Director of Administration and Finance

About the role

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 reports directly to the Executive Director and serves as a key member of the executive leadership team, providing 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. The position includes an initial deputy and transitionary period during which the successful candidate will work closely with the Executive Director and existing senior leadership to gain a comprehensive understanding of the Authority’s financial systems, capital programs, regulatory environment, and organizational structure, assuming increasing responsibility for executive-level decision‑making, cross‑department coordination, and strategic planning.

Responsibilities

• Serve as a senior advisor to the Executive Director on financial, administrative, and organizational matters, and represent the Executive Director as delegated in matters related to finance, administration, and compliance.
• Lead the Authority’s financial strategy, including budgeting, forecasting, cash management, financial reporting, and long‑range financial planning in support of airport and industrial center operations and development.
• Oversee financial, accounting, and administrative operations to ensure compliance with all applicable federal, state, and local laws, regulations, grant assurances, and Authority policies.
• Administer and monitor federal, state, and local grant programs; research and evaluate funding opportunities; and coordinate grant budgeting, drawdowns, reporting, and audits.
• Support commercial air service and airport development initiatives through financial analysis, funding strategies, and coordination with internal departments and external partners.
• Provide financial oversight and coordination support for environmental programs, including the former Schilling Air Force Base environmental cleanup activities.
• Analyze financial and operational data to evaluate performance, identify cost‑reduction opportunities, improve efficiency, and recommend policy or program enhancements.
• Negotiate and administer contracts, professional services agreements, leases, and major purchases related to financial, administrative, real estate, and support functions.
• Serve as the Authority’s Risk Manager, overseeing insurance programs, claims management, and risk mitigation strategies to protect personnel, facilities, assets, and operations.
• Recruit, supervise, train, mentor, and evaluate administrative and finance staff; promote cross‑training, succession planning, and professional development.
• Prepare and present financial reports, analyses, and recommendations to the Executive Director, Board of Directors, auditors, and other stakeholders.
• Assist in the development and implementation of airport initiatives, strategic plans, policies, and procedures, ensuring alignment between operational objectives and financial capacity.
• Perform all duties with a high degree of independent judgment, discretion, professionalism, and confidentiality consistent with executive‑level responsibility.

Qualifications

Required Qualifications

• 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