General Manager Airport

Overview

Ready to lead the next chapter of aviation in Lawrence, Kansas? The City of Lawrence is seeking an experienced and forward-thinking General Manager to provide executive leadership for Lawrence Regional Airport (LWC).

The General Manager serves as both a visionary leader and a hands-on operational executive, guiding the airport into its next era of innovation and growth. This role is responsible for shaping and executing long-term strategies that expand infrastructure, attract economic opportunity, and strengthen the airport’s regional impact. The General Manager leads airport planning, operations, and regulatory compliance, while overseeing capital improvement planning, FAA coordination, leasing, real estate development, and major projects.

This position carries executive authority over airport strategy, capital planning, regulatory coordination, and external advocacy on behalf of the City and Airport. As the airport’s chief ambassador, the General Manager builds strong relationships with the FAA, Airport Advisory Board, tenants, contractors, and the broader community, ensuring LWC remains a safe, efficient, and forward-thinking gateway for the region.

• Lead airport planning, operations, and regulatory compliance; oversee capital improvement planning, FAA coordination, leasing, real estate development, and major projects.
• Provide executive authority over airport strategy, capital planning, regulatory coordination, and external advocacy on behalf of the City and Airport.
• Serve as the airport’s chief ambassador, building relationships with the FAA, Airport Advisory Board, tenants, contractors, and the broader community to ensure LWC remains safe, efficient, and forward-thinking.

• This position requires demonstrated readiness for executive-level leadership, decision-making, and external coordination.
• Education:
  
  A bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in aviation management, business or public administration, or related field. A master’s degree in public administration or related field preferred.
• Experience:
  
  Minimum of five (5) years progressively responsible experience in aviation management, public administration, business administration or related field, including experience with capital programs, regulatory coordination, and organizational leadership.
• Certifications:
  
  Certification from American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) preferred or the ability to obtain the certification within 24 months. FAA certifications such as Pilot Certificates and/or Airplane and Powerplant Certificates are also desirable. Experience working directly with FAA programs, grants, and compliance processes is strongly preferred.

Please review our brochure outlining details of this position. Benefits include Health/Dental/Vision/Life Insurance;
Well Care Clinic through LMH;
Caregiver Leave;
Paid Time Off;
Retirement: KPERS.