Manager, Airport Planning

Welcome to San Diego International Airport, where our core purpose is to create an exceptional experience for both our community and visitors from around the world. It extends beyond just flights; we embody the vibrant spirit of San Diego itself—sunny, welcoming, and full of life. We are committed to attracting, fostering, and empowering a team of talented individuals who can deliver our strategic goals:

• Advance Airport Development
• Transform the Customer Experience
• Optimize Ongoing Business
• Cultivate Our Culture

• Location: The new Airport Authority Administration building, located on the San Diego International Airport campus and near the waterfront, providing stunning views of our runway, San Diego Bay, the Pacific Ocean, and the city skyline.
• Hybrid
  
  Schedule:
  
  This role follows a hybrid schedule with both on-site and remote work. On-site days are required, based on department needs, to support collaboration and business operations. Remote work flexibility is available on other days as determined by the department.
• Salary: The hiring salary for Manager, Airport Planning is starting at $136,312-$156,759. The full pay range for Manager, Airport Planning is $100,971-$171,652.
• Benefits: You will enjoy 14 paid holidays, 18 – 33 days of vacation (PTO), parental and child care benefits, salary continuance for family & parental leave, tuition reimbursement, ensure your future with our retirement plan options including our comprehensive pension plan and 457 defined contribution plan. Plus, take advantage of our annual employer-funded Lifestyle Spending Account, designed to support your personal development and growth activities—and much more!
• Wellness: Enjoy a workplace that makes well‑being part of the daily routine! Tap into multiple on‑site gyms, unwind or brainstorm in outdoor work spaces, score fitness discounts for every level and goal, give back with volunteer‑time rewards, connect with financial wellness advisors, and explore scenic walking trails just steps from campus, all wrapped in a supportive wellness package designed to help you feel your best inside and outside of work.
• Final date to receive applications: August 27, 2026. Applications will be reviewed after the closing date.

The Planning, Noise, and Environment department is looking for a Manager, Airport Planning with a collaborative leadership approach to guide the people and planning behind SAN's future growth. This role leads a team of planning professionals while advancing complex work across airport master planning, land use compatibility, capacity and congestion management, environmental review, and long-range infrastructure planning.

The ideal candidate will be a relationship-driven leader who brings out the best in people. They will create an environment where employees feel supported, challenged, and empowered to grow, while setting clear expectations and keeping the team connected to shared priorities. Just as importantly, they will bring the planning experience and sound judgment to lead complex work, make thoughtful decisions, and value the expertise and perspectives of the professionals around them.

As America's busiest single-runway airport, planning at SAN comes with an interesting challenge: thinking big doesn't come with unlimited space.

That reality calls for creative thinking about growth and capacity, an ability to make complex planning issues understandable, and strong relationships that move important work forward. When space is limited, every planning decision matters—and so does developing the people behind them. For a leader energized by complex planning challenges and the opportunity to make a visible impact, this is a chance to shape SAN's future, and an airport experienced every day by millions of travelers across the world.

• Lead & Develop the Team: Coach, mentor, and develop planning professionals while setting priorities, managing performance, allocating resources, and building a collaborative, high-performing team.
• Shape Airport Planning: Lead master planning, land use compatibility, regional air transportation planning, and long-range infrastructure efforts…