Deputy Director of Air Service, Marketing & Commercial Development

City of Palm Springs•Palm Springs, CA

8d•Hybrid

About The Position

The City of Palm Springs is seeking a Deputy Director of Air Service, Marketing & Commercial Development for the Palm Springs International Airport (PSP). This position serves under the general and administrative direction of the Director of Aviation. The role involves managing, supervising, and coordinating activities and operations related to air service operations, marketing, and business development for the airport. The Deputy Director will coordinate with other divisions, departments, outside agencies, and stakeholders, and provide complex professional assistance in support of airport business development. The City of Palm Springs is committed to cultivating a diverse, equitable, and inclusive workplace.

Requirements

Five (5) years of increasingly responsible aviation experience, of which three (3) years of experience in the last ten (10) years are directly related to air service development, airport business development, or airport marketing and communications is required.
Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in airport operations, business administration, public administration, or a related field, or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills, and abilities is required.
Possession of a valid California driver license with a satisfactory driving record is required.
Possession of an Airport Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) Badge, which is approved through the Federal Transportation Security Administration (TSA) is required.

Nice To Haves

A Master’s degree in airport operations, business administration, public administration, or a related field, is desirable.
Certified Member (C.M.) or Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) – American Association of Airport Executives or International Airport Professional (I.A.) through Airports Council International preferred.

Responsibilities

Establish and implement integrated airport strategic plan for business development including air service operations, concessions, general aviation, air cargo, real estate, non-aviation, commercial and industrial business development opportunities, and land planning for airport future growth.
Develop, coordinate, and implement marketing and public relations programs designed to identify and capitalize on current and new business relations and opportunities to maximize service, utilization, and revenue.
Develop and execute comprehensive brand strategies that align with city and airport objectives, enhancing the PSP brand and market positioning.
Manages the air service incentive policy and monitors regulatory compliance related to commercial air service.
Establish and oversee processes for marketing, completing, and awarding airline incentive programs and business development opportunities, including preparation of requests for proposals.
Develops and implements short- and long-term strategies to maximize non-aviation revenues, including advertising, sponsorships, and terminal commercial opportunities.
Develops and monitors annual advertising sales revenue goals for the customer experience and advertising functions.
Analyzes non-aviation revenue sales trends, customer service data, and shortfall reports to identify revenue improvement opportunities and optimize services, concessions, and advertising performance.
Develop and coordinate community outreach plans, programs, and special events; foster community engagement with aviation businesses, community organizations, tenants, customers, and local tourism partners.
Coordinate the negotiation of new business opportunities with current and prospective tenants of the airport including terms and conditions, development plans, investment, and financing.
Seeks and nurtures cooperative marketing and public relations relationships with partner organizations, airlines, chambers of commerce, economic development groups, and tourism organizations.
Performs and coordinates ongoing market analysis to support the expansion and retention of air service; identifies strengths, weaknesses, opportunities, and threats in the existing and potential route network.
Communicates relevant and timely market data to airline network planners to support their decision-making; acts as liaison between airline representatives, the Airport Executive Team, and the tourism organization.
Create tailored marketing presentations to retain and build air service through data and economic support information.
Represent the airport at networking and business events and airport industry trade shows; initiate and maintain strong and productive client relationships, management strategies, and tactics to ensure opportunities for continued growth are maintained.
Assist in the development and implementation of goals, objectives, policies, procedures, and work standards for the Department; train staff; review recommendations and actions of staff and resolve Department issues and concerns.
Monitor and evaluate the efficiency and effectiveness of service delivery methods and procedures; make recommendations on staffing levels and process improvements.
Assist in the development and coordination of the Department budget; approve, track, and monitor expenditures required.
Oversees customer experience program; provides support and direction for all guest services programs and functions, including volunteer programs, passenger amenities, and terminal wayfinding initiatives, and ensures continuous improvement in service delivery; devises new strategies, identifies development initiatives, and establishes performance expectations and standards for guest services staff.
Directs the marketing and public relations division on the development of campaigns and programming to enhance the overall passenger and visitor experience.
Serves as the primary airport spokesperson and Public Information Officer for all news media inquiries; develops and trains staff for backup spokesperson responsibilities; schedules and coordinates press conferences, public announcements, and community presentations as needed.
Develops and manages a system for handling news media inquiries and responses, ensuring timely and effective distribution of news releases, while also responding to and resolving internal and external concerns, questions, and public information requests with professionalism and efficiency.
Maintains and updates the Crisis Communication Plan and trains staff appropriately.
Conduct a variety of organizational studies, investigations, and operational studies; recommend modifications to assigned programs, policies, and procedures as appropriate; prepare and create proposals, make presentations, prepare and present staff reports, and other necessary written and oral correspondence.
Ensure, monitor, and implement compliance with all Federal and State laws, rules, regulations, and other compliance programs.
Participate in citywide programs and initiatives as assigned; meet with City staff and provide guidance on assigned programs; serve as staff on a variety of boards, commissions, and committees.
Attend and participate in professional group meetings; stay abreast of new trends and innovations in the field of marketing, communications, and air service development.
Provide responsible technical administrative assistance to the Director of Aviation as required.
Performs other duties and responsibilities as required.