Deputy Airport Director - Operations and Planning

The Dane County Regional Airport has a current vacancy for a full time (1.0 FTE) Deputy Airport Director - Operations and Planning.

The Eligibility List created from this posting may be used for future vacancies within the next six (6) months.

Dane County Regional Airport (MSN) served nearly 2.5 million passengers in 2025 and is one of the fastest growing small-hub airports in the country - generating nearly $2.6 billion in total economic impact while offering nonstop service to 19 destinations and one-stop access to nearly every major city worldwide. MSN is well-positioned for future growth and starting the first Airport Master Plan since 1993.

This process will map the next decade of growth and MSN is hiring a Deputy Airport Director - Operations and Planning to maintain operational excellence and oversee major infrastructure projects to ensure airport facilities can accommodate long-term growth plans. Under general direction of the Airport Director, this position is responsible for directing airport operations, facilities and maintenance, safety and security needs.

This position is also responsible for the planning and implementation of the Airport’s Capital Improvement Plan, which will include recommendations from the Airport Master Plan once concluded.

As an employer, we strive to provide a work environment where diversity and differing opinions are valued, creativity is encouraged, continuous learning and improvement are fostered, teamwork and open/honest communication are encouraged, and meeting customer needs through quality service is a shared goal. All employees must be able to demonstrate multicultural competence – the awareness, knowledge, and skills needed to work with others who are culturally different from self in meaningful, relevant, and productive ways.

Applicants from traditionally underrepresented populations including women, racial and ethnic minorities, and persons with disabilities are especially encouraged to apply.

Deputy Airport Director

• Operations and Planning.
• Finance and Administration.
• Communications, Strategy, Marketing, Air Service, and Business Development.

Operations and Planning:

Under general direction of the Airport Director, this position is responsible for directing airport operations, facilities and maintenance, safety and security needs. This position is also responsible for the planning and implementation of the Airport’s Capital Improvement Plan.

Operations and Planning:

Responsible for compliance with all local, state, and federal regulations. Leads implementation of short, medium, and long-term airport capital improvement program. Coordination with key airport users, tenants, and stakeholders to include FAA Safety and Standards/Airport District Office, as well as the Wisconsin Bureau of Aeronautics.

Operations and Planning:

Any combination equivalent to a bachelor's degree in either airport management, business administration, aeronautical or civil engineering or related field, and five (5) years of high-level airport management experience in airport operations or maintenance at a commercial service airport.

Possession of or eligibility for a valid Wisconsin driver's license and access to personal transportation. "Also refer to the  Physical and Environmental Work Requirements  section below."

Some positions may require a criminal background check which can include fingerprinting due to the nature of the job’s responsibilities. Wisconsin’s Fair Employment Law, s. 111.31 – 111.395, Wis. Stats., prohibits discrimination because of an arrest or conviction record. However, Dane County may disqualify an applicant if the position’s responsibilities are substantially related to the applicant’s criminal history (e.g., the nature of the crime and its relationship to the position, whether hiring, transferring or promoting an applicant would pose an unreasonable risk to the business, its employees, customers and vendors, etc.)

Management reserves the right to make employment contingent upon successful completion of the background…