Director of Administration and Finance

The Salina Airport Authority invites applications for the position of Director of Administration and Finance, a senior executive leadership role responsible for the Authority’s financial management, administrative operations, risk management, and statutory compliance. The Director of Administration and Finance reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as a key member of the Authority’s executive leadership team. This position provides strategic financial oversight and operational leadership to ensure the Airport and Airport Industrial Center are managed in a fiscally responsible, transparent, compliant, and sustainable manner.

Responsibilities span budgeting, accounting, grants administration, and risk and insurance programs, and board and public reporting.

• Education – Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university with major coursework in accounting, finance, public administration, business administration, or a closely related field.
• Professional Experience – Minimum of seven (7) years of progressively responsible experience in public-sector financial management, airport administration, or a comparable governmental or enterprise environment, with demonstrated responsibility for budgeting, financial reporting, and compliance.
• Public Finance & Regulatory Knowledge – Strong working knowledge of public-sector finance, accounting principles (GAAP/GASB), grant administration, procurement, and compliance requirements applicable to airports or similar public entities, including familiarity with FAA-funded programs.
• Analytical & Strategic Skills – Demonstrated ability to analyze financial and operational data, evaluate performance, develop sound recommendations, and support policy, program, and investment decisions.
• Communication Skills – Ability to clearly and effectively communicate complex financial and administrative information through written reports, presentations, and oral communication to executive leadership, governing boards, auditors, and external stakeholders.
• Leadership & Initiative – Proven ability to work independently with a high degree of initiative, professional judgment, and accountability while operating within a collaborative executive leadership structure.
• Public Presentation & Stakeholder Engagement – Experience presenting to boards, public officials, community groups, and professional audiences in a clear, confident, and professional manner.
• Technology Proficiency – Proficiency with Windows-based computer systems and enterprise software, including Microsoft Word, Excel, PowerPoint, Outlook, SharePoint, and related financial and administrative systems.

• Professional Credentials – CPA, MBA, or other advanced professional certification in accounting, finance, public administration, or business administration preferred.
• Aviation Industry Credentials – AAAE Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) designation preferred.
• Airport / Public Infrastructure Experience – Ten (10) or more years of progressively responsible experience in airport administration, aviation-related finance, or public infrastructure finance, preferably within a commercial service airport environment.
• Grants & Capital Program Experience – Demonstrated experience administering federal and state grant programs and supporting capital improvement planning, project budgeting, and financial compliance.