Airport General Manager

General Manager – Lawrence Regional Airport (LWC)

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, Federal Aviation Administration (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.

For more information, please see the job bulletin at

• Operations, Maintenance & Safety
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  Manages daily operations and airfield maintenance while supervising operational staff. Coordinates emergency preparedness, snow removal, and regulatory compliance. Oversees FAA and Transportation Security Administration (TSA) safety programs and ensures all operations meet state and federal standards.
• Economic Development
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  Drives economic development through partnerships and marketing strategies. Pursues funding through federal, state, and private sources, managing the grant lifecycle from research to compliance.
• Strategic Planning & Capital Improvements
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  Leads the airport’s long‑range infrastructure and capital improvement strategy. Oversees project planning, grant compliance, and alignment with the City’s CIP and FAA requirements. Maintains and updates the Airport Master and Layout Plans to guide sustainable growth.
• Property Management
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  Oversees airport leasing, property acquisition, and compliance with all tenant agreements. Manages easements and development‑related real estate activity, including consultant and contractor coordination.
• Stakeholder Engagement
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  Acts as the airport’s primary liaison to the Airport Board, FAA, tenants, and the public. Prepares reports, manages procurement, and ensures excellent customer service. Supports city boards, attends industry meetings, and promotes the airport through outreach and events.
• Budget Management
  :
  Develops in coordination with Municipal Services & Operations Department, the annual operating budget and ensures alignment with operating objectives and strategic initiatives. Coordinates planning, development, and implementation of the Capital Improvement Program. Administers and ensures that plans, specifications, contracts, project oversight, accounting and record retention, and other related documentation comply with the FAA Programs.

• Strategic Execution:
  Develops long‑term strategies and successfully leads projects from concept through completion.
• Change Management:
  Leads through complexity and transition, adapting plans and guiding teams to achieve results in dynamic environments.
• Team Leadership:
  Builds, coaches, and inspires a high-performing team; models professionalism and accountability.
• Stakeholder
  
  Collaboration:
  
  Builds and maintains productive relationships with regulatory agencies, tenants, contractors, city leadership, and the public; fosters transparency and alignment through effective engagement.