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The Position

The anticipated annual salary range for the Division Director, Aviation is $140,000 to $175,000, commensurate with experience and qualifications.

The Lee County Port Authority is seeking a highly qualified individual to serve as Division Director, Aviation. This senior management position supports the Deputy Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer and is responsible for oversight of airport operations (airside, landside/ground transportation, and terminal), the Airport Operations Control Center (AOCC), emergency management and airport security, airport maintenance, and contract management. The Division Director provides recommendations on strategic, operational, and organizational matters and ensures the effective  execution of initiatives that deliver safe, efficient, and customer-focused service to the traveling public, airport tenants, and stakeholders of Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW).

Key Responsibilities

•    Support and advise the Deputy Executive Director/ Chief Operating Officer in overseeing budgets, organizational performance, operational readiness, safety, and community engagement.

•    Provide direct oversight of airport operations, AOCC, emergency management, airport security, maintenance, and contract management, ensuring compliance with FAA Part 139, TSA requirements, and Safety Management System (SMS) standards.

•    Lead airport operations to ensure safe, secure, and efficient movement of passengers, aircraft, and vehicles while coordinating effectively with airlines, tenants, and regulatory partners.

•    Oversee airport emergency management programs, including training, exercises, and real-time response, and serve as a key leader during incidents or irregular operations.

•    Direct staff development, succession planning, and mentorship to promote accountability, innovation, and high performance across the Aviation Division.

•    Represent the Aviation Division with airlines, government agencies, community stakeholders, and business partners.

Minimum Requirements
•    Graduation from a four-year college or university with a degree in aviation management, business administration, public administration, or a related field; master’s degree preferred.

•    Minimum of ten years of progressively responsible experience in management, administration, and operation of commercial service or general aviation airports; equivalent education and experience may substitute.

•    Demonstrated experience in managing budgets, contracts and staff in a complex, multi-stakeholder environment

•    Florida driver’s license required within 30 days of hire.

Emergency Response/Recovery Activities
Lee County Port Authority personnel are designated by tier levels and may be called upon to assist with an emergency or unforeseen event at any time. Employees may be called to fulfill duties that are outside their normal scope of work to assist in resuming airport operations and flight activities.

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