Director, Air Service Development

SARASOTA MANATEE AIRPORT AUTHORITY

JOB CLASS SPECIFICATION

Job Code: 2026

Grade: 49

JOB TITLE: Director, Air Service Development

REPORTS TO: Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff

DEPARTMENT: Administration

FLSA STATUS: Exempt

Starting Salary Range: $113,952 - $131,044

Salary Grade Range: $113,952 - $170,928

Full-time, Exempt

Posting Date: 11/14/25 ~ Closing Date: 12/1/25

JOB SUMMARY

Under the general direction of the Executive Vice President, Chief of Staff. The Director of Air Service Development is responsible for leading strategic and tactical plans overseeing air service development. This role provides essential leadership by leveraging real-time business analytics and consumer data to inform both short-term and long-term strategies that enhance the airport's overall business objectives. The Director of Air Service Development collaborates with various stakeholders to develop initiatives that drive growth and improve passenger services, ensuring that the airport remains competitive in the aviation industry. Additionally, this position plays a critical role in evaluating market trends and operational needs to align air service development efforts with the airport's strategic vision.

JOB RESPONSIBILITIES

Essential Job Responsibilities:

Researches and analyzes passenger demand, market trends, airline strategies, and regional development to identify opportunities.

Builds relationships with airlines and stakeholders; represents the airport at industry events.

Develops strategies and plans for retaining and expanding air and cargo services.

Assists with the creation of business cases for new or expanded air services, including traffic forecasting, competitive analysis, and revenue potential.

Makes recommendations when conferring with airline tenants, FAA, TSA, and FDOT regarding operational regulations and procedures.

Manages air service marketing incentives and works with marketing team to develop promotional materials.

Communicates the airport’s air service development plan to community groups, business organizations, and other stakeholders.

Establishes and maintains relationships with appropriate airline personnel, tour operators, convention & visitors bureaus, and tourist development councils.

Selects, directs, and evaluates the work of vendors required to support air service development efforts.

Maintains budget responsibility for air service development programs and initiatives.

Performs other related duties as required.

MATERIALS AND EQUIPMENT USED

Computer, Spreadsheets, Data Software Programs.

QUALIFICATIONS REQUIRED

Where "preferred" is indicated, the qualification is not essential.

Education and Experience:

Bachelor's Degree in Aviation Management or related field.

Six (6) years of experience in an airport management capacity.

Licenses and Certifications:

Certified member of the American Association of Airport Executives (AAAE) or Airports Council International (ACI), preferred.

Knowledge, Skills, and Abilities:

Knowledge of the principles, practices, and methods of airport operations.

Knowledge of management techniques.

Knowledge of the procedures and laws relating to airfield management.

Knowledge of project planning and scheduling.

Knowledge of federal, state, and local laws, FAA rules and regulations and airport policies regarding airport operations, safety, and security,

Skills necessary to develop budget and monitor adherence to allocations.

Ability to analyze airport policies and procedures.

Strong ability to analyze data and use statistical techniques.

Excellent written and verbal communication skills.

Proven ability to build and maintain strong relationships with internal and external stakeholders, including airline executives, government officials, and the Airport senior leadership team.

Ability to plan, organize, assign, establish, and maintain effective working relationships with subordinates, executives, officials, employees, consultants, tenants, and the public.

Physical Requirements:

The Director, Air Service Development, must be diligent in adhering to all work-related safety rules, procedures and regulations and take the precautions necessary to comply with the Airport Authority safety policy.

Mental Requirements:

As an Director, Air Service Development, the employee must have the mental capacity to provide support to all departments; must be capable of successfully interacting with employees, outside agencies and the general public, develop and maintain effective working relationships with superiors, fellow employees, outside agencies and the general public and have the mental capacity to provide support to the President, CEO.

Environmental Requirements:

The Director, Air Service Development works in an office environment, and inside the airport terminal.

Summary Clause:

The duties and responsibilities listed in this job class specification are intended only as illustrations of the various duties to be performed and are not all inclusive. The omission of other specific duties does not exclude them from being performed by the Director, Air Service Development if the duties are similar, related, or a logical assignment to the position. This job class specification does not constitute an employment contract between SMAA and the Director, Air Service Development and is subject to change at the discretion of the Airport Authority.

ALL REQUIREMENTS ARE SUBJECT TO POSSIBLE MODIFICATION TO REASONABLY ACCOMMODATE INDIVIDUALS WITH DISABILITIES.