Airport Director

First review of applications on September 9, 2026 Visit the Athens-Ben Epps Airport website HERE. CLICK HERE for further information about the Unified Government, and the Athens-Clarke County community. APPLY: Do not send resumes in lieu of a completed application. The online application is available at www.accgov.com/jobs . We hope you will take time to explore this opportunity to join a highly professional local government organization and a progressive, vibrant community in the heart of sunny Northeast Georgia just 65 miles from Atlanta. Home of the University of Georgia, Athens is nationally recognized for its high quality of life, state-of-the-art educational opportunities, endless outdoor recreation, and cultural amenities such as arts, entertainment, music, and food. If this opportunity is for you, we invite you to apply, or to pass on this information to others who might find this position of interest. REPORTS TO : Athens-Clarke County Manager or Designee FLSA STATUS : Exempt - Executive CLASSIFICATION : Regular Non-Merit; Serves at the discretion of the Manager PAY GRADE : 132; Anticipated Hiring Range: $113,447 – $144,638 Position Salary Range: $113,447 - $175,828. SAFETY SENSITIVE : Yes; Subject to random drug testing per the Athens-Clarke County Drug and Alcohol Ordinance Purpose of Job The purpose of this job is to plan, direct and manage the day-to-day operations of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport and serve as the primary staff liaison and professional advisor to the Airport Authority. Duties and responsibilities include, but are not limited to, interacting with Authority members and other parties to provide direction, enforcing all FAA rules and regulations, managing airport operations and staffing, negotiating contracts for airport facilities, resolving operation problems, ensuring safety and services are maintained with a high level of accuracy and compliance for the Airport, and performing additional tasks as assigned. Job Related Requirements Work Schedule: Monday - Friday 8:00 am - 5:00 pm with some weekend and evening work required May be required to work on religious holidays. Regular and predictable attendance is required. Must work cooperatively with others. When requirements include vehicle operation, responsible for the safety, readiness and operation of the vehicle and must abide by ACC's safe driving policy. Emergency Position This position is designated as an emergency position that requires your attendance at work under all types of emergency conditions. Some examples of emergencies include inclement weather, utility failure, fire or other forced evacuations or as determined by the Manager.Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management, Airport Management, Business Administration, or related discipline and ten years of progressively responsible aviation management or airport operations experience required; or, any equivalent combination of education, training, and experience which provides the requisite knowledge, skills, and abilities for this job. Five years of supervisory experience is required. Must possess a valid driver's license. Preferred Qualifications: 3 years of FAA Part 139 commercial airport experience preferred. 3 years of experience working at an airport with fixed-base operations preferred. American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) Certified Member preferred. Master's degree preferred. The following duties are normal for this job. These are not to be construed as exclusive or all-inclusive. Other duties may be required and assigned. Plans and directs the administration of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport; supervises and evaluates assigned staff; conducts interviews and makes hiring decisions; handles all employee concerns, directs work assignments, counsels and disciplines employees when necessary, and completes employee performance appraisals. Directs and oversees the planning, development, construction, improvement, maintenance, administration, and operations of the Athens-Ben Epps Airport, including oversight of management staff responsible for daily airport operations; solves operation problems; inspects, reports and acts to remedy operational deficiencies. Provides leadership in establishing and implementing the short- and long-term vision, goals, and priorities of the Airport, under the direction of the Manager’s Office and in consultation with the Airport Authority. Serves as primary liaison to the Federal Aviation Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation, and other federal and state aviation agencies regarding airport certification, funding, planning, capital projects, regulatory compliance, and operational matters. Ensures compliance with applicable Federal Aviation Administration (FAA) rules and regulations to ensure a safe working environment; oversees the development, maintenance, implementation, and periodic update of the Airport Certification Manual and associated plans, procedures, records, and training requirements. Functions as the primary liaison for Airport Authority, providing technical and administrative assistance, making recommendations on matters affecting airport operations, planning, finances, development, and policy; attends Airport Authority meetings, prepares agendas, and makes presentations. Prepares an annual report of airport operations and accomplishments; develops agenda reports for items submitted for consideration and vote by Mayor & Commission. Develops and reviews grant applications and oversees the administration, monitoring, reporting, reimbursement, and closeout of federal, state, and other airport grants; ensures compliance with grant assurances, funding agreements, and applicable FAA, GDOT, procurement, and financial requirements. Develops and reviews requests for proposals, bid specifications, and other procurement documents; oversees consultant and contractor selection and contract administration in accordance with applicable procurement policies and requirements. Prepares, manages, and monitors enterprise operating and capital budgets, five-year Capital Improvement Programs, airport revenues, rates and charges, and long-term financial forecasts. Directs airport business development and marketing efforts, including opportunities to expand aviation services, attract and retain airport users and businesses, support general and corporate aviation, and evaluate potential commercial airline service. Negotiates, administers, monitors and enforces contracts, leases, operating agreements, and other agreements for the use and operation of airport facilities; maintains tenant relations and makes recommendations through the appropriate approval process. Organizes, coordinates and implements emergency training with public safety departments, emergency management, hospitals, the Red Cross, etc.; conducts and participates in mock disaster exercises. Develops and maintains good working relations with Airport Authority members, pilots, engineers, airport tenants, agencies at the federal and state level, attorneys, and other stakeholders to ensure a safe working environment. Approves all purchases for the airport; writes specifications for airport equipment; approves facility maintenance needs; approves contractor expenditures; conducts bids for supplies and materials. Performs other related duties as required. Knowledge, Skills and Abilities Knowledge of the principles, practices, and procedures of the Athens-Clarke County government and the operations, administration, and functions of the Airport. Knowledge of established management, human resource management/personnel, and financial practices, policies, and procedures as necessary in the completion of daily responsibilities. Knowledge and ability to keep abreast of changes in all applicable laws, ordinances, policies, standards and regulations pertaining to the specific duties and responsibilities of the job. Knowledge of Federal Aviation Administration rules and regulations, airport administration and relevant state laws, rules, and regulations. Knowledge of commercial airline business development. Knowledge of airport fixed base operations and requirements. Knowledge of FAA Part 139 airport rules and regulations. Knowledge of and proficiency with the use of computers and associated software programs. Knowledge of emergency management techniques and budget preparation. Knowledge of interviewing techniques, listening, and communication skills. Knowledge of techniques used in budget management and grant administration. Ability to develop and administer policies, procedures, plans and activities and to monitor the performance of subordinates against measured established goals. Ability to develop and administer operations and staff plans and objectives for the expedience and effectiveness of the specific duties of the position, and to develop and implement short and long-term goals for the department in order to promote effectiveness and efficiency. Ability to effectively communicate and interact with subordinates, management, employees, the media, members of the general public, and all other groups involved in the activities of the Athens-Clarke County government as they relate to the Airport. Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with the Airport Authority, Federal Aviation Administration, Georgia Department of Transportation, airport tenants, consultants, contractors, elected officials, employees, and the public. Ability to assemble information and develop written reports and documents in a concise, clear, and effective manner. Ability to use independent judgment and discretion in managing subordinates, including the handling of emergency situations, determining and deciding upon procedures to be implemented, setting priorities, maintaining standards, and resolving problems. Ability to comprehend, interpret, and apply regulations, procedures, and related information. Ability to handle the required mathematical calculations. Ability to communicate both orally and in written form. (ADA) MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS OR STANDARDS REQUIRED TO PERFORM ESSENTIAL JOB FUNCTIONS PHYSICAL REQUIREMENTS : Must be physically able to operate a variety of machinery and equipment including a personal computer, calculator, fax machine, telephone, refuelers and Unicom Radio. Must be able to use body members to work, move or carry objects or materials. This position requires: walking, standing, bending, stooping, pushing, pulling, lifting, fingering, grasping, feeling, seeing, talking, hearing, and repetitive motions. Must be able to exert up to 50 pounds of force occasionally, and/or up to 20 pounds of force frequently. Physical demand requirements are at levels of those medium work. DATA CONCEPTION: Requires the ability to compare and/or judge the readily observable functional, structural, or compositional characteristics (whether similar to or divergent from obvious standards) of data, people, or things. INTERPERSONAL COMMUNICATION : Requires the ability to hear, speak and/or signal people to convey or exchange information. Includes giving / receiving assignments and/or directions. LANGUAGE ABILITY: Requires the ability to read a variety of reports, time sheets, request for proposals, manuals, maps and informational documentation, directions, instructions, and methods and procedures. Requires the ability to prepare reports and correspondence using prescribed formats and conforming to all rules of punctuation, grammar, diction, and style. Requires the ability to speak to people with poise, voice control, and confidence. INTELLIGENCE: Requires the ability to learn and understand complex principles and techniques; to acquire and be able to expound on knowledge of topics related to primary occupation; and to make independent judgment in the absence of management. VERBAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to record and deliver information, to explain procedures, and to follow oral and written instructions. Must be able to communicate effectively and efficiently in a variety of administrative, technical or professional languages including engineering, legal, counseling, accounting, mechanics, personnel and marketing terminology. NUMERICAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to utilize mathematical formulas; add and subtract totals; multiply and divide; utilize and determine percentages; interpret graphs; compute discount, interest, profit and loss, ratio and proportion; perform calculations involving variables, formulas, square roots and polynomials; and perform statistical calculations which include frequency distributions, reliability and validity of tests, correlation techniques, factor analysis and econometrics. FORM/SPATIAL APTITUDE: Requires the ability to inspect items for proper length, width, and shape, visually with various tools and meters. MOTOR COORDINATION: Requires the ability to coordinate hands, fingers, and eyes accurately in using a variety of machinery and equipment including a personal computer, calculator, fax machine, telephone, refuelers and Unicom Radio. Requires the ability to use the keyboard, lift, bend, push, and pull objects or materials using body parts as the position necessitates. MANUAL DEXTERITY: Requires the ability to handle a variety of items such as a personal computer, calculator, refuelers and Unicom Radio. Must have the ability to use one hand for twisting or turning motion while coordinating other hand with different activities. Must have minimal levels of eye/hand/foot coordination. COLOR DISCRIMINATION: May require the ability to differentiate between colors and shades of color. INTERPERSONAL TEMPERAMENT: Requires the ability to deal with people beyond giving and receiving instructions. Must be adaptable to performing under considerable stress when confronted with an emergency. PHYSICAL COMMUNICATION: Requires the ability to talk and/or hear: (Talking - expressing or exchanging ideas by means of spoken words). (Hearing - perceiving nature of sounds by ear). Must be able to communicate via telephone, two-way radio. ACCGov is an equal opportunity employer. All qualified applicants will receive consideration for employment without regard to race, color, religion, sex, disability, age, sexual orientation, gender identity, national origin, veteran status, or genetic information. ACCGov is committed to providing access, equal opportunity, and reasonable accommodation for individuals with disabilities in employment, its services, programs, and activities. To request reasonable accommodation to participate in the job application or interview process, contact Leah Jagatic, HR Coordinator, Human Resources, 762-400-6370 or leah.jagatic@accgov.com .