Director of La Crosse Regional Airport

City of La Crosse, WI•La Crosse, WI

46d

About The Position

The purpose of this position is to plan and direct the strategic development, tactical implementation and long range planning of the La Crosse Regional Airport while providing a financially efficient, safe, secure and convenient environment for public and private air travel and related business activities. The Director of La Crosse Regional Airport is considered a city executive by Common Council resolution and performs administrative level responsibilities at the Airport for the City as defined in Section 2.22 of the City Code of Ordinances. The employee in this job classification is appointed by the Aviation Board subject to confirmation by the full Common Council and is responsible to the Aviation Board, Mayor and Common Council. The employee works under the general direction of the Mayor and is required to make complex judgments and decisions.

Requirements

Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management, Business, Economic, Law or Public Administration with 6 years of related Airport experience; or any combination of education and experience that provides equivalent knowledge, skills and abilities.
Certified Member of the American Association of Airport Executives.
Must obtain necessary certifications to operate vehicle on the airfield within six (6) months of hire.
Ability to pass a rigorous criminal history records and background check to obtain and maintain a Security Identification Area (SIDA) badge. Ability to acquire and maintain Federal Level secret level security clearance.
A valid Wisconsin driver's license required.

Nice To Haves

Master's degree preferred.
Pilots license preferred.

Responsibilities

Plans, directs, administers, coordinates and monitors the day-to-day activities, operations, development and coordination of programs pertaining to air transportation, including improvements, promotion, safety and security.
Plans long-range goals, objectives, organizational structure and direction of department; monitors, reviews and communicates the various phases of the department's master, strategic, and tactical plans to ensure objectives are met.
Plans the annual operating and capital budgets and controls expenses for the department; enforces cost control measures, eliminates redundant systems and establishes and implements departmental cost containment measurements to ensure compliance with budget limitations.
Develops, communicates and monitors policies, procedures and standards for the department; conducts staff meetings to review progress, accomplishments, budgets, strategies and plans; ensures quality standards and compliance with regulations are maintained.
Establishes, maintains and enforces rules and regulations for the purpose of administering and managing airport operations.
Serves as liaison with local, state and federal agencies in regard to airport matters and aid programs, ensures input of the airport pertaining to aviation legislation or related interests by serving on local, state and professional boards.
Petitions state and federal agencies for project related funding to include drafting and submitting grant applications; administers state and federal grant programs to include compliance with regulations and financial accountability.
Maintains overall accountability for the safe, efficient and effective operation of the airport; ensures compliance with local, state and federal regulations; makes complex and political decisions regarding the delivery of airport services.
Develops annual work plan to outline goals and objectives of the department based on the needs of stakeholders; performs, directs and administers the work performed by the department and ensures projects are completed on time.
Hires, supervises, plans, coordinates and assigns the work of airport personnel, monitors and evaluates performance and work outputs to maintain efficiency and quality of work.
Plans, allocates and monitors time, people, equipment and other resources for the department to ensure efficient organization and completion of work.
Ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration; certification of airport through preparation and maintenance of Airport Certification Manual, Airport Emergency Plan and Airport Security Plan.
Negotiates major leases and is responsible for leases, contracts and other agreements with airport concession vendors and airline tenants; resolves operational problems and maintains effective and professional relationships.
Establishes rates and charges for use of airport buildings and property.
Inspects airport equipment, buildings and grounds to ensure safety and adequate response to needs of tenants and the public.
Represents and promotes the airport at various functions; makes speeches at civic and business associations; meets with business and community leaders, developers, officials and citizens to establish good will and positive associations.
Maintains and upgrades professional knowledge, skills and development by attending seminars and training programs; reading trade and professional journals and publications.
Provides information to news media in written, oral and video interviews.
Develops business and financial opportunities to ensure financial self-sufficiency.
Administers airport land use ordinances for all airport zones.
Develops and prepares policy recommendations for the Airport Board, determines and recommends facility improvements, expansion and changes, ensures compliance with state and federal aviation, environmental, security and personnel rules and regulations; trains personnel in new and changed procedures.
Prepares resolutions and legislation for review and adoption by appointed and elected officials.
Promotes Airport and Air Service area; develops market for passengers, airfreight and tourism.
Researches, develops and implements new technology.
Administers air service development program to include airline route management, performance monitoring, analytical trending, and strategic route marketing initiatives.
Reviews and approves all engineering and architectural plans and specifications for airport master plan synergy and compliance with regulatory requirements; monitors project compliance with plans and specifications.
Administers revenue generating business units to include business licenses, regulatory compliance, financial accountability, contract negotiation, and service quality offerings to the public.
Supervises the Airport management and supervisory personnel including the Deputy Airport Director and the Marketing and Communications Manager and ensures that all personnel obtain the required training; ensures the smooth day-to-day operations of the same.
Supervises Project Engineers and Manager of engineering firms for airport projects.
Maintains advanced knowledge of unamend aerial systems, zoning regulations, Federal/State regulations, airport law and air traffic control terminology and radio procedures.
Maintains confidentiality of proprietary information and employee personnel and medical information.