Salary: $112,414.00 - $155,000.00 Annually
Location : Southwest Florida International Airport, 11000 Terminal Access Rd, Ste 8671, Fort Myers, FL
Job Type: Full-time
Job Number: 00806
Department: Commercial Development
Opening Date: 08/10/2026
Closing Date: 8/24/2026 4:30 PM Eastern

The Position

The Lee County Port Authority (LCPA) is seeking a proven leader to serve as the Director of Air Service Development. In this key role, you will drive the strategy to retain and expand domestic and international passenger and cargo routes at Southwest Florida International Airport (RSW). Based in vibrant Fort Myers, Florida, this position offers an extraordinary opportunity to shape the future of air transportation in the region while enjoying competitive compensation, an outstanding benefits package, and the unmatched sunshine, beaches, and year-round outdoor lifestyle of beautiful Southwest Florida!

The anticipated annual salary for the ideal candidate is between $112,414 and $155,000

Minimum Qualifications

• Graduation from an accredited four-year college or university with a bachelor's degree in aviation management, business administration, marketing, economics or a closely related field
• Minimum of six years of aviation industry work experience in the areas of air service development, airline route planning or travel/aviation industry marketing; including at least three years in an administrative, supervisory or leadership role
• An equivalent combination of education and experience may be considered
• Must successfully complete a TSA fingerprint-based Criminal History Records Check (CHRC), Security Threat Assessment (STA) and a U.S. Customs Airport Security Program Check to obtain and maintain all necessary airport security badges and credentials (SIDA, Customs Seal)
• Current, valid US passport
• Ability to travel domestically and internationally to meet with airline partners and attend industry conferences
• A valid Florida driver's license or ability to obtain one within 30 days of hire

Key Responsibilities

• Analyze passenger traffic, market trends, and economic data to identify, forecast, and pursue domestic and international route opportunities
• Create and present high-level business cases to airline executives to retain and expand passenger and cargo services at RSW
• Formulate and manage the Air Service Incentive Program and collaborate with internal marketing teams to execute data-driven promotional campaigns for new and existing routes
• Lead international air service growth by monitoring regulatory updates and bilateral route authority developments
• Build and maintain strategic relationships with airlines, aviation groups, local businesses, and state/local tourism leaders
• Prepare, justify, and oversee the annual department budget, maintaining strict control over expenditures and incentive funding

Overview of Benefits

Florida Retirement System (FRS)

The Port Authority participates in the Florida Retirement System (FRS). Employees have the option of choosing between two retirement plans:

1) FRS Pension Plan - traditional retirement plan that offers a guaranteed monthly benefit upon vesting requirements

2) FRS Investment Plan - benefit is based on contributions made to the account and on investment performance. Both plans require eligible employees to contribute 3% per paycheck, while the employer contributes 13.59% for regular class or 37.74% for Special Risk, and 32.60% for Senior Management Service Class (SMSC).

Medical Insurance

The Port Authority offers two plan choices for all full-time employees, their legally married spouse and their dependents. Coverage begins the first of the month following their date of hire.

Dental Insurance

The Port Authority offers a dental plan for full time employees, their legally married spouse and children.

Vision Insurance

The Port Authority offers two (2) affordable plans options to select: Low and High Plan for full time employees, their legally married spouse and children.

Employee Assistance Program

The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. This is the availability of licensed professional counselors for personal issues with 100% confidentiality.

Flexible Spending Account(s)

There are two (2) types of FSA reimbursement accounts that allows contributions to be deducted from each paycheck before taxes to cover expense with pre-tax dollars. This lowers your taxable income. 1) Medical Expense Reimbursement - covers out-of-pocket expenses for medical, dental and/or vision expenses; 2) Dependent Care Reimbursement - covers daycare costs for dependent children under the age of 13 or elderly adult daycare.

Life /AD & D Insurance

The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. Employees are insured at an amount equal to the annual salary rounded to the next higher thousand dollars. The AD&D insurance provides additional coverage in the event the employee should lose their limb(s), eyesight or die.

Additional Life Insurance

The Port Authority provides the employee with an option to purchase additional life insurance coverage for him/herself, their spouse and their child(ren).

Short Term Disability

The Port Authority provides the employee with short term disability coverage for him/herself at no cost to the employee. Benefits are paid to 60% of salary up to nine (9) weeks.

Long Term Disability

The Port Authority provides this benefit at no cost to the employee. Benefits are paid up to 60% of the employee's salary after being disabled for 60 consecutive days.

Direct Deposit

The employee's payroll check is directly deposited into the bank of their choice.

Other Programs

457 Deferred compensation programs
Education reimbursement
On-site gym - RSW

Paid Time Off & Holidays

The Port Authority offers a generous amount of paid time off in addition to 11 paid holidays, and 1 personal day
01

Do you have a minimum of six years of aviation industry work experience in the areas of air service development, airline route planning or travel/aviation industry marketing; including at least three years in an administrative, supervisory or leadership role?

• Yes
• No

02

Do you have a current, valid US passport?

• Yes
• No

Required Question