Employee (A.C.E.)

Responsibilities

Supervises and evaluates the work of employees; recommends personnel actions related to selection, disciplinary procedures, performance, leaves, grievances, work schedules and assignments, and safety; administers personnel policies and procedures.
Plans, directs, and oversees the daily operations, safety and maintenance of the Sioux Gateway Airport and related facilities.
Ensures adherence to Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other agency regulations and standards.
Develops short- and long-range operational plans, goals, and objectives for airport growth, including overseeing airport capital improvement plans.
Initiates and develops relationships with commercial carriers to enhance air service and competitive rates.
Oversees the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), required inspections, documentation, and corrective actions.
Coordinates runway and taxiway closures, NOTAMs, and airfield condition reporting.
Manages departmental finances, monitors expenditures, prepares and administers the annual capital and operations budget, identifies revenue opportunities, and financial projections.
Negotiates with airlines and prospective tenants, manages leases, and serves as the airport’s primary representative to government bodies, community and industry associations.
Develops and implements operations policies and procedures in accordance with federal, state, and local regulations.
Maintains and implements FAR Part 139 (including the Airport Emergency plans and the Airport Snow and Ice Plan) and assures delivery of required safety/security activities/drills and emergency response.
Prepares federal and state grant applications.
Coordinates services and activities with appropriate City departments, consultants, and Federal and State agencies.
Prepares Board agenda items.
Promotes and develops the airport through local governments, speeches and presentations to businesses, City Councils, civic groups, economic development council.
Administers effective public relations programs through local and regional media.
Participates in conferences and meetings of airport managerial, aeronautical and civic organizations relations to the promotion of aviation activities.
Establishes and maintains effective working relationships with City Officials, other agencies, fellow employees and the general public.
Maintains regular and punctual attendance and working hours.
Expected to temporarily perform duties outside of normal classification in the event of a declared emergency.
In the event that an employee is excused from work other than being sick, they will be required to report to work in a state or declared emergency.