Airport Deputy Director

Salary : $121,800.02 - $213,149.87 Annually
Location : Airport-Aspen/Pitkin County, CO
Job Type: Full-time with benefits, salaried
Job Number:
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 11/06/2026
Closing Date: 12/21/2026 5:00 PM Mountain
Bilingual Stipend: Yes
Hiring Minimum: $121,800.00
Hiring Maximum: $213,150.00
Pay Grade: P109
Special Notes: Please Include a resume and cover letter for this position
Hiring Range Description: The hiring range is the starting point of the pay range to the 4th quartile of the pay range. Starting pay will be determined based on qualifications and experience.

** Early applications are encouraged**

*Job Postings without Closing Dates:
Job postings that do not have a closing date will remain open until filled.

*Job Postings with Closing Dates:
An application deadline may be extended if the original deadline produced fewer applications than expected. Likewise, a job posting may be closed prior to the listed closing date if the number of applications reach the limit for that position.
Job Summary
The Airport Deputy Director leads day-to-day operations at Aspen/Pitkin County Airport, overseeing the Facilities & Construction, Operations & Security, and Aircraft Rescue Firefighters (ARFF) division managers and their teams. This position ensures the safe, secure, and efficient operation of the airport and its tenants in accordance with airport rules, regulations, and minimum operating standards. In the absence of the Airport Director, this position performs the duties of the Director.

More details about the leadership profile can be found .
Job Responsibilities

• Leads and supervises the division managers and their teams; models and promotes a positive, cooperative, and supportive team culture.
• Ensures the Airport meets or exceeds Federal Aviation Regulations (FAR) Part 139, Transportation Security Regulations (TSR) 1542, and other federal, state, and local regulations through airport staff, law enforcement, tenants, and on-property federal partners; coordinates with the FAA, TSA, and Colorado Department of Transportation Division of Aeronautics on regulatory matters.
• Coordinates with the Federal Aviation Administration (FAA), the Transportation Security Administration (TSA), and the State of Colorado Department of Transportation Bureau of Aeronautics regarding regulatory matters impacting the day-to-day operations of the facilities.
• Implements the Airport Director's initiatives for the Airport including airport team succession planning efforts, contract negotiation, electronic data management, and redevelopment of the facility.
• Participates in negotiating and administering Airport tenant leases and contracts; manages consulting contracts and projects for the divisions overseen.
• Works to enhance and maintain passenger services (air service, ground transportation, and business activities) at the Airport.
• Assists in the development, preparation, and administration of the annual budget including the evaluation and establishment of airport rates and charges.
• Supports the relationship between Pitkin County government and the general public by demonstrating courteous and cooperative behavior when interacting with citizens, visitors, and County staff; maintains confidentiality of work-related issues and County information; performs other duties as required or assigned.

Minimum Qualifications, Knowledge and Skills

• Bachelor's degree in business administration, airport management, public administration, planning, engineering, or a related field; Master's degree preferred. Equivalent airport experience may substitute for education (two years of airport experience for each year of education).
• 7+ years of progressively responsible experience in Airport Management and Operations, with 3 or more of these years in a supervisory capacity at a FAR Part 139 commercial service airport. Additional experience in managing complex capital projects preferred.
• Expert-level knowledge of commercial airport operations and best management practices, including FAR Part 139, TSR 1542, Airport Improvement Program (AIP) Grant Assurances, facility planning and design/construction, stakeholder/tenant relations, snow/ice control, and financial management.
• Pilot's License (past or current) preferred.
• Certified Member (C.M.) accreditation; Accredited Airport Executive (A.A.E.) or International Airport Professional (IAP) designation, or ability to obtain A.A.E. within two years of hire.
• ICS/NIMS Certifications (ICS 100, 200, 300, NIMS 700, 800) preferred or within six months of the date of hire.
• Airport Certified Employee (ACE) in Operations and/or Security, or the ability to obtain within two years of hire.
• Must complete first aid and CPR training within one year of hire.
• Must acquire and maintain a valid Colorado Driver's License and acceptable Motor Vehicle Record.

Knowledge Of:

• Professional and technical writing methods and practices.
• Project management principles, practices and methods.
• Fiscal and budgetary management and tracking.
• Organizational and community planning.
• Public policy processes.

Skill In:

• Managing staff, delegating tasks and responsibilities and providing coaching and feedback.
• Communicating effectively both verbally and in writing.
• Handling multiple tasks simultaneously, under pressure, and in emergency and stressful situations.
• Working efficiently both independently and as part of a team.
• Organizing and prioritizing work to meet deadlines.
• Developing, understanding, interpreting, and communicating policies and procedures.
• Establishing and maintaining effective working relationships.

Physical Demands and Working Environment

• Work is performed in a standard office environment and outside on active taxiways and runways, with some exposure to dangerous tools, equipment, machinery, inclement weather conditions, noise and fumes.
• Must be available nights, weekends and holidays for Airport operations and emergencies.

The employee must be able to perform the essential functions of the position satisfactorily and, if requested, reasonable accommodations will be made to enable employees with disabilities to perform the essential functions of their job, absent undue hardship. The employer retains the right to change or assign other duties to this position.
For more information, click for our 202 Employee Benefits Guide in English. To review the version in Spanish, click