Director of Aviation - City of Corpus Christi, TX

Please follow this link to view the full brochure: https://www.affionpublic.com/position/director-of-aviation-city-of-corpus-christi-tx/

The Community

Located along the Gulf of Mexico, Corpus Christi is a vibrant coastal city with a population of approximately 320,000. Known for its stunning beaches, warm climate, and rich cultural heritage, it is one of Texas' largest cities, offering a dynamic mix of urban amenities and small-town charm. The community boasts a strong economy driven by industries such as energy, tourism, and maritime commerce, along with a growing focus on sustainability and innovation. With an affordable cost of living, excellent schools, and a variety of recreational opportunities, including water sports, nature preserves, and a thriving arts scene. Corpus Christi is an ideal place to live and work!

Government

Corpus Christi has a Council-Manager form of local government. The City Council is composed of the Mayor, one Member from each of the five Council Districts, and three At-Large Councilmembers. The citizens elect each Councilmember to a two-year term. Five Councilmembers constitute a quorum, which is required to conduct City business. The Council appoints the City Manager, City Secretary, City Auditor, and Municipal Court Judges.

The City Manager serves as the organization’s chief executive officer and is responsible for the city’s day-to-day management, operations, and hiring of City employees, including the executives (Assistant City Managers, Directors, Assistant Directors). The City Manager is tasked with implementing the council’s decisions, managing a $1.8 billion operating and capital budget, and overseeing 4,100 employees.

The Airport Board

The Airport Board advises the City Council concerning matters relating to the aviation interests of the City of Corpus Christi and the operation of the Corpus Christi International Airport facilities for the promotion of those interests. The Airport Board is made up of ten (10) members appointed by the City Council for three-year staggered terms and includes the chief executive officers of Visit Corpus Christi and the Corpus Christi Regional Economic Development Corporation as non-voting ex-officio members.

The Position

The Director of Aviation oversees the operations of Corpus Christi International Airport, managing business and financial activities, airfield and facility maintenance, capital improvement projects, air service development, and long-term strategic planning. The Director of Aviation is responsible for a total budget of $15 million that includes $12.5 million O&M, $1.3 million PFC, and $1.2 million CFC. Reporting to an Assistant City Manager, the Director plays a key role in ensuring the airport remains a vital transportation hub for the region and is positioned for future growth and success.

Duties and Responsibilities

• Directs management of all airport operations and functions to ensure compliance with all Federal Regulations including 14 CFR 139, and all regulations and advisory circulars that govern the operation of 139 certified commercial airport, and TSR 1542. Coordinates and communicates with employees, tenants, federal partners (Customs and Border Protection, Transportation Security Administration, and Federal Aviation Administration), and airlines. Meets regularly with the airport’s Chief of Police to minimize safety and security risks.
• Oversees the airport budget, to include operating and maintenance, capital, construction, federal grants, passenger facility charges, and customer facility charges. Responsible for the rates, fees and charges for all airport tenants. Reviews financial reports such as: budget reports, rental car reports, concession reports, and passes on discrepancies in a timely fashion to respective staff or authority.
• Engages in strategic planning with executive leadership and airport executive staff to deliver results in accordance with business, master and strategic plans. Oversees the Air Service initiatives for the airport. Analyze business needs and develop long and short term goals.
• Manages and maintains all airport property including terminal building, fire station, hangars, FBO’s, and QTA. Plans, negotiates, organizes, directs and controls all activities related to the airport and services provided.
• Manages airports capital improvement program in accordance with the City and FAA. Ensure safety, regulatory compliance and fiscal documentation. Oversee all aspects of construction projects and prioritizes their importance.
• Provides administrative direction through department supervisors and managers. Establishes work priorities, monitors progress and identifies opportunities for improvement to systems and procedures to enhance operations and service delivery. Approves all department level hiring and discipline, including performance management and professional development.
• Oversees Aviation Police, Fire, and EMS staff.
• Maintains professional knowledge and skills by keeping credentials current and through AAAE and ACI committees and certifications.

Education and Experience

Qualified applicants will have a bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in public administration, Public or Business Administration, Aviation or related field, and a minimum of ten (10) years of increasingly responsible experience; a master’s degree is preferred. A Certified Member (C.E.) or an Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) certification from the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) is preferred.

The Ideal Candidate

The ideal candidate will be an experienced and strategic leader with a strong background in the aviation industry and a proven record of driving airport growth and development. Experience at an international airport is strongly preferred, as the Director will oversee all aspects of Corpus Christi International Airport’s operations, including business and financial activities, airfield and facility maintenance, capital improvement projects, and air service development.

Strong financial and budgetary expertise will be essential for this role. The Director will be responsible for overseeing operating and capital budgets, managing revenue streams from tenants, concessions, and federal grants, and setting competitive rates and fees. A strategic mindset and the ability to analyze business needs and develop both short- and long-term goals will be critical to driving growth and enhancing operational efficiency. Experience with airport expansion and development projects is highly desirable, as the Director will be tasked with guiding the airport through future improvements and modernization efforts.

Exceptional communication and leadership skills are also key to success in this role. The Director will need to build and maintain strong relationships with a wide range of stakeholders, including the Assistant City Manager, Director of Human Resources, Chief of Staff, Port Director (Customs and Border Protection), TSA Federal Security Director, and managers from airlines, concessions, rental car companies, and FBOs. The ability to foster collaboration, manage competing priorities, and maintain a high level of service and safety will position the next Director of Aviation to lead Corpus Christi International Airport into a new era of success.

Salary

The City of Corpus Christi is offering a target hiring range between $200,000-$230,000, commensurate with experience, and a comprehensive benefits package that includes TMRS, health, dental, etc. More information regarding the employee benefits can be found here. Relocation assistance will be available for the successful out of area candidate.

How to Apply

Interested applicants should forward a cover letter and resume to:

resumes@affionpublic.com

Reference: CCAVIATION

Affion Public

PO Box 794

Hershey, PA 17033

717-214-4922

www.affionpublic.com

*The deadline to receive resumes is April 25, 2025*

The City of Corpus Christi is an Equal Employment Opportunity Employer.