Syracuse Hancock International Airport operated by Syracuse Regional Airport Authority (SRAA) is a flourishing airport and seeking a full-time, experienced Properties Manager. The SRAA is dedicated to fostering a workplace that values the unique contributions of every team member. As part of our dynamic team, you will play a pivotal role in identifying, negotiating, and managing new and existing business opportunities. This crucial role is responsible for maximizing both aeronautical and non-aeronautical revenue through strategic land use, real estate development, and general aviation business development. The role emphasizes expanding commercial opportunities, optimizing land assets, and attracting aviation-related tenants to ensure the long-term financial sustainability of the airport. While this position reports directly to the Chief Commercial Officer (CCO), it allows for a high degree of independent judgment and initiative.  Embrace the opportunity to work in a setting that champions expertise, dedication, and visionary thinking.

Typical Work Activities

• Leads the planning and execution of strategies that drive revenue through land development, general aviation growth, and commercial partnerships.
• Identifies and secures new business opportunities to optimize land and facility use, including hangars, fixed base operators (FBOs), MROs, and other aviation-related services.
• Supports the development and implementation of a long-term commercial development roadmap aligned with the SRAA Master Plan and Airport Layout Plan.
• Collaborates with airport leadership to advance infrastructure improvements supporting future commercial and general aviation expansion.
• Manages and monitors lease agreements, ensuring tenant compliance and maximizing occupancy and revenue performance.
• Engages with prospective tenants and developers by preparing financial analyses, proposals, and delivering persuasive presentations.
• Negotiates complex business agreements involving airport land, facilities, and services to achieve optimal returns for SRAA.
• Oversees real estate transactions, lease negotiations, land use compatibility, and environmental impact assessments related to development projects.
• Serves as the subject matter expert on general aviation facility planning and economic development opportunities.
• Creates and administers Request for Proposals (RFPs) and related procurement processes for new commercial, real estate, and aviation projects in accordance with SRAA policies and legal requirements.
• Monitors local zoning changes and regional development trends to inform airport land use planning and business development initiatives.
• Builds and maintains strong relationships with general aviation users, business partners, internal teams, and regulatory agencies.
• Coordinates with engineering, legal, planning, and operations teams to ensure alignment of projects with federal, state, and FAA compliance requirements.
• Tracks key performance indicators (KPIs) for commercial development and general aviation business units, adjusting strategies based on data and trends.
• Represents SRAA at industry events, community forums, and stakeholder meetings to promote airport development and growth opportunities.
• Collaborates with the CCO to identify and explore new business opportunities that will maximize the utilization and revenue.
• Performs other duties as assigned.

 

Requirements

• Strong knowledge of FAA policies and regulatory requirements including FAR Part 77, Part 139, Part 150, and airport land-use compatibility principles.
• Strong knowledge of airport non-aeronautical real estate development and general aviation operations, including ground leases, hangar development, FBOs, and aviation business trends.
• Proven experience in revenue generation, commercial negotiation, and land development strategy.
• Working knowledge of FAA policies on airport property management, land use, grant assurances, and applicable federal and state regulations.
• Ability to develop business cases and conduct cost-benefit analyses for aviation-related capital and commercial projects.
• Exceptional interpersonal and relationship-building skills with stakeholders including developers, tenants, aviation operators, and public agencies.
• Strong contract negotiation and administration skills.
• Excellent analytical, verbal, and written communication skills, with the ability to create compelling presentations and reports.
• Proficiency in Microsoft Office Suite, Adobe, digital planning tools, and customer relationship management (CRM) platforms.
• Ability to think strategically and execute tactically in a dynamic and fast-paced airport environment.
• Experience with New York State and Federal DBE (Disadvantaged Business Enterprise) program requirements is preferred.
• Ability to travel within New York State and nationally for business development and stakeholder engagement.
• Ability to meet the physical requirements of the position, which includes being stationary at a desk, utilizing a computer workstation, being mobile throughout the airport, and being able to communicate clearly, with or without a reasonable accommodation.

 

Minimum Qualifications

A) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, with a master’s degree in business management, public administration, marketing, economics, finance, or a related field and four (4) years of work experience in property relationship management, or business development; or,

B) Graduation from a regionally accredited college or university, or one accredited by New York State Board of Regents to grant degrees, with a baccalaureate degree in business management, public administration, marketing, economics, finance, or a related field, and six (6) years of work experience in property relationship management, or business development; or

C) High school diploma or equivalent and ten (10) years of work experience in property relationship management, or business development; or

D) An equivalent combination of education and experience as described in A, B, and C above.

 

Special Necessary Requirements: 

A) Possession of a valid New York State driver’s license appropriate to the vehicle operated at time of appointment or during the course of employment.

B) Must be able to meet and maintain Transportation Security Administration requirements authorizing unescorted access entry to Security Identification Display Area (SIDA).

 

Preferred Qualifications

Previous airport or aviation experience in property relationship management or business development.

*Any offer of employment would be contingent on passing a security clearance background check and pre-employment drug test.

**This is a Civil Service provisional position. This position is pending approval through the NYS HELP program and may be eligible to be permanently appointed non-competitively.

 

Salary and Benefits

Starting salary is $110,000, depending on experience.

• Comprehensive salary and benefits package, including medical/dental/vision coverage upon date of hire
• Flexible Spending Accounts
• Generous paid time off
• New York State deferred compensation (457b)
• Employee Assistance Program
• Membership in the New York State Local and Employee Retirement System or NYS Voluntary Defined
• Contribution Program (if eligible)
• Professional development opportunities
• Exciting work environment at a leading airport with opportunities for growth and collaboration.
• You may be able to receive loan forgiveness under the Public Service Loan Forgiveness Program (PSLF). The PSLF
• Program forgives the remaining balance on Direct Loans after 120 qualifying monthly payments have been made under a qualifying repayment plan while working full-time for a qualifying employer. For more information on PSLF, please visit www.studentAid.gov/publicservice

To learn more about our organization, visit: www.flysyracuse.com

Application Instructions

Interested candidates should apply online and include a resume, cover letter, and 3 professional references.

SRAA is an Equal Opportunity Employer and encourages people from all backgrounds to apply.