Job Details

Airport Business & Administration Manager

The Department of Airports is seeking a strategic and solutions-oriented professional to serve as the Airport Business & Administration Manager (Administrative Manager). This is a new classification for the County. Classification, salary range, and funding for this position is subject to approval by the County of San Luis Obispo Board of Supervisors. Anticipated Board approval date is November 4, 2025. Reporting to the Deputy Director of External Affairs and Administration, this position provides senior-level leadership over the Airport's fiscal, administrative, and business functions ensuring sound financial management, organizational efficiency, and long-term sustainability for San Luis Obispo County's airport system.

The Airport Business & Administration Manager is responsible for overseeing strategic budgeting, capital funding strategies, procurement policy, and cross-departmental coordination. This position serves as a key advisor to Airport leadership on fiscal policy, regulatory compliance, and process improvement bridging financial management, administration, and operational strategy to support the Airport's mission and strategic goals.

This role collaborates closely with the Project Manager, Property Manager, and Sustainability Manager to align financial planning, capital development, and administrative initiatives. The position represents the Airports Department in high-level discussions with County departments, funding agencies, and partner organizations, supporting the growth and performance of a dynamic enterprise operation.

This recruitment may be used to fill future permanent, substitute, limited term, and temporary positions, both full-time and part-time throughout the County.

What You'll Do:

• Lead and manage fiscal and administrative operations for the Airport Department, including budgeting, finance, procurement, and policy development.
• Develop and oversee the department's annual operating and capital budgets; prepare forecasts, long-range funding models, and financial analyses to support sustainable planning.
• Coordinate closely with the Project Manager to align financial planning, project timelines, and capital funding strategies for major airport improvements.
• Collaborate with the Property Manager and Sustainability Manager to integrate fiscal, environmental, and business priorities across programs.
• Oversee administrative functions such as contracts, records management, and internal policy development to ensure organizational consistency and compliance.
• Serve as primary liaison with County administrative departments, the FAA, granting agencies, and external partners on financial and administrative matters.
• Supervise and mentor accounting and administrative staff; promote professional development, accountability, and operational excellence.
• Implement and refine internal controls and business processes to improve efficiency, transparency, and compliance across the organization.
• Advise Airport leadership on financial risk, regulatory compliance, and resource allocation decisions affecting both operational and capital priorities.
• Prepare and present reports to County leadership, regulatory agencies, and stakeholders on financial performance, budget status, and administrative initiatives.
• Foster a collaborative, service-driven culture that supports both departmental performance and community trust.

The Ideal Candidate:

You are a strategic, organized, and collaborative leader who thrives at the intersection of finance, policy, and operations. You combine analytical skill with strong communication and leadership abilities - bringing both structure and creativity to problem-solving. You value process efficiency, accountability, and teamwork and understand how sound administration supports public service and operational success. You bring:

• Proven experience in governmental budgeting, finance, and enterprise fund management.
• Strong understanding of administrative operations, including contracts, procurement, and personnel coordination.
• Ability to lead multidisciplinary teams and manage competing priorities in a fast-paced environment.
• Excellent communication and interpersonal skills to effectively engage staff, leadership, and external partners.
• A commitment to continuous improvement, collaboration, and transparent public service.

Highly desirable experience includes:

• Knowledge of FAA Airport Improvement Program (AIP) grants, Passenger Facility Charges (PFCs), or other aviation funding programs.
• Experience in capital project financial planning, enterprise fund operations, or federal grant compliance.
• Familiarity with airport or transportation industry environments, particularly related to business administration and regulatory programs.

Minimum Qualifications:

Education and Experience: A combination of education, training, and experience resulting in the required knowledge, skills, and abilities. An example of qualifying education and experience includes: Possession of a bachelor's degree from an accredited college or university in business or public administration, accounting, or a closely related field. In addition, two years as an Administrative Officer or other progressively responsible professional-level experience in finance or accounting, human resources, or other administrative functions, including two years in a lead or supervisory capacity. Certain positions within this classification may require driving. Positions that require driving will be communicated in the job posting. When driving is an essential function of the position, a valid California driver's license will be required at the time of appointment and must be maintained throughout employment.