SAN ANTONIA, TEXAS
Mission Statement of the Aviation Department, City of San Antonio
The Aviation Department, through its facilities at San Antonio International and Stinson Municipal Airport, provides to the citizens of San Antonio and the traveling public safe and secure, cost-efficient, first-class facilities while providing a catalyst for economic opportunity and fostering an environment for business development.
The City of San Antonio is seeking a new Aviation Director to oversee management and development of the San Antonio Airport System, which includes the San Antonio International and Stinson Municipal airports. San Antonio International Airport (SAT) is served by 14 air carriers with an average of about 3.4 million passenger enplanements annually. The Department’s FY 2005-2006 budget is about $250 million.
THE AVIATION DIRECTOR
The Aviation Director serves as Head of a Municipal Department and is considered a critical member of the City’s Executive Team. This high level executive position manages four line divisions:
· Finance and Administration (Assistant Aviation Director)
o Accounting, Budget & Human Resources, Financial Management, MIS, Economic Development, Lease Management, Administrative Services
· Planning and Engineering
o Capital Program Administration, Engineering Services, Environmental Compliance, Construction Inspection
· Operations and Maintenance (Assistant Aviation Director)
o Airport Police, Facilities Maintenance, Fire and Rescue, Operations, Noise Mitigation, Parking, Central Plant
· Stinson Municipal Airport (Airport Manager)
o Airfield Services, Facilities Maintenance, Tenant Support
The key position of Assistant Aviation Director for Finance and Administration is currently vacant and the new Director will have the opportunity to appoint an individual to this important post. The incumbent Assistant Aviation Director for Operations and Maintenance is highly competent and has served in the Department for many years.
The San Antonio Airport System is poised for economic growth and development at historic levels. The City of San Antonio is investing in a $438 million, 10-year Capital Improvement Program that includes a substantial Terminal/Gate Expansion Program, new cargo facilities, a new 1.1 million square foot Parking structure and sizeable Roadway system and airfield/aircraft apron improvements. Customer service is a focal point of the Department and SAT was recently cited by J.D. Power & Associates as the highest ranking small airport for overall customer satisfaction.
THE AVIATION DEPARTMENT
The Aviation Department manages, operates and develops the San Antonio International and Stinson Airports, negotiates leases, agreements and contracts supporting airport operations and development, sets rates and revenue collection for all facilities under management of the Department and coordinates aviation activities with the FAA. Both airports are strategically located within the San Antonio metropolitan area and the Airport System is owned and governed by the City of San Antonio.
Presently, the Department employs approximately 400 staff and has an operating budget of about $48 million. The System’s general and commercial aviation services are provided through an enterprise fund. The Aviation Director will report to an Assistant to the City Manager and be required to coordinate departmental activities with other City Departments, including the provision of staff support to the City Council, City Manager, and other local officials.
Future development of the San Antonio Airport System is closely aligned with the City’s overall economic development strategy and the new Director is expected to bring a strong business orientation and “big picture” thinking and planning to management and elevation of the System’s public profile.
Examples of economic development on the horizon that are having an impact on San Antonio’s airports are a new aerospace industry manufacturing facility, a new Toyota truck assembly plant and vehicle processing facility, a new Valero Energy Corporation retail distribution center, growing military operations and San Antonio’s well-deserved status as a destination for corporate conventions and conferences, trade associations, major sporting events and tourism. The Aviation Department will host the Network 2006 conference in San Antonio in early March.
THE IDEAL AVIATION DIRECTOR
While the Aviation Director will need to have broad knowledge of aviation management responsibilities, the position is not viewed as a strictly operational function. A visible track record of success in business management practices, economic development, timely completion of large capital improvement programs within budget and progressive customer service initiatives are of equal importance to the City. A successful Aviation Director might also be a senior-level municipal executive with these skills in addition to an airport management portfolio as a component of their career path. An Airport Executive Certification is considered a plus but is not required for serious consideration of qualified candidates. The successful candidate is required to have a Bachelor’s Degree from an accredited college or university with major course work in Public or Business Administration, Aviation Management or a related field. Ten years of increasingly responsible administrative and management experience in the public sector, ideally at the local government level, with substantial experience in aviation and airport services in an administrative or supervisory role, is also required.
The ability to bring a “strategic focus” to the successful development of the Airport System that is in step with the City’s overall economic development vision will be an important characteristic in the new Director. Additionally, the “ideal” Aviation Director will be someone who:
· Has demonstrated in their career the ability to finish projects and
deliver results that have achieved the desired vision.
· Will consider himself/herself a team player with other City
Departments and be able to successfully build relationships with
City officials, staff, community and federal officials.
· Is a skillful manager of time and who can oversee project and program
milestones without letting important details slip by.
· Is an effective and persuasive communicator, orally and in writing.
· Is a high energy management professional with a presence that will
portray a positive image for the airport system.
· Has strong values in the area of customer service and knows how to
make those values a priority in the organization’s culture.
· Genuinely cares for his/her staff, has well-developed interpersonal
skills, is empathetic to others and brings good listening skills.
· Understands the City’s vision for the future, appreciates the
exceptional opportunities and challenges that lie ahead and has the
desire to make the Airport System plan successful.
· Understands and is sensitive to political issues and possesses a
demonstrated ability to work effectively with elected and appointed
officials.
WHY THIS IS AN EXTRAORDINARY PROFESSIONAL OPPORTUNITY
The Aviation Director position is challenging but the vision and goals of the San Antonio Airport System are achievable and the resources and community-based economic development that is taking place in San Antonio has positioned the Airport System well for success.
· San Antonio International Airport is considered the gateway to a
rapidly growing and economically dynamic city.
· A competitive salary and attractive fringe benefit package is offered
· San Antonio provides an unmatched quality of life, offering
historical and cultural diversity, extensive leisure and recreational
activities, broad housing choices at reasonable prices, excellent
schools and health care.
· San Antonio’s business community is excited about the future of
the Airport System and is willing to partner wherever possible.
· The new Aviation Director will have the opportunity to appoint their
Assistant Aviation Director for Finance and Administration, a key team member who will play a critical role in their success.
Resume due date is Friday, January 6, 2006. If you may be interested in being considered for this exceptional career opportunity, please send a resume and brief cover letter explaining why you feel you would be a good fit for the position to:
Clark Wurzberger
Sr. Vice President
The Mercer Group, Inc.
P.O. Box 546
Weimar, California 95736-0546
Telephone: 530.637.4559
Facsimile: 530.637.1048
THE CITY OF SAN ANTONIO IS COMMITTED TO WORKFORCE DIVERSITY AND IS AN EQUAL OPPORTUNITY EMPLOYER