The Division of Aeronautics, under the direction of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, administers state and federal funds for airport development, maintenance, and operation; regulates and inspects aviation facilities; enforces statutes and rules relating to aviation; and assists communities with aviation planning and infrastructure needs.
Job Responsibilities
This important role oversees the state’s aviation strategy, airport development programs, and flight operations while serving as the primary liaison with federal, state, and local aviation stakeholders. This position reports to an eight member Aeronautics Commission comprised of a member at large (Chairman) and seven commissioners elected by state legislative members from each of the seven Congressional districts within the state. The successful candidate will lead and implement Aeronautics plans, manage airport development programs and projects, and oversee agency flight operations and services for the State of South Carolina.
Minimum and Additional Requirements Must have a bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, aviation management, engineering, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible leadership experience, with three years in management in the field of transportation planning and program development.
https://www.governmentjobs.com/careers/sc/jobs/4926453/aeronautics-executive-director?keywords=AERONAUTICS&pagetype=jobOpportunitiesJobs
Aeronautics Executive Director
Salary
$123,868.00 - $192,019.00 Annually
Location
Richland County, SC
Job Type
FTE - Full-Time
Job Number
AC05012025
Agency
Aeronautics Commission
Opening Date
06/20/2025
Closing Date
7/20/2025 11:59 PM Eastern
Agency Specific Application Procedures:
Please apply online.
Class Code:
UA01
Position Number:
AC05012025
Normal Work Schedule:
Monday - Friday (8:30 - 5:00)
Pay Grade
Unclassified
Hiring Range - Min.
$123,868.00
Hiring Range - Max.
$192,019.00
Opening Date
05/01/2025
EEO Statement
Equal Opportunity Employer
Veteran Preference Statement
South Carolina is making our Veterans a priority for employment in state agencies and institutions.
Description
Benefits
Job Responsibilities
The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission seeks a visionary and experienced aviation leader to serve as its Executive Director.
The Division of Aeronautics, under the direction of the South Carolina Aeronautics Commission, administers state and federal funds ...for airport development, maintenance, and operation; regulates and inspects aviation facilities; enforces statutes and rules relating to aviation; and assists communities with aviation planning and infrastructure needs.
Job Responsibilities
This important role oversees the state’s aviation strategy, airport development programs, and flight operations while serving as the primary liaison with federal, state, and local aviation stakeholders.
This position reports to an eight member Aeronautics Commission comprised of a member at large (Chairman) and seven commissioners elected by state legislative members from each of the seven Congressional districts within the state.
The successful candidate will lead and implement Aeronautics plans, manage airport development programs and projects, and oversee agency flight operations and services for the State of South Carolina.
The successful candidate will be a leader in ensuring that all requirements of the statewide plan for aeronautical programs are met.
The successful candidate must be able to collaborate with a diverse body of stakeholders, external partners and internal offices and agencies.
This role interacts and maintains relationships with local officials and operators of airports within the state, electedofficials, representatives of the aviation industry, other state agencies, regional offices of the Federal Aviation Administration, and other entities within the aviation industry to collaborate and ensure awareness of changes within the field of aviation.
In your application, please include a detailed statement describing how your qualifications meet the requirements described in South Carolina Code of Laws, Title 13, Section 13-1-1090. Specifically, where you have experience in at least two of the following requirements:
(a) general aviation experience;
(b) airport or fixed based operator (FBO) management experience;
(c) aviation service provider experience;
(d) previous service as a state or regional airport commissioner;
(e) legal experience; or
(f) active involvement in a recognized aviation association
Minimum and Additional Requirements
Must have a bachelor's degree in planning, public administration, aviation management, engineering, or a related field and five years of progressively responsible leadership experience, with three years in management in the field of transportation planning and program development.
If you meet the above requirements and wish to be considered further in the selection process, you must provide a cover letter summarizing your experience in the areas listed below. Attach your cover letter AND resume to the online application.
Technical Expertise: experience which demonstrates a broad understanding of the transportation aspects associated with aviation, innovation, and policy.
Policymaking and Strategic Direction: considerable experience developing and implementing policies, rules, standards, and procedures.
Human Relations: experience building and maintaining effective working relationships with staff, major stakeholder groups, agencies, institutions, and organizations; demonstrated ability to promote diversity and inclusion through research opportunities.
Fiscal Management: experience with large, complex budgets (e.g., multiple revenue streams, grants, revolving funds, legislative appropriations) that demonstrates a broad understanding to ensure effective utilization in accomplishing work with the ability to develop and manage budgets, allocate resources and willingness to implement different effective service delivery models.
Preferred Qualifications
Aviation experience including flight department management, airport management, and/or educational accomplishments including master’s degrees or industry accepted certifications from the American Association of Airport Executives or the Airports Council International.
Proven experience with FAA funding programs, including a working knowledge of the Airport Improvement Program (AIP), the Bipartisan Infrastructure Law (BIL)/Airport Infrastructure Grants, and Passenger Facility Charge (PFC) programs.
Understanding of FAA grant eligibility requirements and administration, including project application, compliance, and reporting procedures.
Demonstrated ability to navigate federal, state, and local regulatory environments and collaborate with FAA regional offices, local airport sponsors, and aviation stakeholders to secure and manage funding for airport projects.
Experience in aviation policy development and planning at a state or regional level.
The ideal candidate will bring strong expertise in aviation management and strategic planning—particularly as they pertain to capital improvement programs and airport infrastructure development.
Additional Comments
The South Carolina Aeronautics Commission is committed to providing equal employment opportunities to all applicants and does not discriminate on the basis of race, color, religion, sex (including pregnancy, childbirth, or related medical conditions including, but not limited, to lactation), national origin, age (40 or older), disability or genetic information.
The Aeronautics Commission offers an exceptional benefits package for full time (FTE) employees:
Health, dental, vision, long-term disability, and life insurance for employees, spouse, and children. Click here for additional information.
15 days annual (vacation) leave per year
15 days sick leave per year
13 paid holidays
Paid Parental Leave
S.C. Deferred Compensation Program available(S.C. Deferred Compensation)
Retirement benefit choices *
State Retirement Plan(SCRS)
State Optional Retirement Program (State ORP)
