Colorado Air & Space Port Deputy Director

About the Role

Under the general direction of the Colorado Air and Space Port Director, the Deputy Airport Director supports and assists with management of the Colorado Air and Space Port's administration, operation, and capital project management. This position works closely with the Director on planning and development initiatives, project management, and strategic activities. The role emphasizes CASP’s Capital Improvement Program (CIP) activities, airport/spaceport development and planning, and directly supervises and leads the Operations/Maintenance group.

Provides oversight and input on airport/spaceport planning studies including master plans, airfield and terminal planning, airport/spaceport layout plans, construction management, emergency management, security oversight, obstruction analysis, facility requirements, capital improvement programs, land use compatibility, demand/capacity analysis, alternatives analysis, forecasting, noise and environmental evaluations, terminal area plans, sustainability evaluations, and other airport planning tasks. Ensures CASP’s federal compliance for FAA grant-funded projects. Leads and oversees CASP’s Operations and Maintenance division, including performance management and team development. Develops and manages CASP’s departmental team-building program. Collaborates with the CASP Director and Business Operations Manager on marketing and business development strategy, including outreach efforts, event strategy, and partnership development with the Communications Department. Acts as the main point-of-contact and coordinator for external community and educational partnerships.

Responsibilities

• Leadership & People Management
  • Assists the Director in oversight and support of day-to-day administration and operation of the Air and Space Port, including leadership and direct supervision of the Operations/Maintenance Department.
  • Performs “Acting Director” duties as identified by the CASP Director.
  • Builds and maintains a positive work environment fostering trust and accountability; provides leadership, development, and coaching to all airport team members.
  • Works closely with the CASP Director on airport-planning initiatives, business planning, and strategy development; communicates and implements Airport-wide strategies.
  • Other duties as assigned.
• Strategic Planning & Department Initiatives
  • Oversees professional services agreements, administers construction agreements, and reviews consultant deliverables.
  • Supports and oversees short- and long-term airport-planning activities addressing development, infrastructure, and land use needs, including master plans, airfield planning, airport layout plans, obstruction analysis, facility requirements, capital improvement programs, demand/capacity analysis, alternatives analysis, forecasting, noise and environmental evaluations, terminal area plans, sustainability evaluations, and other planning tasks.
  • Develops and implements Airport-wide strategies, goals, and initiatives in collaboration with the CASP Director and leadership team.
  • Participates as a key member of the department’s Leadership Team to chart the future course of the airport and develop strategic responses to increasing demand for services.
• Operational & Financial Management
  • Monitors, maintains, and updates CASP’s guiding documents such as minimum standards, rules & regulations, and rates & charges.
  • Manages all airfield improvement projects with support from the operations and maintenance team and engineering consultant.
  • Maintains thorough understanding and situational awareness of finance and budget activities, including management of CASP’s annual budget development process, monthly budget reviews, identification of anomalies, and collaboration with the Budget and Finance Department.
• Compliance, Project & Capital Program Management
  • Coordinates with the Business Operations Manager on administration of FAA and CDOT grant financial processes, including drawdowns, amendments, change orders, and closeouts.
  • Collaborates with CASP leadership and the County’s Development Department on business development prospects to ensure operational compatibility and land usage.
  • Manages and coordinates CASP’s Capital Improvement Program, including coordination with Adams County, Engineer of Record, CDOT, and FAA regarding projects, grant applications, and alignment between CASP CIP, County CIP, County Finance/Budget Department, CDOT Capital planning system, and FAA.

Requirements

• Knowledge, Skills & Abilities
  • Strategic thinker and effective collaborator with internal and external CASP stakeholders, including other county departments and across all organizational levels.
  • Proven ability to deliver and present information to the department team, senior county leadership, and elected officials.
  • Knowledge of aviation issues, topics, and trends related to airport management, operations, and planning.
  • Ability to lead and communicate effectively with airport team, stakeholders, governmental agencies, and other county departments.
  • Ability to analyze, integrate, and interpret data from various sources and implement programs.
  • Ability to make objective judgments, exercise authority, resolve conflicts, and maintain confidentiality of sensitive information.
  • Ability to read, analyze, and interpret business materials and solve situational challenges; write clear, concise reports, correspondence, and procedure materials.
  • Ability to effectively present information and respond to questions from managers, employees, customers, tenants, Federal/State/Local authorities, and the general public.
  • Understanding of airport budgeting and finance.
  • Knowledge of airport management, operations, maintenance, and administration.
  • Ability to lead, coach, and collaborate with team members.
• Education & Experience

  Any combination of experience and training that provides the required knowledge and abilities is qualifying. Years of experience may substitute for a degree on a year-to-year basis. A typical path includes:

  • Bachelor’s degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation Planning, Aviation or Airport Management, Civil/Transportation Engineering, Aviation Science or Technology, or a related field.
  • Minimum of three to five years of progressively responsible experience in aviation management related to airport planning, operations, or administration, including broad-based knowledge and experience in aviation planning services.
  • Minimum of three years’ experience managing and supervising a team of employees with demonstrated leadership success.
• Licenses & Certifications
  • Must possess and maintain a valid Colorado driver’s license upon hiring and maintain a satisfactory motor vehicle record.
  • Certified Member (C.M.) designation from the American Association of Airport Executives preferred.
  • Must pass a criminal background check.