Aviation Program Manager - Executive Officer

Aviation Program Manager (Executive Officer
2)

Join our team as the Aviation Program Manager (Executive Officer
2), where you’ll oversee statewide aviation funding programs, support airport sponsors, and help guide the future of Iowa’s aviation system. This role blends program administration, technical guidance, federal coordination, and community outreach to ensure safe, efficient, and well‑planned development across the state.

• Manage and administer the State Aviation Program, including the State Airport Improvement Program, Vertical Infrastructure Programs, and other programs; ensuring effective use of state funding through strong airport development knowledge and project oversight.
• Provide technical and administrative support to airport sponsors from project concept through completion, ensuring eligibility, compliance with program rules, and adherence to grant assurances.
• Oversee project applications, commission approvals, program presentations, agreement preparation, voucher payments, and conduct on‑site inspections as needed.
• Lead the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) pre‑application process, coordinating annual applications, reviewing capital improvement plans, and prioritizing projects consistent with the Aviation Team’s strategic plan.
• Support statewide aviation planning initiatives, including updates to the Iowa Aviation System Plan, and coordinate additional federal grant opportunities.
• Serve as a technical resource on State and FAA airport issues, Disadvantaged Business Enterprise (DBE) compliance, airport grant eligibility and applications, and represent the Aviation Team at meetings, conferences, and public events.

As part of the Modal Transportation Bureau, we are a dedicated team of four, focused on Aviation for the State of Iowa. In this position you will collaborate with the Aviation Director, Aviation Program Specialist, Airport Inspector, upper‑level management, and other bureaus to ensure aviation safety and success. This role is a key member of the Iowa DOT’s Aviation Team and plays a vital role in supporting the aviation system throughout Iowa.

Ames, IA – Modal Transportation Bureau

Days, Monday through Friday. Flex available. Occasional overnight travel.

• Knowledge of aviation, aircraft, and Iowa’s airport system to understand issues and create effective solutions.
• Reading and interpreting law.
• Effective leadership and management.
• Works collaboratively with a diverse group of people, motivated to deliver results.
• Strong problem‑solving and analytical skills.
• Displays high standards of ethical conduct.
• Provides customer service that is accurate, professional, courteous, and responsive.
• Commits to providing a high‑quality product and service as a self‑starter.

• Must possess and maintain a valid driver’s license.

• Competitive pay and benefits package including health, dental, flexible spending, and life insurance.
• Insurance benefits start first of the month following 30 days of employment. Health and dental insurance premiums can be found here.
• Opportunities for professional growth and development.
• Paid time off effective immediately – biweekly vacation, separate sick leave, accruals rollover on a yearly basis, and 9 paid holidays per year.
• Iowa Public Employee Retirement System (IPERS) Retirement Package with employer match – Optional 401A plan with employer contributions.
• Employee Discount Programs from a variety of vendors (vision, cellular, fitness, recreation, season passes, travel, counseling, legal, financial).

• Graduation from an accredited four‑year college or university with a degree in any field, and experience equal to four years of full‑time professional‑level work in program administration, program development, program operations, or management.
• A total of eight years of education and/or full‑time experience (as described in number one), where thirty semester hours of accredited college or university coursework in any field equals one year of full‑time experience.
• All of the following (a, b, and c):
• Two years of full‑time professional‑level work…