Aviation Director

Overview

The City of El Paso is seeking a highly qualified and collaborative Aviation Director to manage and direct El Paso International Airport operations, including business and financial operations, airfield and building maintenance, air service development, capital improvement programs, and long‑range planning. The position reports to the Deputy City Manager and leads a department of approximately 237 full‑time employees.

Location:

Various locations within the City of El Paso, TX.

• Salary: $250,000 – $270,000 annually
• Medical, dental, vision coverage; life insurance; paid time off; holidays; parental and shared leave; employee assistance programs; wellness incentives; retirement benefits.
• Optional benefits:
  Health Savings Account; deferred compensation 457(b) plan; tuition assistance; training and certification resources; other programs.

• Plan, organize, control, and provide overall direction of airport operations, including business and financial operations, airfield and building maintenance, air service development, capital improvement programs, and long‑range planning.
• Develop and monitor long‑term facility development plans for the airport and associated aviation and industrial properties.
• Oversee airport and airfield maintenance issues and promote safe work practices.
• Lead strategic marketing campaigns, air service strategic objectives, and plans to expand air service.
• Evaluate service delivery methods and systems; identify opportunities for improvement and recommend enhancements.
• Establish work priorities, monitor progress, develop and monitor departmental operating and capital budgets, and approve purchases and expenditures.
• Respond to and resolve sensitive inquiries and complaints, including requests from City leadership, council, federal agencies, and department directors.
• Represent the City at meetings and conferences, interacting with officials, regulatory agencies, tenants, directors, coworkers, and the public.
• Understand FAA Part 107, pilot certification, CoWA, and UAS operations; integrate UAS into airport safety, security, and economic development goals.
• Manage supervisory activities: selection, training, evaluation, counseling, discipline, hiring, promotion, and termination of personnel.

• Bachelor’s degree in Business, Public or Aviation Administration or a related field.
• Eight (8) years of professional airport administration or operations experience, including at least four (4) years in a managerial capacity.
• Valid Texas Class "C" Driver’s License or an equivalent from another state, required by date of appointment.
• Residency within the City of El Paso city limits required by date of employment.
• Must pass a criminal background check, maintain federally mandated airport security clearance, and be available for emergency recall and extended hours as needed.

• Exceptional communication and trust building with diverse stakeholders.
• Proven management of people and resources, including financial, budgetary, procurement, grant management, and revenue‑stream management.
• Deep aviation, security, and regulatory expertise (FAA, TSA, emergency management, risk mitigation, environmental compliance).
• Strategic vision and leadership for airport growth, modernization, and long‑term competitiveness.
• Experience overseeing capital projects, facilities, infrastructure improvements, and sustainability initiatives.
• Community‑focused and politically aware within a municipal environment.
• Adaptive problem solving with high emotional intelligence.
• Balanced background in public‑sector management and aviation business.