2025 MSN Airport Director

Overview: Responsibilities:
This position is the primary liaison with other governmental agencies, community members, and business leaders. As a County Department, the Airport operates under the general direction of the Dane County Executive, receives policy direction from the Dane County Board of Supervisors, and receives advice from the Dane County Airport Commission. As necessary, this position makes recommendations to the County Executive, County Board, and Airport Commission. The Airport Director attends appropriate meetings of the County Board, meetings of the Airport Commission, and other meetings as requested by the County Executive.

To direct the operations of the Dane County Regional Airport this position coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration, the Transportation Security Administration, and the State of Wisconsin Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics. This position ensures that the Dane County Regional Airport is in compliance with all Federal Aviation Regulations and Part 139 standards.

Oversee the preparation of the annual budget, including the establishment of rates and charges. The Airport director is responsible for presenting the budget to the County Executive, County Board, and Airport Commission.

Develop and implement long-range master plans and capital improvement plans for the Dane County Regional Airport – coordinating with engineers, architects, contractors, and necessary government agencies.

Participate in the negotiation and implementation of all leases and contracts with airport tenants.

The Airport Director works to attract new air service to the airport, overseeing business activities to attract new airline service and promote business development at the airport.

• This position coordinates closely with the Federal Aviation Administration, Transportation Security Administration, airlines, and law enforcement to ensure airport meets or exceeds aviation security regulations and practices.

Qualifications: Any combination of training and experience equivalent to a bachelor’s degree in business administration, airport management, public administration, aeronautical engineering, or a related field is required.

• A minimum of five years of increasingly responsible experience in airport management, airport business management, or airport operations at a FAR Part 139 commercial service airport. Accredited Airport Executive Certification (A.A.E.) or International Airport Professional designation (IAP) is desirable but not required.

• Extensive Knowledge of management principles and practices as applied to airport management, airport finance, airport operations, security and maintenance.
• Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations affecting airport certification, safety, security, business practices, and maintenance.
• Effective oral and written communication skills.
• Ability to negotiate leases and contracts; knowledge of airport operations, security, maintenance, and development programs.
• Ability to plan and supervise the work of professional and technical employees engaged in airport activities.
• Ability to coordinate County airport master planning development and improvement with other governmental agencies.
• Ability to establish and maintain effective relationships with other officials, employees, tenants, community members, and the general public.