The Aviation Director is responsible for all aspects of the NFTA’s Aviation Business (encompassing Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport), including the development of strategic goals and objectives, the provision of line leadership to operation, administration, planning, development, marketing, communications and business development of the Aviation Group staff, the development, monitoring and achievement of annual budgets to ensure adequate income and the coordination and development of relations with all private and government organizations, agencies and individuals that are involved with or affected by NFTA’s Aviation operations. In addition, the Aviation Director works directly with other divisions of NFTA to develop and execute the NFTA’s Mission Statement and business strategy.

ESSENTIAL FUNCTIONS

The list of essential functions, as outlined herein, is intended to be representative of the tasks performed within this classification. It is not necessarily descriptive of any one position in the class. The omission of an essential function does not preclude management from assigning duties not listed herein if such duties are a logical assignment to the position.

• Formulates plans, assigns, directs, and supervises all of the activities and personnel of the airport; administers safe operation, construction, maintenance, and protection of operational areas at the Buffalo Niagara International Airport and Niagara Falls International Airport.
• Makes periodic inspections of Airport facilities to determine maintenance requirements and adherence to rules and regulations.
• Maintains close liaison with the Federal Aviation Administration, which governs aviation safety and airport grants.
• Directs tenants and employees engaged in fueling and parking incoming aircraft, registration of aircraft movements, and the collection of aircraft operational fees, in the cleanliness and maintenance of the runways and the air terminal facilities, and in providing information to the public.
• Negotiates leases for building rentals, ground space and concessions for board approval.
• Consults with administrative personnel, contractors, engineers, and airport tenants, on proposed construction, repair, and new installations; makes recommendations for modifications or additions to existing installations or facilities and plans long-term development.
• Directs and coordinates law enforcement, airline/airport security and Crash Fire Rescue activities in accordance with airport ordinances and federal, state, and county laws and regulations.
• Conducts correspondence with tenants pertaining to maintenance of facilities, questions about leases, and other matters; interprets lease agreements or refers more difficult problems to an attorney for interpretation.
• Supervises accounting of airport revenues and expenditures; submits annual operating and construction budgets to the administrator.
• Develops airport promotional strategies and marketing campaigns; represents airport for the Authority’s Convention & Visitors Bureau and statewide and national aviation bodies.
• Proposes rules, fees and policies to the Board of Commissioners pertaining to the airport.

KNOWLEDGE, SKILLS and ABILITIES

Knowledge of air terminal facilities, maintenance procedures, techniques, and problems.  Knowledge of property management methods and techniques, tenant relationships, and of prevailing local real estate rates.  Knowledge of the laws, rules, and regulations applying to the use of airport facilities and control of air traffic.  Knowledge of standard record keeping practices as related to airport activities.  Knowledge of the rules and regulations of the U.S. Department of Transportation and Federal Aviation Administration as they apply to air carrier and general aviation operations at airports.  Knowledge of the principles, practices and procedures of public and business administration as applied in a large organization.  Ability to plan, assign, review, and supervise the work of employees performing diversified maintenance and operational functions in a manner that will affect maximum utilization of personnel, equipment, and materials.  Ability to express oneself clearly and concisely, orally and in writing.  Ability to establish and maintain effective working relationships with persons using the airport and operating its concessions.

MINIMUM QUALIFICATIONS

A Bachelor’s degree in public, business or airport administration or a related field and ten (10) years’ experience in airport or other major transportation facilities operation and maintenance, including three (3) years supervisory experience, or an equivalent combination of training, education, and experience. Must be able to obtain and maintain a SIDA badge/US Customs and Border Protection Seal.

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