This role offers a unique opportunity to shape the future of a key regional transportation hub, driving economic growth and enhancing air travel experiences for the Pee Dee region. The ideal candidate will excel in building relationships with airline partners, fostering a positive airport image, and leading a diverse team. With a focus on operational excellence, fiscal responsibility, and strategic planning, the Executive Director will ensure compliance with regulations while promoting innovation and customer satisfaction.

This position is perfect for a dynamic leader seeking to make a significant impact on the region's economic development and aviation services, with the support of a dedicated Airport Authority.

JOB SUMMARY

The Executive Director is appointed by and serves at the will of the Pee Dee Regional Airport District Authority (“Authority”). The Executive Director receives general policy direction from the Authority and is responsible for the overall business operations, administration, human resources, financing, marketing, community relations, air service development, maintenance, safety, security and planning and development of the Pee Dee Regional Airport District Authority (“Authority”) and related airport facilities.

ESSENTIAL DUTIES AND RESPONSIBILITIES

Air Service, Airport Development & Public Relations

• Maintains excellent relationship with existing and potential airline partners
• Establishes credibility by making sound business case for new and/or additional air service
• Promotes/maintains the positive influence and image of the airport and Authority by establishing "Top-of-mind" awareness among business travelers and the flying public
• Participates in aviation, business and community organizations demonstrating leadership and knowledge that earns confidence in the Director and Authority
• Communicates with businesses, civic and neighborhood organizations, and works to solve airport-related issues as they arise with the affected parties
• Participates in speaking engagements to promote the image of the airport; clearly, concisely and persuasively presents information; willingly shares information; honest and straightforward
• Gives personal attention and is accessible; returns phone calls and emails in a timely manner
• Promotes exemplary customer service among airport, airline and tenant employees

Labor & Personnel

• Is a role model for leadership behavior; creates a superior performance environment for the organization; establishes leadership in all areas and earns respect and support of subordinates
• Takes an active role in development of compensation policy and makes recommendations within the budgetary limitations that best serves the organization
• Maintains the highest quality employees by creating a corporate culture that is diverse, inclusive and reflective of the community, competitively pays staff for their talents and abilities, fosters health and wellness; builds morale and encourage community involvement; professional growth and continuing education; cross trains staff creating avenues for advancement
• Holds self and others accountable for measurable high­ quality, timely, and cost effective results
• Takes overall responsibility for projects and obtaining and using resources; acts as a catalyst for organizational change
• Understands and adheres to professional and ethical standards; quick to resolve conflicts with appropriate resolutions

Finances, Contracts & Planning

• Directs, manages and evaluates financial activities and staff in the best interest of the airport, airlines, and other tenants while continuing to adhere Airport Authority’s Policy, regulatory compliance and the highest standards of ethics
• Increase opportunities for small, minority and women owned businesses to compete for and contract with all airport operations
• Endeavors to maximize business revenue of both aviation and non-aviation assets
• Strengthens and increase financial health; drives cost reductions; enhances fiscally responsible practices; and optimizes investments and capital spending
• Standardize and benchmark contracts with other airports' best practices and ensure consistent follow up with the airport attorney
• Prepares budget that is responsive to Airport Authority’s goals in an easily comprehensible manner
• Oversees the management of the Airport Authority’s assets exercising sound business principles and develops infrastructure priorities taking into consideration fiscal concerns
• Retains an in-depth understanding of the economic development role the airport plays in stimulating economic vitality in the local community

Operations, Facilities & Construction

• Ensures airport compliance with Federal, State and Local laws and regulations including applicable Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR's) and FAA Grant Assurances
• Develops Capital Improvement Program that ensures Airport Authority’s facilities are well maintained, efficient and leaves a positive impression on FLO's gateway to the region
• Maintains dialogue with terminal concessionaires to ensure services provided meet customer needs and expectations
• Manages or manages the delegation of oversight of construction projects to ensure compliance with safety regulations, minimizes change orders and remains on schedule with minimal impact on airport tenants and customers

Overall

• Apprises Airport Authority Members in and timely manner of developments, issues, needs and operations of the airport
• Applies a high degree of knowledge and expertise relating to the developments in the aviation industry and the implication for aviation
• Leverages the assets of the Authority to maintain a balanced budget and consistent positive cash flow of the organization
• Ensures there is a balanced focus on all the stakeholders: general aviation, commercial aviation, on-site tenants and the governmental interests.
• Understands and keeps up-to-date on local, national, and international policies and trends that affect the organization and its stakeholders.
• Demonstrates flexibility and rapidly adapts to new information, changing conditions or unexpected obstacles; takes informed risks; exhibits sound judgment and decision making

QUALIFICATIONS/TRAINING

Master’s degree in airport management, public administration, engineering or related field and six to nine years of experience in airport operations or management; or any equivalent combination of education and experience which provides the required knowledge, skills and abilities.  Must possess a valid driver’s license.

PHYSICAL/ENVIRONMENTAL REQUIREMENTS

Position involves primarily sedentary work, but also requires driving and traveling.  Must be physically able to operate a motor vehicle as well as a variety of types of other equipment including a computer, telephone, and/or two-way radio, etc. 

About Pee Dee Regional Airport Authority/Florence Regional Airport

The creation of the Florence Regional Airport began in 1928 when local leaders purchase 300 acres of land for the purpose of developing an Airport. With the onset of World War II, the War Department acquired an additional 1,400 acres and used the site as an Army Air Corps training base. During the war years, P-39 Aircobra, P-40 Warhawk, Pursuit/Fighter aircraft, and A-20 Havoc and A-26 Marauder light attack/bomber aircraft crews and support personnel trained here. Following the war, the property was deeded back to the City of Florence and later split with Florence County. The Florence City-County Airport Commission governed the Airport until the state legislature created the Pee Dee Regional Airport District in 1999. The Airport District is a political subdivision of the State of South Carolina and encompasses Dillon, Florence and Marion Counties. Florence Regional Airport has commercial air service, multiple onsite aviation maintenance facilities, a thriving general aviation community and a plethora of real estate assets under management. We are looking for a Director to lead our continued evolution into a regional aviation leader.

Connections working at Pee Dee Regional Airport Authority/Florence Regional Airport