Run a flying club. Shape a community of pilots.
Ponderosa Aero Club is a member-owned, nonprofit flying club operating at the Boise and Nampa airports. For 52 years we’ve given hundreds of members affordable access to a well-maintained fleet of 16 aircraft, quality flight instruction, and a community of people who love to fly. We’re looking for a General Manager to lead the Club’s day-to-day operations and its continued growth.
This is a hands-on leadership role. You’ll serve as the Club’s chief executive, working closely with a volunteer Board of Directors, and you’ll be the primary point of contact for members, staff, CFIs, contractors, and airport partners. You’ll own operations, finances, safety culture, and member experience end to end. If you’ve wanted to run an aviation organization where your decisions visibly shape the place, this is that role.
What you’ll do
- Lead operations. Oversee aircraft scheduling, fueling, cleaning, and maintenance coordination. Make sure maintenance and recordkeeping meet FAA and Club standards, and keep the right mix of aircraft for what members need.
- Champion the safety culture. Oversee the Chief Flight Instructor and the instruction program under Board-approved CFI policy. Lead CFI meetings, support curriculum development, and manage member checkouts. Work with the Chief Flight Instructor on safety and operational decisions, such as cross-country and out-of-area approvals, and step in directly when the situation calls for it.
- Run the business. Prepare and manage the annual budget, oversee billing and accounts receivable, run payroll and HR, handle regulatory and tax filings with our outside accountant, and report financial performance to the Board monthly and to the membership annually. Keep rates competitive without compromising safety or service.
- Grow and serve the membership. Recruit, enroll, and orient new members. Help current members with operational and technical needs. Plan fly-outs, safety seminars, and events that keep people flying and connected.
- Represent the Club in the community. Build relationships with the Idaho Aviation Association, Idaho Division of Aeronautics (including ACE Academy), airport operations, and local schools. Promote the Club through digital and in-person outreach.
- Lead people. Hire, supervise, and develop staff and contractors, and work with volunteer committees and member-led initiatives.
- Keep the lights on. Maintain the office, facilities, ramp access, network, scheduling systems, and website. Keep corporate records and Board minutes, and publish the monthly newsletter.
What we’re looking for
Required:
- Experience managing operations, budgets, and people
- Solid financial and administrative skills: budgeting, AR, payroll, and working with an accountant
- Sound judgment, including on safety matters, and the confidence to make unpopular calls when they’re the right ones
- Strong communication skills with members, staff, volunteers, and a Board
- The ability to manage competing priorities independently
Preferred:
- Pilot certificate or recent aviation background
- Experience at a flying club, FBO, flight school, or airport
- Experience with nonprofit, membership-based, or volunteer organizations
- Practical technical skills to keep a small office’s systems and website running
- A degree in aviation, aeronautics, business, or a related field
Compensation and benefits
- $62,000–$72,000/year, depending on experience
- Up to $10,000 in annual performance bonuses, reviewed quarterly
- Guaranteed annual raises of at least 2% (or Boise CPI, whichever is greater). Base salary is never reduced.
- Medical, dental, and vision allowance
- Paid time off: 15 vacation days (growing to 20), up to 10 sick days, and paid holidays including December 24 through January 1
- $100/month flying credit (accrues up to $1,200)
- Club instructor fees waived toward your own additional ratings and endorsements
- Club membership included
- $50/month cell phone allowance
Good to know
This is a full-time, salaried position based on normal business hours, with occasional evening or weekend availability needed for meetings, events, and urgent operational matters. The Board’s appointment is ratified by the membership.
Pay: $62,000.00 - $72,000.00 per year
Benefits:
- Employee discount
- Paid time off
Work Location: In person
