The University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign has an opening for an Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance for the University's Willard Airport. This is a 100%, full-time, benefits eligible Academic Professional position. Salary is commensurate with experience and qualifications. Start date is as soon as possible after the close of the search.

The Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance ensures 24/7 oversight of operations, safety, security, and maintenance functions of the airport. The Assistant Director will implement the Snow and Ice Control Plan (SICP), hold pre-season and post-season meetings with stakeholders. The individual in this role will oversee and implement the airport certification program under 14 CFR Part 139, maintain the Airport Certification Manual (ACM), the airport security program under 49 CFR Part 1542, and maintain the Airport Security Program (ASP). The Assistant Director of Operations and Maintenance will respond to airport emergencies including incidents, accidents, and facilities/infrastructure failures, implement the Airport Emergency Plan (AEP) as warranted. The Assistant Director is responsible for the safety and Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) compliance oversight of airport construction projects and participates in request for proposal (RFP) development and in airport capital improvement program (ACIP) development. The Assistant Director provides safety, security, and operations training to staff and participates in development and implementation of safety management systems (SMS).

The University of Illinois is an Equal Opportunity, Affirmative Action employer. Minorities, women, veterans and individuals with disabilities are encouraged to apply. For more information, visit go.illinois.edu/EEO.

Duties and Responsibilities: 

• Direct airport operations and maintenance activities in compliance with all FAA, Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and University of Illinois rules, regulations, procedures, and guidelines.
• Manage and maintain all federal compliance airport documentation including ACM, ASP, and AEP.
• Responsible for providing leadership, establishing priorities, and providing work direction to subordinate staff.
• Coordinate with Swanlund HR for staff related issues, filling vacant positions.
• Oversee the ASP in compliance with TSA and University of Illinois rules and regulations.
• Serve as primary Airport Security Coordinator (ASC), liaison with TSA Regulatory as needed. Maintain ASP.
• Oversee Airport Movement Area driver's program, coordinate/deliver training, and maintain all FAA required records.
• Manage daily operations of automated airport parking system, coordinate troubleshooting and repair, provide customer service and assistance.
• Oversee airport construction projects working with airport engineering consultants, contractors, and University of Illinois Facilities and Services.
• Develop performance expectations for maintenance staff, implement evaluation processes.
• Coordinate with Willard Aircraft Rescue and Fire Fighting (ARFF), and University of Illinois Police Department.
• Develop, implement, and maintain airport operations, maintenance, and security policies and procedures.
• Develop and maintain the operations, security and maintenance sections of the airport operating budget.
• Implement and oversee airport maintenance management systems, track work orders, coordinate repairs of facilities with staff/tenants.
• Serve as primary tenant liaison; coordinate with airlines, FAA, TSA, Fixed Base Operator (FBO), hangar tenants.

Position Requirements and Qualifications: 

Required Education: Bachelor's Degree from an accredited college or university.

Preferred Education: Bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in Aviation, Business Administration, Public Administration, or related field.

Required Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Three or more years of experience in aviation operations and management with progressive responsibility and demonstrated supervisory duties.
• Experience and knowledge in FAA regulations, advisory circulars, design standards, and industry best practices.
• Experience and knowledge in TSA regulations, security directives, and industry best practices.
• Experience and knowledge in maintenance management systems, training programs, and safety management systems.
• Ability to effectively solve problems, while applying complex regulations and procedures under high-pressure circumstances. Work with minimal supervision. 14 CFR Part 139, 49 CFR Part 1542.

Preferred Experience, Knowledge, Skills and Abilities:

• Direct experience with FAR Part 139, FAR Part 77, and TSA 1542.

Training, Licenses or Certifications:

Required: 

• Ability to obtain and maintain valid Illinois Driver's license and airfield driving privileges.
• Ability to pass a personal, criminal, and employment background check.

Preferred: 

• American Association of Airport Executive Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in one or more disciplines of operations, maintenance, or security.
• American Association of Airport Executives Certified Member (CM) or Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) status.

APPLICATION:

To ensure full consideration, please complete your candidate profile at jobs.illinois.edu and upload a letter of application, resume, and a list of three professional references, including contact information by September 9, 2019. Interviews may begin prior to close of the search, but a hiring decision will not be made until the search closes. For further information about this position, please contact Jennifer Steiling at steiling@illinois.edu.

The University of Illinois conducts criminal background checks on all job candidates upon acceptance of a contingent offer.