Airport Program Manager (Program Manager I)

Fort Lauderdale, FL, USA|Onsite

Job Overview

Employment Type

Full-time

Compensation

Salary

Range $85,379.21 - $132,344.16

Benefits

vacation

holiday

sick leave

Medical insurance

Dental Insurance

Vision Insurance

Life insurance

short-term disability insurance

Management vacation days

vehicle allowance

Participation in Florida Retirement System

Job Description

The City of Fort Lauderdale is a vibrant and dynamic municipality known for its commitment to delivering exceptional public services to residents, businesses, and visitors. Located in Broward County, Florida, Fort Lauderdale boasts a thriving economy, rich cultural scene, and a strategic location with robust transportation infrastructure, including Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport (FXE). Unlike larger commercial airports, FXE serves as a general aviation reliever for the nearby Fort Lauderdale-Hollywood International Airport, catering primarily to private and corporate aviation. The airport plays a critical role in supporting local business and economic development, making it a vital asset to the region. The City of Fort Lauderdale values innovation, sustainability, and community engagement as cornerstones of its operational philosophy and offers rewarding career opportunities with competitive salaries and comprehensive benefits.

The Airport Program Manager I, a full-time position with an annual salary range of $85,379.21 to $132,344.16, will be based at the Fort Lauderdale Executive Airport and will report to the Division Manager of Airport Administration. This management role encompasses comprehensive oversight of several airport programs including tenant relations, the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ), community outreach, educational initiatives, special events, marketing, communications, and strategic branding efforts at the airport. The incumbent serves as a key liaison between airport tenants, external agencies, and the community, managing programs from conception through execution while ensuring strict adherence to business plans, budgets, and operational objectives.

The Airport Program Manager I supervises personnel and/or external consultants, coordinates major program activities, administers budgets, monitors performance metrics, and prepares detailed reports for executive leadership. The position requires strong leadership skills to guide teams, resolve program challenges, and implement innovative solutions that enhance services to both internal stakeholders and the public. Furthermore, the role involves promoting and sustaining the FTZ's active status and exploring opportunities for zone expansion through marketing and business engagement. In addition, the manager develops and oversees logistics for special events, public forums, and internship programs that foster careers in aviation and promote airport sustainability initiatives including LEED-certified facilities.

This position also holds responsibility for supervising staff, managing personnel actions like hiring, training, and performance evaluations, and ensuring compliance with all applicable regulations. The Airport Program Manager I operates within a classified position under Personnel Rules and falls within a Management Category II classification, which includes eight additional management vacation days and a monthly vehicle allowance of $340. The role requires availability to respond to emergencies and support continuity of operations. The City of Fort Lauderdale is committed to diversity, equal opportunity, and inclusive employment, making this an excellent opportunity for candidates seeking to contribute meaningfully to airport management and community engagement in a highly regulated and dynamic municipal environment.

Job Requirements

Bachelor's degree in aviation management business administration public administration or a closely related field
At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in airport management and the development implementation and administration of programs methods and/or procedures
Evaluation of program and operational effectiveness
Development of administrative practices to address programmatic policy organizational or legislative changes
Experience must include at least three years of supervisory experience
Availability and ability to work immediately before during and/or after an emergency as required by the department
Must attach a copy of DD214 Member 4 form or other supporting documentation if claiming Veterans' Preference

Job Qualifications

Bachelor's degree in aviation management business administration public administration or a closely related field
At least three years of progressively responsible professional experience in airport management and the development implementation and administration of programs methods and/or procedures evaluation of program and operational effectiveness development of administrative practices to address programmatic policy or organizational or legislative changes
Experience must include at least three years of supervisory experience
Additional qualifying experience or completion of coursework at an accredited college or university in a job-related field may substitute on a year-for-year basis for the required experience or education
Possession of a Private Pilot License is preferred

Job Duties

Plan develop recommend implement and evaluate policies procedures and methods for the Airport’s Community Outreach Program
Develop and implement strategies programs and initiatives to market the Airport’s services to the community the aviation industry and local national and international businesses
Provide professional and technical assistance to Airport tenants and external agencies
Monitor tenant compliance with lease agreements
Assist in establishing program objectives and goals analyze performance metrics and prepare reports
Support strategic planning efforts for the program and division
Develop and implement effective strategies and tactics to achieve program and departmental objectives
Identify evaluate and improve core processes through continuous process improvement methodologies
Conduct feasibility studies and cost-benefit analyses
Promote the Foreign-Trade Zone (FTZ) to sustain active status and identify opportunities for zone expansion through marketing and business engagement
Manage FTZ applications reporting and related operational activities
Plan coordinate and manage logistics and promotion for special events meetings and public forums
Ensure the public is informed of division programs events accomplishments and activities through various communication channels and outreach efforts
Coordinate the Internship Program with colleges and universities develop educational programs and opportunities to promote careers in aviation
Promote and support the Airport’s sustainability initiatives including LEED-certified facilities
Lead or support the development and evaluation of sustainability initiatives including assessing cost-effectiveness technical feasibility and implementation strategies
Supervise administrative and support personnel
Manage assigned personnel by developing work plans delegating and reviewing assignments and overseeing hiring training and performance evaluations
Recommend personnel actions including hiring promotion reassignment discipline and termination and participate in the resolution of employee grievances
Ensure compliance with applicable standards processes and regulations
Perform related work as required