AIRPORT MANAGER

Summary:

Ready to soar to new heights and lead the way in shaping the future of aviation in Lawrence, Kansas? We are seeking a dynamic leader to join our Municipal Services & Operations team as the Airport Manager.

The Airport Manager serves as both a visionary leader and a hands-on operational executive, guiding the City of Lawrence's Regional Airport into its next era of innovation and growth. This role is responsible for shaping and executing long-term strategies that expand infrastructure, attract new economic opportunities, and strengthen the airport's regional impact. The Airport Manager leads all aspects of airport planning, daily operations, and regulatory compliance, while also managing leases, real estate development, and capital projects. A key ambassador for the airport, the Airport Manager, builds trusted relationships with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) partners, the Airport Board, tenants, contractors, and the broader community. This position requires a dynamic leader who thrives on collaboration, delivers results, and inspires excellence, ensuring the airport remains a safe, efficient, and forward-thinking gateway for the region. Click HERE to learn more!

Responsibilities:

Operations, Maintenance & Safety: Manages daily operations and airfield maintenance while supervising operational staff. Coordinates emergency preparedness, snow removal, and regulatory compliance. Oversees FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) safety programs and ensures all operations meet state and federal standards.

Economic Development:

Drives economic development through partnerships and marketing strategies. Pursues funding through federal, state, and private sources, managing the grant lifecycle from research to compliance.

Strategic Planning & Capital Improvements: Leads the airport's long-range infrastructure and capital improvement strategy. Oversees project planning, grant compliance, and alignment with the City's CIP and FAA requirements. Maintains and updates the Airport Master and Layout Plans to guide sustainable growth.

Property Management:Oversees airport leasing, property acquisition, and compliance with all tenant agreements. Manages easements and development-related real estate activity, including consultant and contractor coordination.

Stakeholder Engagement:Acts as the airport's primary liaison to the Airport Board, FAA, tenants, and the public. Prepares reports, manages procurement, and ensures excellent customer service. Supports city boards, attends industry meetings, and promotes the airport through outreach and events.

Budget Management: Develops in coordination with Municipal Services & Operations Department, the annual operating budget and ensures alignment with operating objectives and strategic initiatives. Coordinates planning, development, and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program. Administers and ensures that plans, specifications, contracts, project oversight, accounting and record retention, and other related documentation comply with the FAA Programs.

Competencies

Strategic Execution: Develops long-term strategies and successfully leads projects from concept through completion.

Change Management: Leads through complexity and transition, adapting plans and guiding teams to achieve results in dynamic environments.

Team Leadership: Builds, coaches, and inspires a high-performing team; models professionalism and accountability.

Stakeholder Collaboration: Builds and maintains productive relationships with regulatory agencies, tenants, contractors, city leadership, and the public; fosters transparency and alignment through effective engagement.

Qualifications:

Education, Experience and Training Guidelines

Any combination of experience and training that would likely provide the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. A typical way to obtain knowledge and abilities would be:

Qualified candidates should possess a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in aviation management, business or public administration, or related field. A master's degree in public administration or related field preferred.

Candidates should also possess a minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in aviation management, public administration, business administration or related field. Certification from American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) preferred or the ability to obtain the certification within 24 months. FAA certifications such as Pilot Certificates and/or Airplane and Powerplant Certificates are also desirable.

Benefit Information:

Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance: Various coverage levels available; FREE Well Care Clinic through LMH; other wellness benefits/perks

Caregiver Leave - 12 weeks paid leave

Paid Time Off:12 Vacation days, 12 Sick days accrued per year; 2 days Personal Leave, 10 Paid Holidays

Retirement: Kansas Public Employees Retirement System (KPERS)