The purpose of this job is to provide executive leadership and direction for all aspects of airport operations to ensure safe, efficient, and compliant services. Responsibilities include strategic planning, fiscal management, maintenance and capital improvement planning, future airport expansion, and oversight of daily operations. The Airport Director ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal aviation laws and regulations while fostering effective stakeholder relationships and managing terminal operations for both commercial and general aviation activities.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities - The intent of this job description is to provide a representative summary of the major duties and responsibilities performed by employees in this job. Employees may be requested to perform job-related tasks other than those specifically presented in this description

Directs and oversees all airport operations to ensure compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other federal, state, and local regulations while maintaining a safe, secure, and efficient operating environment.

Plans, organizes, prioritizes, and directs department activities and resources to achieve operational excellence, support employee engagement, and accomplish strategic objectives.

Collaborates with elected, appointed boards and leaders to establish and implement the strategic vision, goals, policies, and priorities of the airport.

Develops, administers, and monitors the department budget; oversees financial planning, resource allocation, grant administration, and operational expenditures.

Directs the planning, development, and execution of airport capital improvement projects and infrastructure investments.

Provides strategic leadership and oversight for airport facilities, terminal operations, tenant relations, air carrier activities, and charter operations.

Supervises, manages, and evaluates assigned employees and makes decisions about hiring, discipline and/or termination of employees; prioritizes and assigns work; develops and oversees employee work schedules and approves time away from work; provides and/or facilitates employee training and development; addresses employee concerns and/or problems; counsels and/or disciplines as appropriate; completes employee performance appraisals; determines or makes recommendations regarding new hire salaries; and acts as liaison between employees and management.

Establishes long-range goals, objectives, performance measures, and continuous improvement initiatives that align with the City’s strategic plan.

Monitors and ensures compliance with applicable laws, regulations, ordinances, policies, permits, and contractual requirements; evaluates legislative and regulatory changes and recommends appropriate action.

Develops, reviews, and implements departmental policies, procedures, and operational standards.

Represents the airport before City Council, advisory boards, regulatory agencies, industry organizations, business partners, and the public; prepares and delivers reports, presentations, and recommendations.

Regular attendance is a necessary and essential function.

Performs other duties as assigned.

Supervisory Responsibilities

Work requires managing and monitoring work performance of entire department including making decisions on hiring, firing, disciplinary actions, evaluating program/work objectives and effectiveness, conducting performance evaluations, and realigning work and staffing assignments, as needed.

Human Collaboration and Job Impact - This area describes the personal interaction with others outside direct reporting relationships as well as the impact the job has on organization, the department or unit objectives, the output of services, or employee or public satisfaction

Communications and discussions result in decisions regarding policy development and implementation. Interaction with others outside the organization requires exercising participative management skills that support team efforts and quality processes.

Interactions have significant impact on the organization in terms of time, money, or public/employee relations.

Fiscal Responsibility

Position has major fiscal responsibility.

Is responsible for department-wide financial decision. Assures that appropriate linkages exist between budget requests and departmental goals and objectives. Monitors budget plan and adjusts as necessary.

Education and Experience - An equivalent combination of education, training and experience will be considered

Education and Experience

Bachelor’s Degree in Business Administration, Aviation Administration or related field.

9+ years or related experience.

Licenses or Certifications

Accredited Airport Executive.

Valid driver’s license.

Knowledge, Skills and Abilities which may be representative, but not all-inclusive of those commonly associated with this position

Knowledge of:

Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), Department of Homeland Security (DHS), Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and other applicable federal, state, and local regulations governing airport operations.

Principles and practices of airport administration, aviation operations, safety management systems, security programs, and emergency preparedness.

Strategic planning, organizational development, and performance management principles.

Budget development, financial management, capital improvement planning, grant administration, and procurement practices.

Contract administration, project management, and construction oversight related to airport facilities and infrastructure.

Managerial best practices and methods.

General office practices and administrative procedures, records management and administration techniques and procedures.

Common business software applications such as Microsoft Office.

Skill in:

Leading and managing complex airport operations.

Developing and implementing strategic initiatives, policies, and operational improvements.

Preparing and administering departmental budgets and monitoring financial performance.

Managing capital improvement projects and coordinating multiple stakeholders.

Applying tact and mediating conflict.

Speaking in public.

Communicating verbally and in writing to meet the needs of the audience.

Applying active listening and asking questions for understanding.

Monitoring and assessing the performance of employees or organizations to make improvements or take corrective action.

Ability to:

Interpret and apply laws, regulations, policies, contracts, and technical guidance.

Exercise sound judgment in making critical decisions.

Apply logic and reasoning to evaluate the strengths and weaknesses of alternative solutions, conclusions, or approaches to problems.

Effectively plan and delegate the work of others and to train and/or supervise the work of others.

Build and maintain strong working relationships with stakeholders and community.

Handle difficult and stressful situations with professional composure and maintain effective interpersonal relationships.

Develop and implement policies.

Prepare and present reports.

Manage a budget and work within the constraints of that budget.

Regularly use a computer, software, phone and related office equipment.

Focus on tasks.

Work Environment – Environmental or atmospheric conditions commonly associated with the performance of the functions of this job

Work Environment

Office or similar indoor environment – Frequently or Often
Outdoor environment – Sometimes
Street environment (near moving traffic) – Sometimes
Construction site – Sometimes
Vehicle – Sometimes
Other: Large and small aircraft – Sometimes

Exposures

Individuals who are hostile or irate – Sometimes
Extreme cold (below 32 degrees) – Sometimes
Extreme heat (above 100 degrees) – Sometimes
Fumes or airborne particles – Sometimes
Toxic or caustic chemicals or substances – Sometimes
Loud noises (85+ decibels such as heavy trucks, jack hammers, construction) – Frequently or Often
Other: Jets and piston aircraft operations

The physical demands described here are representative of those that must be met by an employee to successfully perform the essential functions of this job. Reasonable accommodations may be made to enable individuals with disabilities to perform essential functions.

This position has occasional exposure to unpleasant environmental conditions and/or hazards and is generally sedentary.

Incumbents may be required to exert up to 10 pounds of force occasionally, a negligible amount of force frequently, and/or constantly having to lift, carry, push, pull or otherwise move objects, including the human body. Sedentary work involves sitting most of the time. Jobs are sedentary if walking and standing are required only occasionally, and all other sedentary criteria are met.

Hours/Days

General office hours are Monday – Friday from 8 a.m. – 5 p.m. Required to attend evening, early morning, and weekend meetings as needed.

Starting Salary

$126,818 - $195,270; commensurate with training and experience.

Pay Grade

Number of Positions Available

Deadline to Apply

Open Until Filled

Yes

Special Instructions to Applicants

Position is open until filled. Preferred Application date is July 9, 2026.

The City of Columbia is seeking an experienced professional to serve as Airport Director for the fastest-growing airport by seat capacity in the United States. This executive leadership position is responsible for the overall management of airport operations, ensuring safe, efficient, customer-focused, and regulatory-compliant services.

The Airport Director provides strategic direction for airport growth, oversees budgeting and capital improvement projects, manages terminal operations, and ensures compliance with applicable local, state, and federal regulations. The position also plays a key role in planning future airport expansion and fostering strong relationships with airlines, tenants, regulatory agencies, and community stakeholders.

The ideal candidate will have proven leadership experience, strong knowledge of airport operations and aviation regulations, and a demonstrated ability to manage complex projects and budgets.

This is an exciting opportunity to lead an airport that has experienced significant airline expansion and passenger growth while helping shape the long-term success of this vital transportation asset.

Notice to Applicants

Individuals needing accommodation to apply may call 573.874.CITY (2489)

TTY: 711 (MO RELAY)

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA IS A MERIT, AFFIRMATIVE ACTION, EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER: MALE / FEMALE

THE CITY OF COLUMBIA REQUIRES PRE-EMPLOYMENT DRUG TESTING

The City of Columbia participates in the federal E-Verify work authorization program

City of Columbia, MO

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