Project Manager III

TUCSON AIRPORT AUTHORITY•Tucson, AZ

About The Position

The Project Manager III role leads large-scale, enterprise-impact programs or projects across IT or civil/construction disciplines at the Tucson Airport Authority (TAA), including Tucson International Airport (TUS) and Ryan Airfield (RYN). Operating within the Project Management Office (PMO), the position aligns with organizational standards, governance, and strategic objectives. Under minimal supervision and administrative direction, the Project Manager III responsibilities include orchestrating integrated delivery across multiple workstreams, establishing program governance, managing benefits realization, and driving advanced risk mitigation strategies. The role prepares executive-level communications, facilitates decision making at steering committees, ensures compliance with Federal Aviation Administration (FAA)/ Transportation Security Administration (TSA)/Arizona Department of Transportation (ADOT) regulations and grant requirements, and supports emergency response readiness using Incident Command System (ICS)/National Incident Management System (NIMS) protocols.

Requirements

Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited four year college/university in a relevant field is required.
Minimum of ten (10) years of progressive experience in project/program management, including leadership of large scale, enterprise impact initiatives.
Certification as Project Management Professional (PMP), Program Management Professional (PgMP), Agile/SAFe certifications for IT track, OSHA 30 or Professional Engineer (PE) for Civil/Construction track.
TAA will consider any equivalent combination of experience and training that provides the necessary knowledge, skills, and abilities sufficient to demonstrate aptitude for the position.
Knowledge of: Advanced project and program management principles, methodologies, and governance frameworks.
Complex scope, budget, schedule, risk, and change management strategies.
Contract administration, procurement processes, and vendor performance management.
Organizational strategy and alignment of projects with business or operational objectives.
Skill in: Leading and delivering complex, high visibility, or enterprise level projects.
Establishing project controls, governance structures, and performance measures.
Managing risks, resolving escalated issues, and making sound, timely decisions.
Influencing stakeholders and driving outcomes across organizational boundaries.
Mentoring project staff and contributing to continuous improvement of project management practices.
Ability to: Environmental Requirements Work primarily in a temperature controlled administrative office setting with periodic fieldwork throughout airport facilities.
At times, work in high noise environments and extreme weather conditions.
Be available to work extended or non traditional hours, including evenings, weekends, holidays, and on call coverage as required for operational or emergency needs.
Mental Requirements Perform work with a high degree of accuracy, attention to detail, and sound judgment in fast paced, high stress environments with competing deadlines and multiple priorities.
Exercise independent judgment and initiative with minimal supervision; take timely action on work issues requiring immediate resolution and escalate matters appropriately when necessary.
Remain focused, composed, and decisive under stressful or emergency conditions.
Prioritize responsibilities to balance short-term demands with long term organizational objectives.
Prepare and deliver clear written reports, briefings, presentations, and recommendations to executive leadership and stakeholders.
Physical Requirements Communicate clearly and effectively, verbally and in writing, using telephone, radio, cellular, and other communication devices, including in high noise environments.
Read, write, and speak the English language fluently and professionally.
Distinguish colors under all lighting conditions, including red, green, and yellow airfield markings, lighting, signage, and emergency signal systems.
Meet sensory and physical requirements necessary to safely perform job duties in an active airport environment.
General Establish and maintain positive, professional working relationships with internal staff, tenants, consultants, contractors, and regulatory agencies.
Handle sensitive information with discretion and professionalism, ensuring information is shared strictly on a “need to know” basis.
Engage in cross training, self improvement, and continuous learning, including on the job development and formal education or certification as applicable.
Seek feedback from leadership and peers to improve performance and professional effectiveness.
Licenses, Certifications & Special Requirements Possess and maintain a valid Arizona Driver’s License.
Meet and maintain authorization to operate airport vehicles within designated Air Operations Areas (AOA).
Obtain and maintain Security Identification Display Area (SIDA) access.
Complete required NIMS/ICS training (ICS 100, 200, 700, and 800) within specified timeframes.
Obtain and maintain any additional professional or project management certifications as required by policy or position.
Will serve at the pleasure of the President/CEO and is not covered under the TAA appeals process.
As an employee, you are deemed to be essential personnel as part of TAA’s emergency response, and must respond to airport incidents, as requested/required.

Responsibilities

Support and advocate for TAA’s Mission, Vision, Guiding Principles and act as a champion and role-model of TAA’s Cultural Fundamentals.
Serve as the lead for large scale, enterprise impact programs or projects across IT and civil/construction disciplines, ensuring alignment with organizational objectives and strategic priorities.
Establish integrated master schedules, governance structures, and reporting frameworks for complex initiatives; ensure disciplined delivery and compliance with PMO standards.
Drive benefits realization and value tracking against approved business cases; ensure program outcomes meet strategic goals.
Facilitate executive level decision making through clear, concise reporting and recommendations at steering committees and governance forums.
Mentor and coach project managers and team members to build organizational project management capability and promote best practices.
Apply advanced project and program management methodologies (PMBOK, Agile at scale) to optimize delivery and risk management.
Identify, assess, and mitigate high impact risks, including regulatory, safety, security, and operational continuity risks; ensure audit readiness and adherence to internal controls.
Lead engagement with executive stakeholders, cross functional teams, and external agencies to ensure alignment and successful delivery of strategic initiatives.
Negotiate and manage complex contracts, multi vendor relationships, and performance agreements; resolve disputes and claims as needed.
Assure compliance with FAA, ADOT, and other regulatory requirements throughout the program lifecycle.
Provide executive level program status reporting, trend analysis, and recommendations for corrective actions; contribute to PMO process improvement initiatives and enterprise project management standards.
Be responsive to airport emergencies and situations that may involve loss of human life or property; support public safety and operational response to emergencies; utilize ICS/ NIMS protocols and procedures; coordinate and/or participate in after-action emergency de briefing with appropriate departments and stakeholders.