Performs responsible administrative, technical and planning duties required for the daily operation and long range development of the Fort Smith Regional Airport.  In this capacity, the Airport Director oversees all day-to-day airport operations, a program of domestic air service development in concert with the community, an ongoing and significant program of capital investment and maintenance, a commercial development effort to maximize revenue and profit from the asset base, and an effective program of liaison with key constituent groups to ensure that the interests of the city and the airport are coordinated with others.  The Airport Director is responsible for fostering collaboration among corporate, private and military stakeholders.

In so doing, the Airport Director is responsible for developing, recommending, and implementing policies, budgets, and current and long-range plans.  He/she develops and implements strategic plans, manages continuing operations and special projects; guides the airport’s growth and positions the airport for both local and regional competitiveness; directs, trains, motivates, and evaluates the professional, technical, customer service and administrative staff; analyzes and reports on results; and ensures the financial viability of airport operations working within the policies and guidelines established by the Commission.

Essential Duties and Responsibilities:

All Fort Smith Regional Airport positions require the employee to provide good customer service to both internal and external customers; maintain positive and effective working relationships with other airport employees and public; and have regular and reliable attendance that is non-disruptive. Must show cooperation and respect to fellow employees and supervisors at all times. Other duties may be assigned.

Responsible for the overall management, direction and administration of the Airport.  Plans and directs all phases of airport operations within legal and regulatory guidelines; prepares annual airport budget and approves expenditures; establishes and implements all operational procedures and policies to ensure safe and efficient aircraft operations; supervises, either directly or through assigned supervisors, all airport personnel regarding employment, training, performance evaluations, promotions, discharges, etc.; supervises and inspects the use, maintenance and construction of all airport facilities and grounds; ensures airport safety and security; approves procurement of equipment and supplies; prepares plans, technical reports, and policy recommendations to meet airport objectives; performs related duties as required.

1. Establishes, recommends, implements and administers Commission policies; directs the formulation of policies and projects that may require consideration, action, or approval of the Commission and/or any operating committees; structures and directs the process by which specific programs and action plans are developed to meet Commission objectives.
2. Serves on committees for the continued development of commerce and industry on a local, state and national level; assures appropriate membership, attendance or representation in the airport industry trade associations, governmental organizations, meetings, conferences, and seminars in the interest of the Commission.
3. Represents the Commission, as appropriate or directed, in local, state, regional and national proceedings, hearings, and conferences where long-term objectives can best be served; represents the Commission, as appropriate or directed, in policy matters in negotiations with Federal, State, County, and City agencies; communicates, coordinates, and complies with requirements and requests from the Federal Aviation Administration and other regulatory agencies and groups.
4. Prepares and reviews annual operating budget and the Capital Improvement Program to ensure consistency with Commission objectives; directs the preparation of capital and operating budgets and controls adherence to limits; follows budgetary policy and guidelines.
5. Organizes, delegates, and directs all functional departments of the airport system with distinct areas of authority, responsibility, control, retaining ultimate accountability to the Commission for all subordinate organizational operations and actions.  Monitors, inspects, and evaluates all departmental operations and ensures a cohesive interrelation of all activity.
6. Guides the physical development of the airport system, including coordination of the airport’s operating departments, architects, engineers, consultants, airlines, current and prospective tenants and other airport users, as well as the military and Federal Aviation Administration.
7. Establishes and maintains a complete human resources program, maximizing the use and development of all personnel.
8. Work with senior management of the City and Chamber of Commerce to further refine the mission, goals, and priorities of the Airport.
9. Provides regular, timely reporting on results, issues, and plans to the Commission, leveraging the involvement of the resources and expertise of the Commission as appropriate.
10. Manages relationships with senior representatives of various key constituents including airlines, consumers, the business community, various levels of government, local communities, regulators, military and the Federal Aviation Administration.
11. Negotiates and oversees commercial lease arrangements with air carriers, concessionaires, and suppliers and ensure that they are mutually beneficial and economically viable.
12. Drives and oversees the development of air traffic through focused approaches and innovative marketing efforts targeted at regional air carriers.
13. Pursues commercial development and enhancement at the Airport, maximizing revenue and profitability from retail, car rental, parking and other related alternatives.
14. Oversees the major capital improvement program at Fort Smith, ensuring that its major elements are executed on-time and on-budget.
15. Ensures that the Fort Smith Airport System operates safely and efficiently, complying with all federal, state and local regulations, policies, and contractual obligations while applying modern practices in airport management.  Ensures that the airport processes passengers expediently to ensure a positive inbound and outbound terminal experience.
16. Serves as the primary ambassador for the Fort Smith Airport System, not only in the community, but regionally and nationally, representing the organization to current and potential customers, government and executives at various levels, suppliers, contractors, partners, local community groups, and the public at large.  Represent the City and the Airport to industry groups such as Airports Council International and the American Association of Airport Executives.
17. Responds to appropriate inquiries from City personnel, government officials, media, and the public concerning Airport activities.
18. Provides overall leadership to Airport employees, promoting and maintaining strong employee morale.  Establishes high expectations for all Airport employees with regard to honesty, integrity, openness, loyalty, teamwork, and responsibility.
19. Provides command and oversight of airport emergencies, heightened security situations, and severe weather operations.
20. Develops a strong relationship with/and support from the Commission, airport tenants, the Chamber of Commerce and other key leaders in the community, ensuring that he/she understands their expectations.  Ensures that the community and various user groups and their respective members are well informed on issues and opportunities impacting the airport.
21. Develops a good network of relationships with leaders and representatives of various constituent groups involved in the Airport, establishing himself/herself as the key point of contact for the Airport where appropriate.
22. Assumes immediate leadership and responsibility for the major capital programs underway at the Airport to ensure that it remains on-track.

Education and/or Experience:

• Graduation from an accredited college with major course work in aviation, public administration, management, facilities/construction management or related field. 
• Minimum of 6 years of progressively responsible airport related management experience at an FAA Part 139 airport.
• Certification from Association of American Executives is desirable.
• Experience working at senior levels with government, regulatory, and community groups.
• Experienced in airport financial management with specific knowledge of airport funding and financing practices.

A link to the complete Job Description is linked in the Recruitment Brochure.

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