Careers

Airport Authority Open Positions

Airport Manager

The West Michigan Airport Authority (WMAA), located in Holland, Michigan, seeks a highly organized and experienced leader to fill the Airport Manager position at the West Michigan Regional Airport (WMRA). The WMAA and WMRA is currently comprised by member communities of the City of Holland, City of Zeeland, and Park Township, and various corporate and community tenants, focusing on business development and supporting our diverse mix of manufacturing, agricultural, and service industries. The Airport Manager focuses on maintaining smooth operational functions, collaborating closely with our Fixed Base Operator (FBO), and ensuring effective coordination, communication, support of, and interaction with our community stakeholders. The ideal candidate will have a strong background in operations and management, with the ability to step in and make swift assessments of needs and propose appropriate adjustments to operational needs. This role will also help refine and plan the long-range options to enhance and improve the business-focused and community-centered impact of this asset.

Characteristics:

– Detail oriented, committed to accurate information.
– Strong management/project management skills including the ability to develop project plans, manage timelines, budgets, reporting, and facilitate team/stakeholder engagement as needed.
– Ability to act independently while apprising appropriate stakeholders of opportunities, and concerns.
– Collaborative abilities with a history of building strong strategic partnerships to interact effectively with stakeholders.
– Ability to act with demonstrated sound judgement and decisiveness, based on facts and analytical reasoning.
– Exceptional communication skills (written, verbal, formal presentation) appropriate to the audience (tenant, municipal, community, educational) and its interaction with the WMAA and the WMRA.

Key Responsibilities:

– Oversee daily airport operations, ensuring compliance with all relevant local, state, and federal regulations and operational/safety standards.
– Obtain and maintain airport manager certification to comply with Michigan law.
-Collaborate with the FBO to ensure efficient service delivery, including fueling, hangar management, and customer service.
– Address operational issues promptly to minimize disruption and maintain a safe and efficient WMRA environment.
– Serve as the primary liaison between the WMAA and the FBO.
– Serve as the primary liaison between the WMAA and business community / tenants / prospective tenants.
– Foster strong relationships with WMRA tenants, airlines, and other key stakeholders to support smooth operations.
– Work closely with local, state, and federal agencies to ensure compliance with all aviation regulations and standards.
– Develop proposed annual budgets, review and assess contracts, review certified resolutions, and manage capital expenditures, and monitors federal and state grants. Utilizing WMAA/WMRA support partners, present monthly financial reports, policies, procedures, and other related operational items for presentation and adoption by the WMAA Board.
– Prepares, applies for, and manages federal and state grant applications.
– Manage and update Airport Capital Improvement Plan.
– Organize monthly WMAA board meetings, ensuring all necessary materials are prepared and distributed in advance and in compliance with the Michigan Open Meetings Act.
– Organize and participate in regular committee meetings in support of WMAA objectives.
– Continuous engagement of constituents of member communities and expanded engagement with other regional partners.
– Coordinate and participate in regular advisory group meetings, providing updates on airport operations and soliciting feedback from stakeholders; reporting on the same to the WMAA.
– Prepare and present reports on airport performance, financials, and operational updates to the board and advisory groups.
– Represent the WMAA on relevant associations (ex: the Michigan Association of Airport Executives) and attend appropriate training, seminars, and conferences on behalf of the WMAA Board.
– Maintains, expands and diversifies revenue sources for the airport, ensuring WMRA remains competitive in revenue opportunities.
– Assist in the development and management of the WMRA budget, ensuring efficient use of resources.
– Monitor financial performance and report on key metrics to the WMAA Board.
– Oversee contract management, including agreements with service providers, vendors, and tenants.
– Lead the airport’s response to operational disruptions, ensuring quick and effective resolution.

Preferred Qualifications:

– Minimum of 10 years of leadership experience in management or a similar operational role.
– Understanding of airport operations, safety regulations, and compliance requirements.
– Excellent communication and interpersonal skills, with the ability to effectively collaborate with diverse stakeholders.
– Experience in operating in state or federal government sector.
– Proven ability to manage multiple tasks and priorities
– Knowledge of Fixed Base Operators is highly preferred.
– Knowledge and experience in grant-funded processes.
– Strong organizational skills, with a focus on meeting deadlines and achieving operational goals.
– Bachelor’s degree in aviation management, Business Administration, or a related field, or other relevant experience commensurate with role qualifications and responsibilities.

Location: This role requires onsite work, with some flexibility for hybrid option. This is not a remote position.

Reports To: West Michigan Airport Authority Board
Hours: 40 hours/week.

Compensation:

This position will be compensated with a competitive rate commensurate with experience and qualifications. The total compensation package will be finalized with the selected candidate. All terms and conditions of the contract, including the scope of work, duration, and payment schedule, will be outlined in a formal service agreement with the selected candidate.

Application Process:

Interested candidates should submit a resume and cover letter detailing relevant experience,
qualifications and salary requirements by 5:00 PM ET on December 16, 2024, HERE.