Assistant Director Aviation - Operations

City of Springfield, MO

$94K — $167K *
Transportation
Less than 5 years of experience
Job Overview by Ladders

Qualifications

  • Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or related field.
  • 3+ years of progressively responsible experience in airport operations and maintenance management.
  • Valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License is required.
  • Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) certification preferred, must obtain within two years of appointment.
  • Proven strong communication skills with stakeholders.

Responsibilities

  • Manage and direct airport operations and security independently.
  • Oversee the performance and development of professional, technical, and clerical staff.
  • Advise the Director of Aviation and Airport Board on projects and policies.
  • Prepare and present reports on airport initiatives.
  • Serve as Acting Director when needed.
  • Facilitate team projects and support team development.
  • Contribute to shaping airport strategy and operations.

Benefits

  • No-cost employee-only health insurance.
  • Pension with employee contributions covered 100% by the City and full vesting after five years.
  • Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan with employer match.
  • Annual performance increases.
  • Generous leave policies including holiday, vacation, and sick leave.
Full Job Description
Salary : $94,203.20 - $167,315.20 Annually
Location : Springfield, MO
Job Type: Full Time
Job Number: 070626
Department: Airport
Opening Date: 07/06/2026
Closing Date: 7/20/2026 11:59 PM Central

Description
The Springfield-Branson National Airport and the City of Springfield are seeking qualified candidates for the role of Assistant Director of Aviation - Operations. Reporting to the Director of Aviation, this position serves as one of two Deputy Directors for the Airport (SGF) and is a key member of the senior management team dedicated to achieving SGF's vision of being the premier Midwest airport through exceptional service and safety.

The Assistant Director will independently manage and direct airport operations and security; oversee professional, technical, and clerical staff; provide guidance to the Director of Aviation and the Airport Board on programs, projects, and policies; prepare and present reports on airport initiatives; and serve as Acting Director when needed.

This role requires strong communication skills and the ability to build and maintain positive working relationships with SGF stakeholders, including public officials, City Leadership team, staff, tenants, vendors, contractors, customers, and the general public. The Assistant Director will also facilitate team projects and support team development. Click Here to view the detailed position flyer.
As a key member of the City's leadership team, the Assistant Director of Aviation will help shape airport strategy, operations, and transformation efforts. The City values strong processes, collaborative relationships, and a culture grounded in trust.
Excellent Compensation Package:

The role offers a flexible total compensation package including:
  • No-cost employee-only health insurance
  • Pension through the Local Government Employee Retirement Systems (LAGERS) with employee contribution made 100% by the City and full vesting after five years
  • Deferred Compensation 457(b) plan with employer match programs
  • Annual performance increases
  • Generous Leave time with holiday, vacation, floating holidays, exempt, and sick leave


To learn more about our competitive benefits package, Click here!
Leadership Philosophy

The City of Springfield's leadership culture is grounded in processes, relationships, and trust. Leaders across the organization operate within the principles of The Trust Edge Framework®, which emphasizes:

Clarity, Compassion, Character, Competency, Commitment, Connection, Contribution, and Consistency

These principles guide how we work together, build relationships, and serve our community.
About The Springfield-Branson National Airport

Springfield-Branson National Airport is a publicly owned airport in Springfield, Missouri, 190 miles southwest of St. Louis and 150 miles southeast of Kansas City. For people in the Springfield-Branson region, nothing is easier or more direct than flying SGF. We offer competitive fares and nearly every major airport in the world is just one stop away. From the moment you arrive, the state-of-the art facility and thoughtful services are here to help you make your way to your plane conveniently and quickly. Plus, the SGF Community of knowledgeable staff, safety professionals and friendly local fliers will help you feel right at home. We look forward to traveling with you soon! to learn more about the impressive Springfield-Branson National Airport!
Living in Springfield, Missouri

The Springfield community offers a great quality of life, including medical, retail and education services, coupled with high-quality cultural, entertainment and recreation venues. Springfield has a cost of living lower than the national average as well as strong community support and involvement. To discover more about life in Springfield,
Qualifications and Requirements

Experience, Education, and Training
  • Graduation from an accredited college or university with a Bachelor's Degree in Airport Management, Business Administration, Engineering, or a related discipline;

AND
  • At least three years progressively responsible professional experience at a 139 certificated airport dealing with Airport operations and maintenance issues in a management capacity.
Licensing/Certification
  • Must possess a valid Motor Vehicle Operator's License;
  • Certification as an Accredited Airport Executive (AAE) is preferred but not required;
  • Ability to obtain AAE within two years of appointment is required.

Functions

For more information on essential functions and other requirements, please see thejob description
Other Requirements
All interested candidates MUST complete the City of Springfield on-line application in its entirety. The candidate profile must include all employment history with accurate and complete information prior to submission. Resumes alone will not be accepted as the application, but they may be submitted as supplemental documentation.
Find out more about City of Springfield employee benefits through the following link:
01

The following questions are specific to the position you are applying for and must be completed accurately. The information you provide below must be reflected in the experience, education, or volunteer work provided in your application above. A response of 'see resume' will not be accepted.
  • I understand.

02

What best describes your level of education in Airport Management, Business Administration, Engineering or in a related area?
  • High School Diploma or GED equivalent
  • Associate's Degree or 60 college credit hours
  • Bachelor's Degree
  • Master's Degree or higher

03

Please state the name of your college / university and your specific area of study.
04

How many years of progressively responsible experience do you have dealing with Airport operations and maintenance issues in a management capacity?
  • I do not have any experience
  • Less than 1 year
  • 1 year
  • 2 years
  • 3 years
  • 4 years
  • 5 or more years

05

Please describe your progressively responsible experience directing, implementing, and maintaining all business and fiscal operations of an Airport.
06

Please describe any and all licenses or certifications you possess as related to this job.
Required Question

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